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.
Read more:
Shop Small: supporting small businesses in a post-pandemic world
10 things you need to know about setting up a street-side business
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.
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.”
Leave a Commment