Busting 6 Common Myths About Refurbished Phones

Myth 1: Refurbished phones are not safe

Our verdict: False

Many regard refurbished phones as being less safe than new phones which is a false belief. Refurbished phones remain supported by manufacturer software and security updates for the same time period as when buying new. Meaning your refurbished phone will receive manufacturer updates for as long as the model is supported.

iPhones will receive iOS updates for 5-6 years from the release date, whilst Android models will be updated for 2-4 years after launch depending on the manufacturer. Samsung has recently promised 4 years of OS support for its Galaxy lineup starting with 2021 models. Google software updates are getting better as well, with Pixel 6 lineup remaining supported until 2024.

Whenever you buy a phone, whether it be new or refurbished, it’s important to know for how long the manufacturer is committed to delivering operating system updates, so the use of your phone won't be at risk.

• Read More: What Are Refurbished Phones? A Complete Guide

Myth 2: A refurbished phone is the same as a used phone

Our verdict: False

There are significant differences between a used phone and a refurbished phone and they are not the same thing.

• Quality

Refurbished phone: Sold by a reseller, retailer or manufacturer, which means the phone will be graded, professionally repaired if needed, tested to ensure it is in fully working condition and data-wiped.

Used phone: Sold by its previous owner, which doesn’t guarantee its complete functionality, might come with faults, network or activation lock.

• Warranty

Refurbished phone: Comes with at least 12-month warranty offering a peace of mind that it can be repaired in case over time it develops a functionality fault.

Used phone: Likely to have an expired warranty which can’t be renewed when the phone changes hands between owners.

• After sale support

Refurbished phone: Offers return policies, customer support and full refunds in case you’re not happy with your purchase as well as proof of purchase.

Used phone: Buying on a peer-to-peer marketplace is an unregulated transaction and can be hit and miss with no contact, refund or support after the purchase.

Myth 3: Refurbished phones don’t work as well as a new phone

Our verdict: False

Different studies have shown that the functionality of a refurbished phone is as good as of a new one in terms of battery life and launching apps happens as fast or marginally slower which is hardly noticeable. Battery health of refurbished phones is at least at 80% of its original capacity and before being available to buy, refurbished phones are going through a rigorous testing process to check for any issues or faulty parts which are replaced if required. As we mentioned previously, refurbished phones have return policies provided by the retailer which helps if you’re not happy with the phone received and decide to return or exchange it.

Myth 4: A refurbished phone is not original and may have been stolen

Our verdict: False

Another belief surrounding refurbished phones is that the phone sold is not an original unit and could have been stolen. This is not true about refurbished phones as these devices are genuine Apple or Android models that have been legally purchased from their previous owner, an insurance company or a retailer. Upon the purchase, IMEI numbers of these units are checked against the blacklist database to ensure they haven’t been reported as lost or stolen as this will render the device unusable. If a phone needs a refurbishment of some level, genuine parts are used to ensure compatibility and functionality.

We know how important it is to buy refurbished phones from a reputable retailer, that’s why on our refurbished phones comparison retailers are reliable companies and are able to safeguard buyers of any risk.

Myth 5: You never know what quality refurbished phone you will receive

Our verdict: False

Refurbished phones are graded depending on their cosmetic condition to indicate the physical appearance of the phone. When buying a refurbished phone paying attention to the condition the phone is listed under is what will explain the look and feel of it, so the buyer knows what to expect from the phone.

Retailers at Compare and Recycle grade refurbished phones from Pristine (almost like new) to Average (with noticeable wear and tear) to manage buyer expectations. Prices on refurbished phones will vary depending on the condition of the phone, so you can choose to go for a lower grade to save more.

Myth 6: Refurbished phones are not much cheaper

Our verdict: False

Refurbished phones are sold at much lower prices than brand new phones. This is because of lower production costs as they don’t need to be manufactured from scratch, rather than due to lower quality.

At Compare and Recycle you can save at least 20% when buying a refurbished phone compared to a brand new model, and the savings can reach up to 50%. It means you could save between £100 and £200 on a phone that wouldn’t be much different from a newly manufactured one.

Read More: Best Refurbished Smartphones to Buy For Any Budget

Getting a refurbished phone doesn’t just save money, but also helps to keep valuable components and materials in circulation. Besides, you can also sell your old phone and get some extra money to help you out to purchase your new phone. When purchasing a refurbished iPhone or Android you would get a fully functional phone with the same features and specifications as a new one. When you’re looking at which refurbished phone to choose, it is important to do your research and not fall for misbeliefs.