Buying a refurbished phone
Where to buy, how to save & more
Buying a refurbished phone and pairing it with a cheap Sim-only deal can offer significant savings, while also giving you a phone that's been professionally inspected and usually has a warranty. This guide explains what exactly refurbished phones are, where to buy one and what to watch out for.
First, a quick overview of buying a refurbished phone...
A refurbished phone can be much more affordable than a brand-new one – but to get the maximum mobile for your money, follow our MoneySaving tips and tricks...
Always compare prices. Different retailers sell at different prices, so always compare them. Plus, if you need a very large or unlimited data allowance, sometimes a phone contract can be better value, so do check this.
Pair a refurbished phone with a cheap Sim for max value. A cheap Sim-only deal is often the most cost-effective. If you're coming off a contract, it's easy to switch to a new Sim and keep your number.
Just want to see refurbished handsets? Go straight to where to buy a refurbished phone.
A 0% spending credit card can help you spread the cost. If you need to, you can borrow the upfront cost of a handset interest-free with a 0% purchase card, and repay over a set period. Always clear the balance before the 0% period ends.
You'll get more consumer protection than buying privately. With a refurb you'll also get the same consumer rights as with a new phone, and you'll usually get a warranty, too.
What is a refurbished phone?
Refurbished phones are pre-owned devices which, rather than simply being chucked, are checked, repaired and then resold.
Buying a slightly older refurbished phone is usually a cheaper way of getting a handset. And if you want a more recent model, you can typically find the same device refurbished for much less than brand new.
Refurbished mobiles have often been sent back by customers who changed their mind, or because of a minor fault. Any issues are fixed before handsets are sold again.
They usually don't come with the original packaging or all the accessories – you should get a charging cable, but you're unlikely to get a plug adapter or extras such as headphones.
Most do include a one-year warranty, though this can vary by seller – so always check before you buy.
What do refurbished phone grades mean?
Refurbished phones are usually given a grade to show what condition they’re in. However, there’s no universal grading system, so standards can vary between retailers. Broadly, the grades mean:
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Grade A (sometimes called 'Pristine' or 'Like New'). These are usually customer returns or phones that have been sent back due to minor defects that are then fixed. As close to a new phone as you can get if you want that peace of mind.
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Grade B (sometimes called 'Very Good'). These phones may have 'light' signs of use, which might mean some small cosmetic imperfections. Grade B phones will usually look and feel almost new.
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Grade C (sometimes called 'Good'). These phones tend to have 'moderate' signs of use, such as visible scratches on the screen or body. Although you'll be able to tell a Grade C phone is refurbished, you'll usually save the most money.
If you're after the biggest savings and don't mind a few scratches, Grade C is often the way to go. Want something that feels almost new? Stick to Grade A or B.
What's the difference between refurbished phones and other second-hand mobiles?
While refurbished phones are also technically second-hand or used, the crucial difference is that they come with the same consumer protections as new phones when bought from a trader, and will usually have a warranty. (A trader's someone who sells goods or services as part of a business, as opposed to someone selling privately.)
In contrast, second-hand or used phones sold by private individuals are unlikely to have been tested or have a warranty, and come with fewer legal protections.
When buying from a private seller it's a case of caveat emptor, or 'let the buyer beware'. This means the only legal rights for buyers are that the phone is fairly described and that the owner has the right to sell it, so there's little legal comeback if it's faulty or you change your mind.
Some handsets, such as iPhones, do come with transferable warranties, and so might still be covered if you buy one privately second-hand and it's still within the original warranty period.
How much cheaper are refurbished phones?
One of the biggest advantages of buying refurbished is the potential savings. While discounts vary depending on the handset and its age, you can often pay significantly less compared with buying a newer model or the same phone brand new.
To give you an idea of prices, we compared a selection of Apple, Samsung and Google handsets sold by five major refurbished phone sellers. We then used the median (middle) price to give a typical refurbished cost.
We focused on handsets that are also available to buy new at the time of writing, to allow us to compare models like-for-like in a fair way.
Phone | Cheapest new price (1) | Median refurbished price (2) | Saving vs new |
|---|---|---|---|
Apple iPhone 17 (256GB) | £809.10 | £693 | £116.10 |
Apple iPhone 15 (256GB) | £749 | £460 | £289 |
Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB) | £639 | £609.99 | £29.01 |
Google Pixel 10 (256GB) | £599 | £449 | £150 |
Updated October 2026. (1) Lowest outright handset price available at the time, taken from our Cheap Mobile Finder tool. (2) Handsets sold by Music Magpie, Back Market, The Big Phone Store, Giffgaff and Reboxed. Where possible, we used the price of an unlocked handset in 'Excellent', 'Grade A' or the closest equivalent condition.
Based on our analysis, buying refurbished offered big discounts on some handsets, with savings of almost £300 possible on the iPhone 15 compared with buying new.
However, the savings weren't as substantial across the board, with the Samsung Galaxy S26 a good example of that. At the time of our analysis, its median refurbished price was just £29.01 below the cheapest new deal, showing the importance of comparing prices before buying.
What affects the price of a refurbished phone?
As well as its age, various other factors can impact the cost of a refurbished phone:
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Storage capacity. A 256GB or 512GB phone will usually cost more than the 128GB version, so make sure you compare like-for-like.
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Condition grade. Phones in 'Excellent', 'Grade A' or 'Like New' condition command the highest prices. Choosing a lower grade can often save you money.
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Battery health. Some refurbishers guarantee a minimum battery health (often 80% or 85%), while others fit a brand-new battery. A new battery will usually increase the price, but it could also mean the phone lasts longer.
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Who refurbished it. Devices refurbished by the manufacturer (such as Apple or Samsung) are often more expensive than those from specialist refurbishers, though they may include a new battery, genuine replacement parts or a longer warranty.
Also factor in the cost of the Sim
A refurbished phone can offer great value, but you'll need to consider the total cost of getting one – the cost of the handset AND Sim, not just the price of the device itself.
Which Sim you're going to use in your refurbished handset will also have a bearing on the type of phone you buy.
Refurbished mobiles can be locked to a specific network, so if you've already got a cheap Sim with a particular provider that you want to keep using, make sure the phone will work with it.
Rather than being locked to a specific network, some refurbished handsets are sold as 'factory unlocked'. This is arguably the better option, as it means you can use a Sim from ANY provider in the phone, giving more flexibility. See our Mobile unlocking guide for more.
So if you're coming off a contract and looking for a new Sim, or would like to switch to another Sim (you can keep your old number if doing this), do factor in whether the phone is fully unlocked. You can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to see the top Sim-only deals.
Where to buy a refurbished phone
If you've decided a refurbished phone is for you, you can buy one either through a retailer or marketplace, or direct from the manufacturer. We've more on these options below.
Bear in mind that, while these are all slightly different types of sellers, they're all defined as 'traders', meaning you'll get the same consumer rights as buying a new phone, and often also a warranty, too. Plus, you'll be able to return the phone for any reason, if you change your mind and bought online, as long as you inform the seller within 14 days, and return the phone within another 14 days.
Buy from a retailer or marketplace
Always compare the prices of refurbished phones to make sure you get the best deal. Retailers and marketplaces often offer the cheapest refurbs and are well worth a look.
Find a refurbished phone with our Cheap Mobile Finder tool
Cheap Mobile Finder helps you compare thousands of phones and deals from more than 50 different retailers and resellers, covering all major networks.
You can filter to find refurbished phones (or new ones), or even just Sim-only deals.
If you'd like to look at refurbished phone sellers directly, we've pulled together some of the main options below, and arranged them across three categories.
We've more info on them below, plus tables listing specific sellers.
Bear in mind that any additional buyer protection described below is in addition to your rights under the law – for more on your consumer rights, see our What rights do I have when buying a refurbished phone? FAQ below.
Dedicated refurbished phone retailers
These are sites that specialise in selling refurbished devices (including phones), whether directly or through approved third parties. Some, such as Back Market, operate as marketplaces where approved refurbishers sell through the platform.
Warranty? | Additional buyer protection? | Delivery fee? | |
|---|---|---|---|
One-year retailer warranty | No, only statutory | Free next-day delivery | |
One-year retailer warranty | 30-day returns | Free next-working-day delivery | |
One-year retailer warranty | 30-day returns | Free Royal Mail 48-hour delivery | |
One-year warranty from seller | 30-day free returns | Free standard delivery (next-day delivery available on selected products) | |
One-year retailer warranty | 30-day returns | Free three- to five-day tracked delivery; £4.99 next-day (1) |
Updated May 2026. (1) Free for orders over £400.
General marketplaces and networks
Online marketplaces (such as Amazon) and mobile networks (such as Giffgaff) sell refurbished phones, either directly or through approved business sellers.
Buy from a trader to make sure you get maximum protection – look for 'registered as a business seller' on profiles.
Warranty? | Additional buyer protection? | Delivery fee? | |
|---|---|---|---|
Typically one year (depends on the seller) | Free for much of the UK | ||
Typically one year (depends on the seller) | Several free delivery options | ||
Minimum one-year retailer warranty 18-month and 24-month available depending on phone's condition | 21-day returns
| Free next-day delivery |
Updated May 2026.
Contract phone retailers
These are firms that primarily sell refurbished phones on contract, though they may also sell refurbished handsets outright.
Warranty? | Additional buyer protection? | Delivery fee? | |
|---|---|---|---|
One-year retailer warranty (1) | No, only statutory (3) | Free next-day delivery | |
One-year retailer warranty (2) | No, only statutory (3) | Free next-day delivery | |
30-day warranty with Fonehouse, 12-month warranty with the manufacturer | No, only statutory (3) | Free next-day delivery |
Updated May 2026. (1) Selected 'Plus Plans' or 'Ultimate Plans' offer a three-year warranty. (2) Warranty is with Carphone Warehouse, which owns Mobiles.co.uk. (3) See What rights do I have? FAQ for more on your legal rights when buying a refurb.
Buy direct from the manufacturer
Both Apple and Samsung sell refurbished phones directly. While often more expensive, they do use genuine parts and typically include extras such as a new battery or longer warranty. So they're not necessarily poor value, but do always compare prices with specialist retailers before you buy.
Most other Android manufacturers – including Google, Motorola, Sony, OnePlus, Nothing and Nokia – generally only sell brand-new phones in the UK, so you'll usually need to buy a refurbished model through a retailer or marketplace.
Apple
Apple sells refurbished iPhones, as well as refurbished iPads, Apple Watches and Macs. Every refurbished iPhone is fully tested, has genuine Apple replacement parts where needed, and has been thoroughly cleaned. They include:
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A brand-new battery and outer shell.
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A one-year Apple warranty.
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A brand-new box with all accessories and cables.
Samsung
Samsung sells a range of 'Certified Renewed' phones, with every device being fully tested and refurbished by approved technicians using genuine Samsung parts where needed. They also include:
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A Samsung-certified battery.
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A two-year Samsung warranty.
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A brand-new box with a charging cable, Sim ejector tool and user guide.
Pair your refurb with a top Sim-only deal for the best value
Getting yourself a cheap Sim to use alongside your refurbished phone can help you to keep your mobile costs right down.
There are two types of Sim-only deals:
30-day rolling contracts where you're free to leave with a month's notice, or
fixed-term contracts, usually for 12 months (often, though not always, better value). You're usually credit-checked with longer contracts.
If you're looking for a new Sim, you'll need to consider how much monthly data you'll need. If you're not sure, and still have your old phone, you can look in the settings to see how much data you get through. Or you can use our Phone Data Calculator to see roughly what you use in a day.
Bear in mind that in our latest poll on mobile data use, we found about 75% of respondents used less than 5GB a month.
You can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to see the top Sim-only deals, and filter your search by data amount.
Use a lot of data? A new phone contract could be cheaper than a refurb and Sim
If you need a very large (30GB or more) or unlimited data allowance, do note that sometimes a new phone contract can work out cheaper than pairing a refurbished handset with a cheap Sim.
Use our Cheap Mobile Finder to see new phone contract deals, but always compare against the cost of a refurb and cheap Sim.
Example: When a new phone could be cheaper
These deals from our Cheap Mobile Finder in August 2026 show how a new phone could cost less. Both offer a 256GB Samsung Galaxy S26 with unlimited 5G data, calls and texts on iD Mobile.
Option A: Refurbished phone + Sim-only deal
The phone costs £499.79 in 'good' condition. The 24-month Sim-only deal includes a gift card, bringing its equivalent cost to £12.17 a month.
Assuming you pay the same in year two (though you could switch to another cheap Sim), the Sim totals £292.08.
Option B: New phone on a 24-month contract
This costs £29 upfront, then £28.99 a month, rising to £30.79 from April 2027 and £32.59 from April 2028.
Total costs over 24 months
Refurbished phone (£499.79) + Sim (£292.08) = £791.87
New phone contract = £760.76
In this example, the new phone contract is £31.11 cheaper overall.
Want to buy outright but can't afford the upfront cost? Use a 0% spending card
Paying for a phone outright can often work out cheaper than taking out a contract, but the upfront cost can sometimes be a blocker.
If you don't have the funds available at the time, a top 0% spending credit card can let you spread the cost interest-free, provided you budget to repay each month (at least the minimum repayment, but preferably more) and clear the balance before the 0% period ends. It's crucial you pay off your borrowing by this time, as otherwise you'll start being charged interest.
As an example...
You're looking at buying a refurbished iPhone for £599. If you can successfully apply for a spending card with 25 months at 0% interest (which was available at the time of writing), you could budget to repay over two years as if it's a two-year mobile contract.
£599 ÷ 24 = £24.96
So set up a Direct Debit to repay £24.96 a month for 24 months and you'll clear the borrowing in this time.
Just make sure you can comfortably afford the repayments and don't use it as an excuse to spend more than you otherwise would. See our Best 0% credit cards guide for the top deals.
What to check when your phone arrives
It's worth taking a few minutes to test your phone as soon as it arrives. This helps confirm everything works as expected and will mean you can report any issues quickly.
Condition. Check the phone matches the advertised grade, looking for scratches, dents and cracks.
Battery health. Look at the battery health within the phone's settings and make sure it meets any minimum level promised by the retailer (often 80% or 85%).
Screen. Test the touchscreen by using all of the gestures you would normally use.
Cameras. Try the front and rear cameras, flash, video recording and autofocus.
Audio. Test the speakers and microphones by playing music, making a call and recording a voice memo.
Charging. Check the phone charges properly and the cable fits securely.
Connectivity. Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal to make sure calls, texts and data all work.
Biometrics. Set up Face ID, Touch ID or the fingerprint reader and check the phone unlocks reliably.
Activation lock. Confirm the previous owner's account has been removed and you can sign in with your own.
Software. Install the latest updates and make sure the phone still works as it should.
If anything isn't working or doesn't match the description, contact the seller as soon as you can.
Refurbished phone FAQs
What rights do I have when buying a refurbished phone?
You have the same rights when buying a refurbished phone as you do when buying a brand-new device. That's as long as you're buying from a 'trader' – someone selling goods or services as part of a business – rather than a private individual.
When you buy from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says that goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, last a reasonable length of time, and be as described (see buying rights for more). So if the phone has an undisclosed fault when you receive it, you can usually reject it and get a full refund within the first 30 days. If a fault has been disclosed though – such as 'showing signs of wear' – then as long as that's a fair description, you can't get a refund. You also don't have a legal right to a refund for an item bought from a shop just because you've changed your mind.
However, you DO have a right to change your mind if you've bought online. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you normally have 14 days to cancel your purchase and a further 14 days to return it if you change your mind. You may have to pay the return postage. (This doesn't apply if you bought on eBay in a bidding-style auction.)
And, if you pay or part-pay for a phone costing more than £100 on a credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may also protect you. This law means your card provider is equally liable with the retailer if something goes wrong – useful extra protection, especially with smaller firms. PayPal purchases aren't covered though, even if the money comes directly from a credit card linked to your PayPal account.
When's best to look for a refurbished or used phone?
You can generally get refurbished handsets year-round.
The best time is following the release of a new model, as the market will be flooded with older phone generations as people flog their handsets. January is also a good time to buy as many get a new phone at Christmas and sell off their old one.
How can I flog my old handset?
If you're willing to put in the legwork, selling your phone yourself on eBay will often get you more than using a phone-buying website. You'll need to create the listing, answer buyers' questions, package the phone and post it once it sells. For more help, see our eBay selling tips guide.
If you don't want to have to post your phone, you could try listing it locally on Facebook Marketplace. See Facebook selling tips for more.
You'll usually earn less selling your phone to a website than selling it privately. See our Sell your old mobile guide for more info.
Can I insure a refurbished phone?
Yes. Most insurers will cover a refurbished phone, provided it's been professionally refurbished, you can show proof of purchase and the phone is less than 36 months old.
When getting a quote, just let your insurer know that the device is refurbished. Cover, excesses and claim limits are usually the same as for a new phone, though this can vary between insurers and policies.
Before you buy, check the policy wording to make sure refurbished devices will be covered and whether there are any specific conditions.
Can I trade in a refurbished phone later?
Many retailers and manufacturers accept refurbished phones as trade-ins, as long as they're in good working condition.
The phone's model, age, storage capacity and overall condition will affect the amount you'll get more than the fact it's refurbished. But before trading the handset in, check the provider's terms and conditions so you're aware of any restrictions.
How long do refurbished phones last?
A refurbished phone can last just as long as a new one if it's been professionally refurbished and looked after properly.
Battery health, the phone's age and how you use it will all affect its lifespan. Choosing a quality refurbished device, using a protective case and keeping the software up to date can help it last for several years.
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