Should you buy a refurbished phone?
Considering a refurbished phone but don’t know where to start? Here’s where to buy, how much you can save, and what to check before you invest.
At a glance Refurbished phones
What is a refurbished phone?
It’s a pre-owned device that has undergone tests, checks and repairs as necessary to ensure it’s in full working order before being sold on. Refurbished phones are graded and priced according to their condition.
There are different circumstances a phone might be refurbished; the main ones are:
In comparison, a new phone hasn’t been owned or used by anyone else. You’re buying it in a brand new state, straight from the manufacturer
A refurbished phone is different from a second-hand phone because it has usually been checked, cleaned, repaired if needed, and graded by a retailer before being resold. It should also come with a warranty and returns policy, although the exact cover can vary between sellers.
A second-hand phone is usually sold as-is by a private seller. It may be cheaper, but there is usually less protection if the phone develops a fault, has poor battery health or turns out to be locked to another network.
| Type | What it means | Warranty | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New phone | Brand-new from the manufacturer, network or retailer | Yes | Getting the latest model with full support | |
| Refurbished phone | Pre-owned phone that has been tested, cleaned and restored for resale | Usually yes | Saving money with more buyer protection | |
| Second-hand phone | Used phone sold by a private seller or previous owner | Usually no | Finding the lowest price, but with more risk | |
| Open-box phone | A returned or barely used phone resold by a retailer | Often yes | Getting a near-new phone at a discount |
How popular are they?
Global sales in refurbished devices increased by around 5% in 2023, while 27 million devices sold in Europe 2024.
More than one in three consumers in Ireland have purchased a refurbished device at least once, and more than two-thirds would consider buying one.
This could be down to:
- Consumers becoming more cost-conscious as the cost-of-living surges
- Changes in new smartphone models are more incremental each year
- Shoppers are growing more sustainability-conscious too
What condition do refurbished phones come in?
Some refurbished phones are like new, while others are much older with obvious signs of wear and tear. The condition of the phone should be clear from the grade it’s given.
A grading system may be used where, for example:
- A is Like New
- B is Good condition with minor signs of wear and tear
- C is Fair condition with visible signs of wear and tear, like scratches
Grading systems vary from seller to seller so check what each grade means before you buy.
Will it work like a new phone?
The grading categories listed by most refurbished retailers relates to the device’s external condition, not its operating ability.
The refurbished process usually includes:
What battery health should a refurbished phone have?
Battery health is one of the most important things to check before buying a refurbished phone.
A refurbished phone may look almost new, but the battery can have a big impact on how long it lasts day to day. Before you buy, check whether the retailer lists the battery condition, gives a minimum battery health guarantee, or lets you choose a battery option.
Some refurbished retailers, such as refurbed.ie, show battery options on the product page. For example, you may be able to choose between:
For iPhones, you can also check the battery health after the phone arrives by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. This shows the battery’s maximum capacity as a percentage.
A battery health of 80% or above is often treated as the minimum acceptable level, but 85% or higher is better if you want the phone to last longer. A new battery may be worth considering if you use your phone heavily, stream a lot, use mobile data often, or want to keep the phone for several years.
Before buying a refurbished phone, check:
If the phone arrives and the battery drains very quickly, overheats, or does not hold charge properly, contact the seller as soon as possible and use the returns period if needed.
How much money can you save?
The amount you can save on a refurbished phone depends on the model, storage size, condition grade and where you buy it.
The biggest savings are usually on phones that are one or two generations old, rather than the newest model. Newer phones can still be cheaper refurbished, but the saving may be smaller, especially if the phone is in excellent or premium condition.
Before buying, always compare the refurbished price against the current new price. A refurbished phone is not automatically the cheapest option, especially during sales or when a manufacturer drops the price of a newer model.
Other refurbished sellers may have different prices, so it’s worth shopping around. Savings will vary depending on the phone’s make, model and condition. Our guide on switching to a SIM-only deal can help you choose the best SIM-only deal for your phone
New iPhone 17 vs refurbished iPhone 17
In the refurbished example below, the phone was in white, condition rated ‘Excellent’, with 256GB storage.
Here’s the cost and saving in June 2026:
| Costs | refurbed website | Apple website | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handset | €685 | €979 | €294 |
| Total cost | €685 | €979 | €294 |
New Samsung Galaxy S25 vs refurbished Samsung Galaxy S25
In the refurbished example below, the phone was condition rated ‘Excellent’, with 128GB storage.
Here’s the cost and saving in June 2026:
| Costs | refurbed website | Samsung website | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handset | €513.99 | €919 | €405.01 |
| Delivery charge | Free | Free | €0 |
| Total cost | €513.99 | €919 | €405.01 |
Can you buy a refurbished iPhone from Apple?
Yes, Apple refurbishes its phones to an ‘as new’ standard and as well as undergoing the same testing as new iPhones, they also come with:
- A one year warranty
- Genuine Apple replacement parts
- New battery and outer shell
- Brand new white box
- Free shipping and returns
How old is too old for a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phone can be a smart buy, but very old models may not be worth it. Older phones can be cheaper, but they may have weaker batteries, slower performance and fewer years of software or security updates left.
This can affect app compatibility, online banking, mobile payments and general security. As a general rule, buying a refurbished phone that is one to three years old often gives the best balance between price, performance and long-term use.
A much older phone may still work, but it could become frustrating or need replacing sooner.
Before buying an older refurbished phone, check:
If the price difference is small, it may be better to choose a newer refurbished phone with longer software support.
What to check before you buy
You may be tempted by a potential bargain but it’s worth checking what you’re getting for your money before you buy. Here are a few things to check:
Refurbished handsets are sold unlocked and SIM free, so you’ll need to get a SIM-only deal to suit your usage habits when the phone arrives.
What should you check when your refurbished phone arrives?
Check your refurbished phone carefully as soon as it arrives, so you still have time to return it if something is wrong.
Before transferring everything from your old phone, inspect the handset and make sure it matches the product listing.
Check:
You should also check that the phone has not been reported lost, stolen or blocked. Be especially careful with private sellers, and avoid any phone where the seller cannot provide basic proof of purchase or ownership.
Where you can buy refurbished phones in Ireland
There are lots of online retailers that sell different makes of refurbished phones, including iPhone and Samsung, here are just a few of them:
| Retailer | Warranty | Returns period | Battery info | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| refurbed | 12 months+ | Check retailer terms | Check listing | Broad choice | |
| Swappie | Check current terms | Check current terms | Strong iPhone focus | iPhones | |
| Back Market | 12 months | 30 days commonly promoted | Check listing | Marketplace choice | |
| Currys | One-year technical warranty | Check Currys terms | Check listing | Recognised retailer | |
| GetTech | 24 months noted on page | Check terms | Check listing | Longer warranty |
They all offer a 12 month warranty on their refurbished phones, except for GetTech which includes a 24 month warranty.
Do refurbished phones come with a warranty?
A reputable retailer should include a warranty for refurbished phones, but you should check this before buying. A warranty usually lasts 12 months, but they can vary between 6 and 24 months.
What if you change your mind?
If you buy a refurbished handset and then change your mind, a 14 day cooling off period applies. This means you can get your money back if you advise them within 14 days of receiving the device.
You usually have to pay to return the handset, and depending on its value, you might want to insure and track the item in case it goes missing.
Always check the supplier’s returns policy as there may be conditions to follow, such as:
- Notifying them by email
- Completing a returns form
- Quoting your order number with your returned goods
- Sending by tracked mail
Are refurbished phones worth it?
It really depends what you’re looking for, but here are a few things to consider to help you decide:
Are refurbished phones more sustainable?
Buying a refurbished phone can be a more sustainable choice because it gives an existing device a longer life.
Keeping a phone in use for longer can help reduce electronic waste and may reduce the need to manufacture a brand-new device. It can also be a good way to get a newer smartphone without paying full price.
New EU rules are also putting more focus on smartphone durability, repairability and battery performance. This should make it easier for shoppers to compare how long some devices are likely to last.
However, sustainability should not be the only factor. You should still check the phone’s warranty, battery health, software support and returns policy before you buy.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Your refurbished phone should be sold in full working order but occasionally something goes wrong.
If a problem arises within the warranty period, you can check the retailer’s returns policy and follow their procedure.
It can be more difficult to get insurance for a refurbished phone so you’ll have to shop around.
If you’ve bought an expensive device, it’s worth considering cover. Our guide: Is mobile phone insurance worth it? can help.
What are the advantages of SIM-only deals?
SIM-only plans are cheaper than deals that include a phone. So, if you’ve paid off your phone and are still happy with your handset, you’ll make a saving by switching to a SIM-only deal.
If you’re out of contract, you can also move to a SIM-only deal with your current provider, rather than rolling on your contract. Some networks will automatically move you to a plan-only price once your handset is paid off, so check with your provider.
You may decide to buy your phone outright and get a SIM-only deal. It works out cheaper than paying it back as part of your monthly mobile cost, but the upfront cost can be steep.
Refurbished phones FAQS
Do refurbished phones come unlocked?
Many refurbished phones are sold unlocked, but not all of them. Always check the product listing before you buy to make sure the phone will work with your mobile network.
Can you use a refurbished phone with a SIM-only plan?
Yes, a refurbished phone can work well with a SIM-only plan, as long as the phone is unlocked or compatible with your network. This can be a cheaper option than buying a new phone on a bill pay contract.
Can you insure a refurbished phone?
You may be able to insure a refurbished phone, but it depends on the insurer, the phone’s age, condition and proof of purchase. Check the policy terms carefully before buying cover.
Do refurbished phones come with accessories?
Some refurbished phones come with accessories such as a charging cable, but this varies by retailer. Check the product listing carefully so you know what is included before you buy.
Can you return a refurbished phone?
Most reputable retailers offer a returns period, but the length and conditions can vary. Check the seller’s returns policy before buying, and inspect the phone as soon as it arrives.
Can refurbished phones be bought on finance?
Some refurbished phone retailers offer payment plans or finance options, but availability depends on the seller and the phone you choose. Always check the total cost before spreading payments, as it may work out more expensive.
Are refurbished phones covered by warranty?
Most refurbished phones sold by reputable retailers come with a warranty, but the length and cover can vary. Check whether the warranty includes battery issues, repairs, replacement parts and accidental damage exclusions.
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