Is a refurbished phone a waste of money?

[Mommybunny]

DD18 desperately needs a new phone - hers is a knackered old iPhone SE and the screen is cracked, the battery is garbage and she can’t update certain apps. But I just can’t stomach the cost of a new one - she’s planning to go to university in September and wants a post A level trip too and has a ton of expenses coming up. To be fair she is also a bit careless in how she looks after her phone. We gave DS20 a new one for his birthday this past March, so I could see us doing that for her as well in 2 years or so. But not now.

Would a refurbished phone be a false economy? If not, any suggestions on best place to get one?

DH and I have bought refurbished ones for years! My 1st one was bought in a CEX shop and the rest online from backmarket. Depending on the grade, they look brand new and you've never know. Even the medium grade ones look new.

I've never had an issue at all. In the past, I've only upgraded/replaced them when it was cheaper to buy another than replace the cracked screen.

My nieces have had several refurbished ones. They've been great. Definitely worth it

I have a refurbished phone.
More environmentally sound.

I've used envirophone several times over the years for DC iPhones - can't justify the price of a new one. We've had no issues at all, the battery life has been great and any marks are so tiny you really have to search for them.

I've bought several phones off backmarket and would recommend them. Had no issues with any of the phones used by me, dd and my mum. Currently have a galaxy S21 that cost around £180.

DD’s last 2 phones have been “like new” from Apple, and they have been in perfect condition. I would say buying a brand new phone was false economy if anything, as they lose value the second you get them out of the box and often the “like new” phones you buy are 28 day change of mind returns (especially if bought from somewhere like Apple)

I only ever buy refurbished ones. Current iPhone is 3 years old from when I got it and still going strong. No way would I pay Apple prices for a new one. I always go to Music Magpie for mine.

I got a refurbed iPhone 14 from Giffgaff and it looked brand new, battery is brilliant too. Had it a year so far with no issues.

My refurbished phone is still going, 4yrs after buying it.

DD’s last phone was refurbished, bought 18 months ago and still going strong

Always buy refurbished, only ever issue was once I received a phone with dick pics in one of the albums...
Was a few years back now so shouldn't be an issue these days.

Apple sell refurbished phones, they replace the entire handset and give a years warranty.

Mine is from the Apple refurb store via Amazon (Amazon Renewed Store)

It is an iphone 8 and was about £130 3 years ago and works perfectly. Personally I would never pay the prices for a new phone because it's not something I value. The phone needs to work that's all. no issues with battery or anything really.

Yep we get the kids ones from Backmarket. Always been great

Always buy refurbished. Never had an issue. No brainer

I’ve had a few refurbished ones as I’m always dropping and breaking them. They are great! My daughter has had a refurbished one for about 3 years with no problems at all. I like “backmarket”, good prices and great conditions. They also do insurance now for breakages which I’ve added to my latest phone,

Our last few phones have all been refurbished.

We have 4 refurbished phones from Amazon (2 adults, 2 teens). 2 Samsung S22's and 2 x iPhone 13's (I think).

They've all been several hundred quid cheaper and like having a brand new phone. No issues at all.

I bought a refurbished I phone 13 pro from Music Magpie last week. Went for the pristine option and it is as described with good battery health. I shopped around and it was the best price- ( could have got similar £100 cheaper for a “good” condition, more basic option.) They come with a year warranty and their customer service is really good ( the charger lead didn’t work and they responded to my message within an hour and posted me another straight away.)

I have recently changed my mobile and have gone for a refurbished Samsung from my sim provider which is Giff Gaff, they check the phone to ensure it is in perfect working order etc. You can also return it within a cooling off period if not happy. It cost me £80 and is a 2 year old Smartphone. It's great for what I need it for, has no scratches etc. on it. I'd highly recommend.

My current phone is a refurbished bought like new. It is going strong and was way cheaper than if I bought it new.

Well that’s a pretty resounding vote of confidence from everyone who replied! Thanks very much all. X

i’ve used ioutlet many times for reconditioned phones and iPads - they’ve all been excellent

Always buy refurbished iPhones, usually via Amazon. Buy a slightly older one for the kids around £100 and probably spend up to £200 on mine. The prices of either new handsets or contracts are both insane.

Refurbished apple is a great way to go