• More than 22 million mobile customers are considering getting a refurbished phone, which could save them a combined £2 billion on buying new.
  • Over a million Brits bought a refurbished device in the last year, with those aged 18-34 the most likely to choose one.
  • Phone owners say they’re motivated to pick refurbished handsets due to the desire to go green, the expense of buying new and the cost-of-living crisis,
  • Despite passing the same quality checks as a new device, 39% of mobile users still say they wouldn’t buy refurbished phones with fault fears as their chief concern.
  • Consumers can get a premium refurbished iPhone 11 for £14 per month, saving £90 over the same 24-month contract on a new handset
  • Uswitch.com offers a range of Grade A refurbished phones — for more information about picking a pre-owned handset visit its guide.
More than 22 million savvy Brits are considering a refurbished mobile phone when the time comes to buying their next handset — saving a combined total of £2 billion compared to buying a new device, according to Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.

A refurbished phone usually refers to an ex-display or pre-owned handset that has been sent back due to a fault and has been repaired for resale. These devices have the same quality checks and guarantees as a new device – and depending on the grade, are likely to be indistinguishable from brand-new models.

Picking a refurbished phone is also a more sustainable choice, as it helps to cut down on the amount of electronic waste. Buying a refurbished iPhone 11, rather than a brand new device, can also help to prevent 194g of electronic waste.

A third of people (34%) considering buying a refurbished phone are motivated by the need to make more green decisions. Over a million savvy, eco-conscious mobile users have already made the switch and bought a refurbished device in the last year, proving to be particularly popular with young people aged 18-34.

refurbished mobile phone

The current cost-of-living crisis has driven many consumers to look at ways to save money, with a quarter of people (24%) saying that they need to find a cheaper alternative to buying a phone brand new. Meanwhile, four in 10 (40%) people considering a refurbished phone believe that brand new handsets have simply become too expensive.

There are undoubtedly savings to be had by choosing a refurbished phone. Consumers can currently get a refurbished premium iPhone 11 via Uswitch for £14 per month, saving £90 over the same 24-month contract on a new handset.

Yet there are still some sceptics out there. Despite passing the same quality checks as new handsets, two-fifths of Brits (39%) would not consider buying a refurbished handset. Of these, a third (32%) fear that the handset could arrive faulty and over a quarter (28%) are concerned about the battery life of refurbished models.

Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “With budgets being squeezed more than ever, buying a new top-of-the-range phone might not be a priority for many consumers right now.

“Choosing a premium refurbished device is an easy way to get your hands on the phone you want, at a price you can afford, and not have to sacrifice on its quality and condition.

“Buying refurbished is also an easy way to be more eco-friendly, giving a pre-owned phone a fresh lease of life and cutting the e-waste produced from buying a new device. It also encourages more mobile consumers to get into the habit of recycling and reusing handsets.

“Our research shows millions of people are considering buying a refurbished phone in the near future and we expect more people to make the switch soon.

“Sceptics should remember that refurbished does not mean faulty — all phones are tested the same way as new devices and some will have been returned without ever being used. They often come with a one-year guarantee for added assurance.

“For those wanting peace of mind when buying a refurbished phone, be sure to use a trusted seller. And if you want a handset which is as good as new, look out for one labelled as Grade A, which is the only grade available on Uswitch.”

Find out which refurbished phone deals are available at Uswitch here. 

Discover more about how to pick the best-refurbished phone and for information on the different grades of condition see the Uswitch guide here.