If you desperately want an iPhone but your budget can’t afford the latest models, then buying an old, used, or refurbished iPhone is a great way to grab a bargain. While that might sound risky, it doesn’t have to be, as there are specialty retailers that offer warranties and thoroughly check iOS devices before shipping them.
With Apple focusing on its 14-series iPhones, you can find great deals on older models like the 13, 12, and 11 series.
The fime continues to sell the standard iPhone 12 and 13 models, but has discontinued many versions, which means refurbishment is the way to go to acquire these models.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know regarding buying a safe and reliable refurbished iPhone, whether you’re looking to get it on contract or not.
Resellers of refurbished Apple products
Did you know that Apple sells Certified Refurbished iPhones through a dedicated store called Refurbished Store? It should be your first reference, it will give you an idea of what it is reasonable to pay for the chosen iPhone.
This Apple service offers a reduced price, but it also offers the same one-year limited warranty that the latest flagships also enjoy. It should also be noted that all parts used for the refurbishment are official and all batteries are new.
The standard Refurbished Store discount is 15%. Note that it is possible that no iPhone is offered.
Buy older models from Apple
If you’re not keen on getting a last-gen model, then why not go for an older iOS, and it doesn’t have to be second-hand.
No matter how much Apple touts its recent iPhones, if you take a closer look at the Apple Store, you’ll see that the iPhone 12 is still on sale. Sure, you’ll miss some of the new features, but older iPhones are still a great choice, as long as you don’t mind the design of the “older” ones.
Also, be aware that on the occasion of Black Friday, you can find new and refurbished iPhones at very advantageous prices.
What is a refurbished iPhone, is it reliable?
You might be concerned regarding buying a refurbished smartphone, thinking it would be like getting a used iPhone, but there’s no need to worry. Indeed, “refurbished” and second-hand have different definitions.
Refurbished and Refurbished iPhones are fully cleaned, tested, repaired, and checked to perform like new and in full working order.
Generally, the iPhones that Apple sells in its dedicated store have been returned for the following reasons:
- The previous owner was able to exercise their consumer rights and return the unused device within 14 days (as per Apple’s refund and return policy).
- The iPhone may have been used as a demo model.
- The iPhone may have been returned to Apple due to a defect.
This last point may worry you, but you can be sure that Apple will have identified and repaired any faults before reselling it.
Apple says refurbished products are subject to full functional testing, replacement of original parts (if necessary), and thorough cleaning.
Here are the advantages of buying a refurbished iPhone:
- You get a one-year warranty.
- You get 90 days of technical support.
- Since you’re buying directly from Apple, there are no shipping costs and returns are free.
You take advantage of the 14-day return policy if you change your mind.
What do the classes A, B and C assigned to refurbished products mean?
When you buy a refurbished product, you may see grades A, B or C, they indicate the condition of the phone. Is it dented? Does it have any scratches? Or is it totally free from blemishes and immaculate?
The note will give you a general idea. “General” because these grades are not set by an independent body, which means that they can vary from one retailer to another.
Here is how the categories are generally broken down:
- Grade A – Near New or has very minimal signs of wear.
- Grade B – May have some minor scratches and some wear. They are generally more affordable than Class A.
- Grade C – Appears used and has obvious signs of wear. They are much cheaper than grade B and A.
Of course, Class A refurbished devices will be more expensive than Class B and C refurbished devices, but they will still be priced much less than a brand new iPhone.
Note that resellers can use another classification system than the one described above, Backmarket for example classifies them in this way:
- Like new (no micro-scratches, no impact)
- Very good condition (micro-scratches invisible at more than 20 cm)
- Good condition (micro-scratches visible at 20 cm, screen like new)
- Good condition (light scratches)
- Stallone grade (micro-scratches on the screen, impacts on the shell).
Pay attention to warranties on refurbished devices
As the quality of refurbished iPhones can vary from one retailer to another, it is important to pay attention to the warranty.
How long is the phone covered? Does the warranty allow you to get free support or repairs from the dealer if you have any problems following purchase. Most usually offer up to a year.
Where to find refurbished and used iPhones?
There are many physical or online stores that specialize in refurbishing and selling iPhones. Many offer warranties, extensive pre-shipment checks, and quality ratings, so you may save a little more by choosing an iOS with a few scratches, but that works just fine.
Buy a refurbished iPhone without a plan
Backmarket (Backmarket Belgium) is one of the reference sites for the resale of refurbished tech’ devices (tablets, small household appliances, consoles, connected watches, computers, etc.), it also offers sales allowing you to make more savings.
ReBuy is another popular site for reselling and buying refurbished products, it includes a 36 month warranty as well as a 21 day right of withdrawal. It also offers promotional operations so that you equip yourself at a lower price all year round.
With Amazon Renewed, access controlled, tested products that work like new. Their defective parts are replaced and accompanied by all their accessories. Finally, they are backed by a one-year warranty and can be returned if you are not satisfied with them.
Recommerce is another service that specializes in reconditioning. It performs full examinations, cleans the device, resets it, etc. You benefit from a new smartphone with its accessories and a 12-month warranty.
SMAAART makes it its mission to ensure a second life for the iPhone (and Android) sold to it. He reconditions them in France, respecting a strict protocol. Autonomy is “certified with the manufacturer’s level of requirement” and the iPhone is resold with new headphones and charger, at a price that can be up to 50% cheaper than the original price.
CertiDeal (CertiDeal Belgium) is another reconditioned player, which also sells not only refurbished iPhones but also iPads. With this service, you get a 100% refurbishment made in France, with a nice 24-month warranty, at a price that can be up to 70% cheaper than a new iPhone.
If you are a student, you can get a €10 discount through Student Beans.
Finally, also know that e-tailers also do refurbished products without a fixed price:
Buy a refurbished iPhone with a plan
You can buy refurbished phones with subscription from the following carriers:
