Pros and Cons Of Buying A Second Hand Phone

Second hand phones can save you money, but the question is should you get one? Modern phones are expensive. If you want the latest all-singing, all-dancing top of the range model then you're going to have to pay through the nose.

That's why most companies offer the latest phones on lengthy expensive contracts that more often than not see us paying more for the phone than we would have done if we had bought it out right in the first place. The better the phone, the more you'll pay and the more the company will make from you because those seemingly affordable payments soon rack up and there’s no such thing as a free thousand-pound smartphone despite what they may try to lead you to believe.

This is where refurbished phones come in as a different option that will allow you to get the latest phone for less than you might think. Cutting the cost of your handset is one thing but the question is, are you making compromises for the sake of saving a little money?

So, What Exactly is a Refurbished Phone?

Well a refurbished phone is not like a second-hand phone passed down by your brother or sister after years of wear and tear. Refurbished phones are generally ones that have been returned by a customer to the manufacturer because it had a fault that has then been repaired before putting it back into circulation at a cheaper price. It may also be a phone ‘sold’ back to a retailer or phone manufacturer so they could upgrade to a new phone. If you're really lucky, the original owner may just have simply changed their minds and returned it unused because they didn’t like it for whatever reason.

Before these ‘returned’ phones are re-sold, the manufacturer or retailer will check it, repair it if needed, and ensure it is up to the required standard to be sold back to the general public.

One thing to bear in mind if you are thinking about purchasing a refurbished phone is that it is unlikely to come with the original box or accessories that you would get with a new version of the handset.

So, What Are the Benefits of a Refurbished Phone?

Well for one refurbished phones are generally a lot cheaper and can save you hundreds of pounds in upfront costs or monthly fees over the lifetime of their contract.

It will have been professionally checked and repaired to a high standard and may appear almost like new. On top of this it will come with a warranty protecting you against any failures the phone may have in the coming months.

So, What Are the Cons of a Refurbished Phone?

You'll have to wait for the top models as it will take many months after their release for them to begin appearing in the refurbished section of your local phone shop.

It may be difficult to insure the phone, although this is generally not a problem. If you do try to insure the phone the cost will be higher for a refurbished phone than a new one. Many people have phone insurance as part of their current account. If you do then it is a good idea to double check the small print to ensure refurbished phones are covered.

Depending on the grade of refurbishment, the handset may come with scratches or scuff marks.

The supplied warranty will also generally be far shorter than if the phone was brand new.

And If You Do Decide to Buy a Refurbished Phone…

If you do decide to buy a refurbished phone then check out our mobile phone comparison page for the best value deals available.