Are refurbished phones any good? What you need to know in 2025
Are refurbished phones worth it?
Yes. Refurbished phones are a smart, eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to buying a new handset, especially if they come with a warranty and quality guarantee. At Uswitch, we offer fully tested refurbished phones, including Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhones in partnership with Reboxed with up to 12 months' warranty and fantastic deals across major brands.
Check out our refurbished iPhone deals
See our range of refurbished iPhone deals including the iPhone 16 range.
Quick summary of refurbished phones:
- Cheaper than buying a new handset
- Fully tested, cleaned, and repaired
- Warranty included (up to 12 months with Uswitch)
- Better for the environment
- May show light cosmetic wear
- Battery life may vary (though often improved before sale)
What is a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phone is a previously owned device that has been returned, repaired if necessary, thoroughly tested, and is available for sale again.
These phones are restored to complete working order and may come from customers who changed their minds, devices used for demos, or phones that had minor faults that have now been fixed. They won’t generally come with the original packaging or all the accessories, like a charger. Still, they undergo rigorous testing to ensure they arrive as good as new.
Refurbished vs. second-hand
- Refurbished
Professionally tested, repaired, and often sold with a warranty.
- Second-hand
Sold as-is, usually without checks or warranty.
Uswitch grading explained
Each refurbished phone on Uswitch is assigned a grade, so you know exactly what you're getting. Whatever the condition, your device will be 100% fully working and cleaned.
Pristine
No signs of use - in perfect or near-mint condition
90-100% battery health
Excellent
Light sign of use - may have some small blemishes
80-100% battery health
Great
General sign of use - some scratches you can only see up close
80-100% battery health
Good
Visible signs of use - moderate scratches and scuffs
80-100% battery health
Pros and cons of buying a refurbished phone
Pros
Save up to 40% compared to new
Great for budget-conscious buyers
Eco-friendly - helps reduce e-waste
Warranty protection available
Cons
Cosmetic imperfections possible
It may not include original accessories or packaging
Battery life might be slightly reduced (unless replaced)
Are refurbished phones safe and reliable?
Absolutely, as long as you buy from a trusted retailer. All refurbished phones listed on Uswitch are tested, cleaned, and restored by certified partners. Many come with up to 12 months' warranty, giving you peace of mind.
Another common misconception is that refurbished phones are less secure or no longer supported, but that’s not the case. Refurbished phones receive the same software and security updates as new devices for as long as the manufacturer officially supports the model, which is usually at least several years.
For example:
- Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5–6 years from a device’s original release date.
- Android support varies by brand, but manufacturers like Samsung offer up to 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches for Galaxy models released from 2021 onward.
- Google has also stepped up its commitment, with the Pixel 9 series expected to receive updates through 2031.
Whether you buy a new or refurbished phone, it’s important to check how long your chosen model will be supported. This ensures your device stays secure, compatible with the latest apps, and protected from vulnerabilities.
What to check for reliability:
- Certified refurbishment process
- Warranty included
- Return policy in case you're not satisfied
Refurbished vs new phones: What’s the difference?
The main difference between new and refurbished phones is their history and condition. A new phone comes straight from the manufacturer, untouched, sealed in its original packaging, and includes a full manufacturer’s warranty. You’ll be the very first person to use it.
By contrast, refurbished phones have been owned before but are not just second-hand. These devices are returned for reasons like a change of mind or minor faults, then professionally inspected, cleaned, and repaired before being resold. Many work and look almost like new.
While refurbished phones are fully functional, some may show light signs of previous use depending on their grade (e.g. ‘Pristine’, ranging down to ‘Good’). On the other hand, new phones are guaranteed to be in flawless condition. The real advantage of refurbished phones is value: you can usually get premium devices from brands like Apple and Samsung at a much lower price without noticeably sacrificing performance or reliability.
Refurbished vs new
| Feature | Refurbished | New |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Cheaper | Full retail price |
| Warranty | Often included | Included |
| Appearance | Minor wear | Pristine |
| Environmental impact | Lower | Higher |
| Battery life | Slightly reduced (or replaced) | Full |
Where to buy refurbished phones safely
To ensure you’re getting a quality device:
Buy from trusted retailers like Uswitch
Look for warranty and return options
Check for clear grading descriptions
Avoid marketplace sellers without verified quality checks or vague listings.
Check out our refurbished Samsung deals
See our range of refurbished Samsung Galaxy deals, including the S25 and S24 range.
What to look for when buying a refurbished phone
Whether you're buying in-store or online, it’s important to run a few checks as soon as you get your refurbished phone to ensure everything is in working order. Most refurbished devices come with a 12 or 24-month warranty, which typically covers technical issues. So, if anything isn’t right, contact the seller promptly for a repair, replacement, or refund.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Cameras: Test both the front and rear cameras. Check that features like zoom, focus, flash, and various camera modes work properly.
- Unlock and security features: If your phone includes fingerprint or facial recognition, make sure these can be set up and used reliably. Issues here may point to a faulty sensor or camera lens.
- Accessories: Confirm whether essential accessories like a charger or earphones are included (some refurbished deals do include them). Test each one to ensure it's working correctly.
- Ports: Charging ports can be a common point of wear. Test the charging connection and clean the port gently if needed. If your phone has a headphone jack, check that too.
- Physical buttons: Make sure the power, volume, and any other buttons feel firm and responsive. Over time, they can become less tactile or stop working entirely.
- Battery health: If possible, check the battery status in your phone’s settings. During the first few days, monitor how quickly the battery drains. While refurbished phones may not have brand-new batteries, performance should still be solid. Replacements are usually inexpensive, though often not covered by warranty.
- Insurance coverage: Double-check the policy details if you’ve taken out gadget insurance. Some insurers exclude refurbished devices, so it’s worth confirming you’re fully covered.
Other things to check:
- Whether the phone condition matches the grade it’s labelled with
- Warranty duration
- Battery condition or replacement policy
- Return policy
- Storage size
- Network compatibility
Who should buy a refurbished phone?
Refurbished phones are an excellent fit for a wide range of people, especially those looking to get more value from their tech purchases without compromising on quality. Examples of customers that would suit refurbished phones include:
Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the significant savings available when choosing a refurbished device. You can often get the same model for up to 40% less than the brand-new price. This is perfect if you want a high-end phone without the premium cost.
Parents buying for teenagers or kids may also find refurbished phones an ideal solution. Young users are more likely to lose or damage devices, so investing in a more affordable refurbished handset backed by a warranty is a smart way to balance cost and practicality.
Eco-conscious shoppers often choose refurbished phones because of their positive environmental impact. By giving a device a second life, you help reduce electronic waste (5.3 billion phones are estimated to have been thrown away globally in 2024) and lower the demand for new materials and manufacturing processes — a small but meaningful step toward sustainability.
Finally, anyone upgrading from an older phone who doesn’t need the latest model will benefit. Refurbished options offer reliable performance, current software support, and all the essential features, making them an excellent alternative to splashing out on the newest flagship.
Best Refurbished iPhones
- iPhone 14 –The iPhone 14 offers improved camera performance, crash detection, and excellent battery life. Apple's A15 Bionic chip (also found in the 13 Pro) easily handles everyday tasks and iOS updates. As a fairly new model, it still has several years of software support ahead, making it an excellent long-term investment.
- iPhone 13 – A consistent favourite in the refurbished market, the iPhone 13 delivers flagship-level performance with a sleek design, dual-camera system, and vibrant Super Retina XDR display. It’s ideal for those who want reliable Apple performance at a more accessible price point.
Best Refurbished Samsung Deals
- Samsung Galaxy S25 - Samsung’s latest flagship is beginning to appear on the refurbished market. It offers top-tier performance thanks to its next-gen processor, upgraded camera system, stunning AMOLED display and a host of useful Galaxy AI features. It’s a great way to get cutting-edge Android features for less.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 – A fantastic all-rounder, the Galaxy S24 combines sleek design, strong battery life, and smart AI features like Galaxy AI voice tools and advanced photo editing. It’s an excellent choice for Android users who want a premium experience without paying full price.
All of these devices combine high-end specs, modern features, and ongoing software support, making them top picks in 2025. Whether you're loyal to iOS or prefer Android, refurbished models give you the tech you want at prices that make sense.
Final verdict: Are refurbished phones worth it?
In short, they absolutely are. Buying a refurbished phone is one of the smartest ways to save money while still enjoying the features and performance of a premium smartphone. These devices undergo thorough checks, repairs, and quality testing to ensure they function like new. For many shoppers, it’s an ideal way to upgrade to a high-end model, like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, without paying full retail prices.
Refurbished phones offer excellent value for money, especially for those without the latest release or pristine packaging. You still get reliable performance, modern features, and, in many cases, warranty protection, all at a significantly lower cost.
Of course, some buyers may still prefer to buy brand new, particularly those who want to be first in line for new launches or simply love the feeling of unboxing a factory-sealed phone. But for everyone else, refurbished phones strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. So, a certified refurbished model is a wise, sustainable choice if you're looking for a flagship phone that doesn’t stretch your budget.
FAQs
Are refurbished phones as good as new ones?
They perform similarly and are tested for quality, but they may have minor cosmetic wear, which doesn’t affect performance.
Can refurbished phones be trusted?
Yes, if purchased from certified retailers with clear grading and warranty, there is no reason that they can’t be trusted.
How long do refurbished phones last?
With proper care, they last as long as new phones, which can range from 2 to 4 years or more.
What does refurbished Grade ‘Pristine’ mean?
This means the phone is in excellent condition and has little to no visible wear.
