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If you're desperate for an iPhone but your budget doesn't quite stretch to Apple's newest models, buying an old, used or refurbished iPhone is a great way to pick up a bargain. While this might sound like a risky route to take, it doesn't have to be the case, as there are a number of specialist retailers that offer warranties and check all devices before sending them out.
Apple Refurbished Store
Now is a particularly great time to buy a refurbished iPhone, as Apple itself sells iPhones in its own Certified Refurbished Store in the UK, something that it's been doing in the US Refurbished Store for some time.
One of the main reasons for buying from the Apple Refurbished Store, aside from the lower cost, is that the devices all come with the same one-year limited warranty that you'll find on the brand-new versions. It's also worth noting that any parts used in the refurb will be official Apple ones and all come with brand-new batteries.
The standard reduction on the Apple Refurbished Store is 15 percent.
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Best refurbished iPhone deals now
Buying older models from Apple
If you're not worried about getting the absolute latest kit, an older Apple iPhone is an option and it doesn't have to be second-hand.
Apple may be touting the virtues of its latest iPhone models, but if you look on the Apple Store you'll see that the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 are still on sale.
Of course, you'll miss out on some of the newer features offered in the latest models, but these older iPhones remain an excellent choice if you're happy with the 'old' designs. At the time of writing you can pick up a 256GB iPhone XS Max for £759/$719.
Should I buy a refurbished iPhone? What is refurbished?
You might be concerned about buying a refurbished handset, thinking that it would be like buying a second-hand iPhone, but there's no reason to be worried. Remember: refurbished and second-hard aren't the same thing. Refurbished iPhones are pre-owned but are totally wiped, tested and repaired to work like new.
The iPhones Apple sells in the Certified Refurbished store were returned to Apple for a variety of reasons:
- The previous owner could have exercised their consumer rights and returned the handset unused within 14-days (as per Apple’s refund and exchange policy).
- The iPhone may have been used as a demonstration model.
- The iPhone may have been returned to Apple due to a fault.
This latter point may concern you, however you can be sure that Apple will have identified and fixed any faults before reselling it.
Apple says that refurbished products undergo "full functional testing, genuine Apple part replacements (if necessary)," as well as "a thorough cleaning".
There are plenty of benefits to buying a refurbished iPhone:
Refurbished iPhone vs second-hand - what's the difference?
If it's not already clear, a refurbished iPhone is tested and repaired so the handset works like new (or as close to new as possible). A second-hand iPhone, on the other hand, is simply sold as is, which means the device may not last as long, particularly the battery.
There are other risks to buying second-hand too. If the previous owner hasn't dissociated their Apple ID from the device you may get permanently locked out of the iPhone. This can happen if you've forgotten your password and have made too many attempts to log in. Unfortunately, Apple's customer service wouldn't be able to help you unlock the phone either, as the company has strict security policies.
Such a situation would be less of a concern if you know and can easily contact the previous owner (and they remember their Apple ID details), but we'd prefer avoiding such complications to start with.
This is just another reason why buying refurbished is a more reliable route to go if you did want to pick up a previously-owned iPhone.
What does the refurbished Grade A mean?
When you shop refurbished you might see grade scores A, B, or C – this indicates the condition of the phone. Is it dinged up? Does it have scratches? Or is it completely blemish-free and pristine? The grade will give you a general idea.
We say "general" because these grades aren't set by an independent body, which means they can vary from retailer to retailer. This is how the grades usually break down:
- Grade A - Looks like new or has very few signs of wear
- Grade B - Might have some minor scratches and some wear
- Grade C - Looks used and has obvious signs of wear
Of course, Grade A refurbished devices will be more expensive than Grade C, but you'll still be paying much less than paying for a brand new device.
Pay attention to refurbished warranties
Given the quality of refurbished iPhone devices can vary from retailer to retailer, it's important to pay attention to the warranty. How long is the phone covered? The warranty allows you to get help or free repairs from the seller if you run into any issues after purchase. Most retailers typically offer up to a year.
Where to get refurbished and pre-owned iPhones - best retailers
One of the best ways to get an old or refurbished iPhone at a bargain price, including models such as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that are no longer available from Apple, is buying second-hand or refurbished devices from third-party retailers.
There is a wide selection of outlets to choose from, many of whom offer warranties, device checkups before dispatch, and quality gradings so you can save a bit more money by opting for a device that's got a few minor scratches but still works fine.
Check out the following retailers for excellent prices on refurbished and pre-owned iPhones.
Where to buy a refurbished iPhone SIM-free
The following refurbished retailers are also worth checking out:
Where to buy a refurbished iPhone on contract
You can pick up refurbished phones on contract as well from the following carriers and resellers:
Outside of specialist retailers, there's also eBay (just be sure to check the seller's feedback and read the descriptions carefully), and CeX.
Buying older iPhones new on contract
Another way to dampen the financial impact of buying a new iPhone is to go down the tried and tested route of contracts offered by mobile providers. You'll find older iPhone models in the online stores of various UK carriers, such as the iPhone 7 or iPhone 8, on much cheaper tariffs than the iPhone 12 range.
Prices change all the time, so we'd recommend reading our Best iPhone deals guide on a regular basis to see which offers are currently available.
Best refurbished iPhone deals right now
So, if you want an iPhone but the price has been holding you back, hopefully, one of these solutions will meet your needs without draining your bank account.
