If you’re thinking of getting a refurbished phone but don’t know where to start, this guide can help. Here’s where you can get one, how much you can save, and what to check before you buy.
It’s a pre-owned handset that’s undergone any repairs needed and passed a set of tests to prove it’s in working order.
There are different circumstances a phone might be refurbished, the main ones are:
You could make huge savings on your next device with GetTech.
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.
For example, an A - C type grading system may be used where A is Like New, B is Very Good condition with minor signs of wear and tear, and C is Average condition with greater signs of wear and tear.
Grading systems vary seller to seller so check what each grade means before you buy.
There are lots of online retailers that sell different makes of refurbished phones, including iPhone, Samsung and Huawei, here are just a few of them:
They all offer a 12 month warranty on their refurbished phones, except for GetTech which includes a 24 month warranty.
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:
*A factory reset is where all the data on the phone is permanently deleted and the device is restored to its original manufacturer’s settings - the same state as when it was new.
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.
The same make and model refurbished phones can vary in cost a lot between retailers which affects the potential savings you could make.
To give you an idea of how much you could save we’ve compared two different refurbished phones in the examples below - the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 12. Prices may change on a regular basis, but this is an example of the savings you could make.
In the refurbished example below, the phone was ‘Like New’, Black with 64GB storage.
Here’s the cost and saving in April 2022:
Costs | GetTech website | Apple website | Saving |
---|---|---|---|
Handset | €699 | €829 | €130 |
Delivery charge | Free | Free | |
Total cost | €699 | €829 | €130 |
The example refurbished handset is ‘Good’, White with 128GB storage and 5G.
Here’s the cost and saving in April 2022:
Costs | refurbed website | Samsung website | Saving |
---|---|---|---|
Handset | €449 | €769 | €320 |
Delivery charge | Free | Free | |
Total cost | €449 | €769 | €320 |
Other refurbish sellers may have different prices so it’s worth shopping around. Savings will vary depending on the make, model and condition of the phones.
Once you’ve found a handset you like, you’ll still need to choose a SIM-only plan with the data and calls you need. Our guide on switching to a SIM-only deal can help.
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 then have another 14 days to return the phone in the same condition you received it in - this includes any accessories and packaging it was sent with.
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:
If you don’t follow their procedure, they may not be able to trace your order or process your return.
It really depends what you’re looking for, here are a few things to consider to help you decide:
A reputable retailer should include a warranty with any refurbished phones but you should check this before you buy.
A warranty usually lasts 12 months, but they can vary between 6 and 24 months.
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.
SIM-only plans are also a good way to check how a new network performs without locking into a long term deal.
You could also decide to buy your phone outright, and then go for a SIM-only deal. It may work out cheaper than paying it back as part of your monthly mobile cost, but the upfront cost can be steep.
It usually has to pass a number of tests and checks to ensure it’s working as it should be. Any repairs needed are carried out and this may include replacing certain parts.
Some retailers replace batteries as standard but not all.
The phone is then restored to its original factory settings which wipes any data from it so that it’s in the same state as if it were new.
Although it might seem like the obvious place to buy a refurbished iPhone, you can’t buy them from the Irish Apple website.
You’d have to buy it on the UK Apple website and arrange delivery to a destination in the UK and then on to Ireland, which could be tricky and costly.
Apple refurbishes its phones to an ‘as new’ standard and as well as undergoing the same testing as new iPhones, they also come with:
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 definitely worth considering getting cover. Our guide: Do you need mobile phone insurance? can help.
The phone should be sold in full working order but occasionally something goes wrong.
If a problem does arise and it’s within the warranty period, you can check the retailer’s returns policy and follow their procedure.
You can find refurbished phones from most of the main manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei and Apple.
Refurbished iPhones are much more common than any other brand though, with some retailers only offering this type.
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.
Refurbished phones are pre-owned devices that undergo tests, checks and repairs as necessary to ensure they are in full working order before being sold on. They are graded and priced according to their condition.
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving.