A guide to refurbished phones

Buying a phone that’s been refurbished can be a great way to cut costs on expensive electronics, but many consumers are wary about buying something that’s been previously owned. We’ve created this guide to answer the most commonly asked questions you have about buying refurbished mobile phones, from credibility to picking the phone you want, and to debunk some of the myths around what it means when you buy a phone that’s not new. By the end of it, we hope you’ll be a convert to the world of cost-efficient devices!

Orders placed before 4pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day on a tracked forty eight hour courier service, so most customers receive their device within two working days. If you need your gadget sooner you can upgrade to a next day delivery service at the checkout, and we will prioritise the shipment as soon as your order clears our final quality checks.

We inspect every phone and tablet using a seventy point checklist before we list it for sale. Once it passes the functional tests we grade the cosmetic condition as Pristine, Excellent, Very Good or Good so you know exactly what to expect when it arrives. Each grade is clearly explained on the product page and all grades come with the same twelve month warranty for complete peace of mind.

The Pros

  • It’s cheaper
  • Contract free
  • Any model device
  • More flexibility
  • Environmentally friendly

The Cons

  • It’s not brand new
  • Cosmetic wear and tear
  • The horror stories
The Pros
The Cons
So, why buy refurbished phones from us?

Okay, so you’re thinking of taking the plunge and buying a refurb. As we mentioned above, you should always do your research on who you buy from. Want to find out more about what happens when you buy from us? Here’s a few of the most important things we do when we refurbish phones.

Testing

Test, test, and test again. At Envirofone, we’ve got a really strict test process, and if a phone doesn’t function 100% we’ll not sell it...

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Grading

After the functionality tests are done, we grade the phones. Our grading system is based on cosmetic appearance...

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Warranty

We’re confident in our testing procedures, so we offer a warranty on all phones for 12 months, covering both hardware and software...

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Top tips for buying refurbished phones

Convinced? Here’s our top tips for making sure you pick the best model for your needs, whether you choose to purchase with us or elsewhere So, if you’ve done your research, decided on a phone and want to buy from a retailer you can trust, head on over to our shop section to look at the refurb phones we have in stock right now. We’ll even dispatch your phone the same day if you order before 4pm, this will be sent on a 48 hour service. For next day delivery, a delivery charge will apply. Got stuff to recycle, for even bigger savings? Check the price for your old device on our trade-in site.

Compare storage sizes, battery life, camera quality and repair history for the models you are considering. Check that the handset will receive the software features you need and that accessories such as cases or chargers are easy to find. A little homework now makes it easier to choose a phone that fits the way you actually use it.

Decide whether you are happier in the Apple ecosystem or prefer the flexibility of Android. Consider how the phone will work with your other devices, the apps you rely on and the way you like to customise your home screen. Matching the operating system to your habits saves you from switching platforms later.

A solid warranty shows that the seller stands behind their refurbishment work. Choose retailers that provide at least twelve months of cover for hardware faults and offer simple returns if anything is not quite right. It protects your investment and saves you paying for repairs soon after you receive the device.

Give the handset a full charge, run the connectivity tests and open a few demanding apps to make sure everything feels responsive. Check the cameras, speakers, buttons and biometric security features in the first couple of days. Reporting any issues straight away means the support team can help without delay.

Browse independent review sites and social media to see how other buyers rate the specific model and the seller. Positive feedback about customer service, delivery and aftercare is a strong sign you are dealing with a trustworthy retailer. Look for detailed comments rather than just star ratings for the clearest picture.

Once you have chosen your handset, compare SIM Only deals from the main networks and value providers. Consider how much data you actually use, whether you need international roaming and if perks such as inclusive streaming are worth paying extra for. Pairing a refurbished phone with the right tariff keeps your monthly costs low.

Prices often drop when a new flagship model launches or during peak sale periods such as Black Friday and January. Set alerts for the devices you like and keep an eye on bundle offers that include accessories or extended warranties. Timing your purchase well can unlock even better value on a refurbished phone.

Top tips for buying refurbished phones Convinced? Here’s our top tips for making sure you pick the best model for your needs, whether you choose to purchase with us or elsewhere So, if you’ve done your research, decided on a phone and want to buy from a retailer you can trust, head on over to our shop section to look at the refurb phones we have in stock right now. We’ll even dispatch your phone the same day if you order before 4pm, this will be sent on a 48 hour service. For next day delivery, a delivery charge will apply.

Got stuff to recycle, for even bigger savings? Check the price for your old device on our trade-in site.