Refurbished and new phones offer different options depending on what you’re looking for. This guide compares the key differences, so you can choose the right option for your needs, budget and priorities.
A refurbished phone is a pre-owned device that has been professionally inspected, tested and, if needed, repaired to ensure it works properly. At Backed Buy, all refurbished phones go through our comprehensive 90 point quality check and come with a warranty, so you can buy with confidence.
A new phone should arrive unused and without signs of previous use. A refurbished phone has been previously owned or returned, but its cosmetic condition will depend on the condition grade and standards used by the seller.
Cosmetic condition does not necessarily indicate how well a refurbished phone functions. At Backed Buy, both Premium and Excellent phones are fully functional and put through our comprehensive 90 point quality check. Premium phones have no signs of previous use, while Excellent phones may have light signs of previous use.
Refurbished phones can cost less than buying the equivalent phone new. The difference will depend on the model, age, condition and seller.
In some cases, refurbished phones can cost up to 50% less than the equivalent phone new. When comparing prices, make sure you are looking at the same model, storage capacity and specification, as these can affect the price.
A new phone comes with a new battery, while battery health on a refurbished phone can vary depending on the seller and condition grade.
At Backed Buy, Premium phones are guaranteed to have at least 95% battery health, while Excellent phones are guaranteed to have at least 90% battery health.
New phones usually come with a manufacturer warranty, although the length and terms can vary depending on the brand and retailer. Refurbished phone warranties can also vary between sellers.
Every refurbished phone from Backed Buy comes with a FREE 12 month warranty, giving you warranty cover regardless of whether you choose Premium or Excellent condition.
One common mistake is comparing refurbished and new phones on price alone. The exact model, age, condition, battery health, warranty and remaining software support can all affect the comparison.
It depends on what you are comparing. A refurbished phone can be fully functional, but its cosmetic condition, battery health and warranty may differ from a new phone. These can also vary between refurbished sellers, so it is important to compare the exact phones and the standards offered.
How long a refurbished phone lasts depends on factors such as the model, its age, battery health, how it is used and how long it continues to receive software and security support. A properly refurbished phone can remain useful for several years, but it is important to consider the exact model rather than simply whether it is refurbished.
It depends on the exact phones you are comparing. A newer refurbished model may offer more recent features, performance and potentially more remaining software support than an older model that is still being sold new. However, this varies by model, so compare the specifications, age, software support, battery and warranty of both phones before deciding.
Compare our refurbished phones and find the model, condition and storage capacity that suits your needs.
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