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What Is The Difference Between Used And Refurbished Phones?

What Is The Difference Between Used And Refurbished Phones?. If you're in the market for a new phone, it can be tempting to choose one that is used or refurbished as an economical option.

But do you know what differentiates them and how it could impact your user experience?

At first glance, all second-hand phones appear to be created equal. But delve deeper, and you'll soon find that the key difference between a used and a refurbished phone lies in the level of care, testing, quality assurance and repairs needed to bring these devices up to scratch.

Considering a used or refurbished phone? Read on to learn more about how they differ so you can make an informed decision before parting with your hard-earned cash!

Want a phone that's undergone a rigorous 90-point check and approved used? Look no further than ur.co.uk for the best deals on refurbished phones!

What Is A Refurbished Phone?

Refurbished phones are the savvy shopper's best-kept secret!

Imagine a previously owned smartphone, meticulously repaired, tested and reconditioned to the highest standard and sold at a fraction of the cost.

Refurbished phones are usually more reliable than used devices, especially here at ur, where all devices go through a rigorous 90-point check by skilled technicians.

Our in-house experts meticulously repair and recondition each device according to Phonecheck certification standards to ensure it's in full working order - ready for the next owner to enjoy.

But wait, there's more! These rejuvenated devices also come with a solid 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind and assurance of their reliability.

When buying a refurbished phone, combining the allure of a high-end smartphone with the satisfaction of an eco-friendly choice is easy.

So go on, take the plunge, and embrace the world of refurbished phones – your bank account (and Mother Earth) will be forever grateful!

How Does A Used Phone Differ From A Refurbished Phone?

If you want to upgrade your device, you might wonder - what's the difference between a "used" phone and a "refurbished" phone?

When it comes to used phones, these devices were previously owned by someone else and are unlikely to have been tested for reliability or quality assurance.

On the other hand, refurbished products have usually undergone a rigorous process of functionality testing and component repair/replacement to ensure they are in the best condition possible.

Expert technicians then grade the device appropriately according to its condition (good, excellent, or premium) before the product is listed for resale.

If you're looking for a reliable smartphone at an affordable price, refurbished devices from ur are well worth considering!

Buyer Beware: 5 Important Considerations When Buying a Refurbished Phone

When you see what looks to be a great deal on a refurbished phone, you might be tempted to pull the trigger without thinking.

But be sure to research and read reviews first—especially if buying from an unfamiliar source.

Here are our top 5 tips to keep in mind:

  1. Choose a reputable seller: Skip those shady online deals and stick with well-established sellers like ur.co.uk. You'll get peace of mind knowing we provide a 12-month warranty, excellent customer service, and quality devices.

  2. Check the phone's condition: Always look for clear grading criteria (Good, Excellent, and Premium) that outline the cosmetic and functional state of the device. At ur, we're transparent about our grading system, so you know exactly what to expect.

  3. Verify the phone's compatibility: Make sure the phone is unlocked and compatible with your preferred network provider. Lucky for you, all ur phones come unlocked, so you can rest assured knowing you'll be able to use the phone on your preferred provider.

  4. Inspect the battery life: A phone's battery can degrade over time, affecting its performance. The good news is ur guarantees a minimum of 80% battery health regardless of the grade you choose for your device.

  5. Look for a warranty: A solid warranty shows the seller stands by the quality of their products. ur.co.uk offers a 12-month warranty on all our refurbished phones, giving you that extra layer of protection on top of the free 12-month insurance policy we provide.

The Difference Between Refurbished & Used Phones - Final Thoughts

Straight off the bat, we'd recommend choosing refurbished models over a used phone where possible.

You then at least know what you're buying and know it will last. All ur refurbished phones also come with a warranty and £45 worth of accessories as standard, similar to that of a brand-new device, but for a much lower price. 

A pre-owned smartphone that hasn't been refurbished can be a cheaper option, and if you're willing to take a risk, it may leave you better off.

However, you will need to be more careful where you buy smartphones and always remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Choose ur to get the best of both worlds, a top-quality phone at an affordable price with the peace of mind that it's been refurbished professionally and comes with a 12-month warranty.

Browse our collection of refurbished phones

FAQs

Is refurbished the same as second-hand?

No, refurbished is not the same as a second-hand phone. Refurbished devices are previously owned but have been inspected, repaired, and restored to a like-new condition. At the same time, second-hand phones are sold directly from the previous owner via platforms such as Amazon Marketplace or eBay with no improvements.

Is a refurbished phone slower than a new phone?

Refurbished phones are not necessarily slower than new phones. Performance depends on the model and its condition. A refurbished phone should function similarly to a new device if it is appropriately restored.

When is buying a used or refurbished phone a good idea?

Buying a used or refurbished phone is a good idea when you want to save money, reduce electronic waste, or need a temporary or backup device. Assess your needs and budget to make the best choice.

Which site is best for refurbished phones?

Ur.co.uk is the best place to buy refurbished phones with the peace of mind of a 12-month warranty period and free insurance. Throw in £45 worth of accessories with each purchase, and you're ensured extra value and enhanced user experience. Choose ur.co.uk for reliable, approved used phones that have been rigorously checked before sale by our expert in-house technicians.