Refurbished or used technology: which is better and why?

Many people opt for phone contracts to avoid paying a high upfront cost for a new phone, but this often ends up being more expensive in the long run than buying a phone outright and bundling it with a SIM deal uniquely.

However, not everyone can afford an upfront payment for a brand new flagship phone or other tech device. Buying used technology from platforms like eBay or Gumtree can save a significant amount of money compared to buying new.

Another option is refurbished devices, offered by a number of retailers and manufacturers looking to meet the demand for affordable, eco-friendly purchases. But what exactly does “reconditioned” mean?

Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your next upgrade.

What is the difference between refurbished and used devices?

It’s not always easy to tell if a phone is refurbished or new. Traditionally, refurbishment involves improving the appearance and functionality of an object. However, in technology, the term “refurbished” can vary depending on the seller.

It may refer to a used device that has been cleaned, had previous data erased, assessed for condition and packaged with accessories. This does not necessarily mean that any real renovation, beyond cleaning, has taken place.

However, some retailers (and manufacturers) refurbish phones and other devices. They’ll replace batteries, faulty components, and – sometimes – even the screen and case, so you won’t be able to tell it apart from a new device.

Apple and Samsung offer refurbished phones like these, but they can be quite expensive compared to “graded” devices. There are also independent companies, like Aznu, that refurbish phones (although at the moment they only have Samsung devices and iPhones).

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Speaking of grading, when you buy a refurbished phone from retailers like SmartFoneStore, Music Magpie, Back Market, or 4Gadgets, you’ll see this vary, so it’s crucial to read the descriptions carefully to understand the condition of the phone.

Unfortunately, not all retailers use a standard, comparable system. One retailer’s “very good” may be different from another’s, or they may use A, B, C to represent “Perfect”, “Excellent” and “Good”.

This means that you should read the description carefully to see what each one means, to be sure of the condition of the phone you wish to purchase. Most sellers also disclose the condition of the battery if it is not replaced, usually guaranteeing a minimum of 80%.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The main difference is that refurbished phones must come with a warranty, covering defects, unlike private sales. The retailers mentioned above all offer a 12 month warranty, so you’re covered if the item you buy has a fault.

Although refurbished devices may cost more than those from private sellers on eBay or Craigslist, the warranty protects against problems after purchase. Private purchasing does not benefit from this protection, leaving buyers responsible for any problems that may arise.

Although PayPal offers some protection for purchases on eBay, none exists for transactions on Gumtree or similar platforms.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Finally, refurbished devices tend to be a little more expensive than used ones: this is due to the cost of the warranty, as well as any cleaning and repairs carried out.

Of course, the price will also be reflected in the quality you choose: devices in perfect condition will cost more than those with cosmetic defects.

Where can I buy refurbished devices?

But where can you find these refurbished treasures? Those looking to save money without compromising quality should check out our roundup of the best refurbished phone deals or read our article on where to buy a refurbished phone.

If you want to browse, we’ve rounded up some of the best retailers below, with information on what to expect if you buy from them.

Refurbished Apple Products

When you buy a refurbished iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or other device from the Apple Refurbished Store, it will appear new. As a manufacturer, Apple can seamlessly replace parts, resulting in a “like new” device with genuine components and fresh batteries.

These devices are indistinguishable from new devices and come with the same warranty, making them a safe option to buy at a discount. However, the discount offered is usually only around 15% of the retail price, which may not be as great as the savings on classified used devices.

Artur Tomala / Foundry

Amazon Renewed Store

Amazon also operates its Renewed store, where refurbished products such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, consoles and desktop computers are sold.

However, unlike Apple, Amazon is not directly involved in this process. Instead, qualified suppliers inspect and test these products to ensure they work and look like new.

These renewed devices may not be identical to the new ones, but the listing provides details on their condition. For example, descriptions may include statements such as: “This product is in excellent condition” or “This product will have a battery that exceeds 80% capacity compared to new.” The accessories may not be original but they will be fully functional.

It is important to carefully examine these details to assess the condition and health of the device’s battery. You can learn more at Amazon Renewed.

Artur Tomala / Foundry

It’s also worth considering Amazon Warehouse deals.

These deals often feature unused customer returns, which may have damaged packaging but are otherwise new. Items are graded, allowing you to choose whether you are comfortable with potential scratches or damage, or whether you will only accept items with damaged or neutral packaging.

You can find Warehouse deals here or use the drop-down menu to the left of the search bar on the Amazon website and choose Amazon Warehouse, then type in what you’re looking for and press Enter.

Samsung certified renewed

Samsung operates a refurbished store called Samsung Certified Re-Newed, offering some of the best Galaxy phones from previous years, restored to their original condition by engineers and backed by a one-year warranty.

In the UK, Samsung has flagship products for 2021: the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra.

However, in the United States, in addition to the Galaxy S21 series, the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra models are also available.

Artur Tomala / Foundry

Microsoft Certified Refurbished

Microsoft also has a Certified Refurbished Surface store where you can find Surface Laptop 5, Surface Laptop Go 2, and other best Microsoft Surface products.

Artur Tomala / Foundry

Should I buy a refurbished or used phone?

There are pros and cons to both. For example, Apple’s refurbished store offers essentially new devices at a slightly lower price, although the discounts may not be significant. These devices are usually from previous generations, rather than the newest models.

On the other hand, Amazon’s Renewed program offers greater savings on a wider range of products, but does not restore devices to “like new” condition like Apple does. However, these products still carry a warranty and have been tested to ensure full functionality.

The biggest savings are often from private sellers on platforms like eBay and Craigslist, but buying this way comes with a higher risk and you’ll need to be more careful.

Plus, sales and discounts are often available on new devices, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those too. Searching for the best tech deals can help you find the best deals available.