Buying a refurbished phone has become one of the smartest ways to get premium technology at a fraction of the cost. With potential savings of 30-70% compared to brand new devices, it’s no wonder that more UK consumers are turning to refurbished phones as their go-to option. But with so many online retailers claiming to offer the best deals, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide examines the top refurbished phone retailers in the UK, helping you make an informed decision based on price, quality, warranty coverage, and customer service. Whether you’re looking for the best place to buy refurbished iPhone models or Android devices, we’ve got you covered.
What Are Refurbished Phones?
Refurbished phones are pre-owned devices that have been professionally restored to working condition. Unlike simply “used” phones, refurbished devices undergo rigorous testing, cleaning, and repair processes to ensure they function like new. This typically includes:
- Battery replacement or testing to ensure optimal performance
- Screen and housing repairs to address any cosmetic damage
- Software restoration with factory resets and latest updates
- Quality assurance testing across all functions
- Professional cleaning and sanitisation
Most reputable retailers grade refurbished phones based on their cosmetic condition, ranging from “Like New” (virtually pristine) to “Good” (showing signs of normal wear but fully functional).
Top 5 Best Sites for Refurbished Phones in the UK
1. giffgaff
Why giffgaff Excels: giffgaff combines competitive refurbished phone deals with their popular mobile network services, offering excellent value for UK customers.
Key Features:
- 12-24 months warranty on refurbished devices
- 21-day return policy with hassle-free returns
- Free next-day delivery when ordered before midnight
- Unlocked phones compatible with any network
- Contract-free devices with optional SIM plans
- Recycled packaging supporting environmental initiatives
- Goodybag plans from £6-£25 for existing members
Best For: UK customers who value network provider reliability combined with refurbished phone deals, especially existing giffgaff members.
Price Range: Competitive pricing with additional value through network plan bundles
2. Back Market
Why Back Market Stands Out: Back Market has emerged as one of the most popular choices for UK customers in 2024, specializing in refurbished tech and taking time to vet and handpick only the best refurbished sellers available to feature in their marketplace.
Key Features:
- 12-month warranty on all devices
- 30-day return policy with free returns
- Rigorous quality standards with professional refurbishers
- Price matching available
- Detailed condition grading system
- Free delivery on orders over £30
Best For: iPhone buyers seeking premium quality assurance and comprehensive warranties.
Price Range: Mid to high-end, but justified by quality standards
3. musicMagpie
Why musicMagpie Is Trusted: Before selling a refurbished phone on the musicMagpie Store, devices undergo strict testing to ensure they work just as a brand-new phone would, with competitive prices, free delivery, and a 12-month warranty.
Key Features:
- 12-month warranty included
- Free next-day delivery available
- Clear grading system (Pristine, Very Good, Good)
- No-quibble returns policy
- Professional quality checks before sale
- Wide selection of popular brands
Best For: Buyers wanting established UK company reliability with competitive pricing.
Price Range: Competitive, often beating high-street retailers
4. Amazon Renewed
Why Amazon Renewed Works: Amazon Renewed is recognised as one of the most reliable sites for refurbished phone deals, leveraging Amazon’s trusted platform and customer service excellence.
Key Features:
- 90-day return policy through Amazon’s standard process
- Prime delivery benefits for members
- A-to-Z guarantee protection
- Customer reviews for individual sellers
- Easy returns process through existing Amazon account
- Multiple seller options with competitive pricing
Best For: Existing Amazon Prime members who value familiar shopping experience.
Price Range: Varies widely depending on seller, often very competitive
5. Currys Refurbished
Why Currys Offers Peace of Mind: Currys, a major UK electronics retailer, offers refurbished phones with their established customer service and retail presence.
Key Features:
- High-street retailer backing with physical stores
- Standard retail warranties and customer protection
- Professional refurbishment process
- Finance options available
- Click & collect service available
- Established customer service infrastructure
Best For: Buyers who prefer shopping with established high-street retailers.
Price Range: Generally higher than specialist sites but with added security
Read Also: Carphone Warehouse Refurbished Phones: Your Guide to Smart Savings
How to Choose the Right Refurbished Phone Retailer
Consider Your Priorities
For Maximum Savings: Choose CEX or look for deals on Amazon Renewed, where multiple sellers create competitive pricing.
For Premium Quality Assurance: Back Market and musicMagpie offer the most rigorous quality control processes.
For Longest Warranty: CEX provides 24-month warranties, significantly longer than industry standard.
For Convenience: Amazon Renewed integrates seamlessly with existing Amazon accounts and Prime benefits.
Essential Questions to Ask
About the Device:
- What grade/condition is the phone?
- Has the battery been replaced or tested?
- Are original accessories included?
- What’s the battery health percentage?
About the Seller:
- What warranty is included?
- What’s the return policy?
- How long have they been in business?
- What do customer reviews say?
About the Purchase:
- Are there any hidden fees?
- How much is delivery?
- How long will delivery take?
- Is insurance available?
Understanding Refurbished Phone Grading Systems
Most retailers use similar grading systems, but terminology can vary:
Grade A / Pristine / Excellent
- Appearance: Like new with minimal to no visible wear
- Functionality: Perfect working condition
- Battery: 85%+ health typically
- Price: Highest among refurbished options
Grade B / Very Good / Good
- Appearance: Light signs of use, minor scratches possible
- Functionality: Perfect working condition
- Battery: 80%+ health typically
- Price: Mid-range refurbished pricing
Grade C / Fair / Acceptable
- Appearance: Noticeable wear, scratches, or scuffs
- Functionality: Perfect working condition
- Battery: 75%+ health typically
- Price: Most affordable refurbished option
Best Refurbished iPhone Deals in the UK
iPhone 13 Series
Typical Savings: 25-35% vs new prices Best Retailers: Back Market, musicMagpie Price Range: £400-£650 depending on storage and condition
iPhone 12 Series
Typical Savings: 35-45% vs original RRP Best Retailers: CEX, Amazon Renewed Price Range: £300-£500 depending on model and condition
iPhone SE Series
Typical Savings: 30-40% vs new prices Best Retailers: All major retailers stock these popular models Price Range: £200-£350 depending on generation
iPhone 11 Series
Typical Savings: 40-55% vs original RRP Best Retailers: Wide availability across all platforms Price Range: £250-£400 depending on model
Best Refurbished Android Deals
Samsung Galaxy S Series
Popular models include Galaxy S21, S22, and S23 series with savings of 30-50% compared to new prices.
Google Pixel Series
Pixel 6, 7, and 8 models offer excellent value with pure Android experience at 25-45% savings.
OnePlus Models
OnePlus 8, 9, and 10 series provide flagship specifications at budget-friendly refurbished prices.
Read Also: Refurbished Phones Pay Monthly: Your Complete Guide to Smart Mobile Deals in the UK
What to Check When Your Refurbished Phone Arrives
Immediate Inspection (First 24 Hours)
Physical Condition:
- Check screen for cracks, deep scratches, or dead pixels
- Examine body for damage not disclosed in listing
- Ensure all buttons click properly
- Verify charging port is clean and functional
Functionality Tests:
- Test all cameras (front and rear)
- Check speakers and microphone quality
- Verify touchscreen responsiveness across entire display
- Test fingerprint sensor and Face ID (if applicable)
Battery Performance:
- Check battery health in settings
- Monitor charging speed and battery drain
- Ensure wireless charging works (if applicable)
Network and Connectivity:
- Confirm phone isn’t network locked (unless stated)
- Test WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile data
- Verify GPS functionality
Common Refurbished Phone Myths Debunked
Myth 1: “Refurbished phones don’t last as long”
Reality: Professional refurbishment often includes battery replacement and component repairs, potentially making devices more reliable than heavily used “new” phones.
Myth 2: “You can’t get warranties on refurbished phones”
Reality: Major retailers and dedicated refurbished sites offer warranties that guarantee devices remain fully functional for a year or even longer.
Myth 3: “Refurbished means damaged or faulty”
Reality: Refurbished phones undergo more testing than many new devices, with professional technicians verifying every function works correctly.
Myth 4: “You can’t return refurbished phones”
Reality: Most reputable retailers offer 14-30 day return policies, often more generous than some new phone retailers.
Environmental Benefits of Choosing Refurbished
Reducing E-Waste: Every refurbished phone purchase prevents one device from ending up in landfill, where toxic materials can harm the environment.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Refurbishing existing devices requires significantly less energy than manufacturing new phones, reducing overall carbon emissions.
Resource Conservation: Extending device lifecycles reduces demand for rare earth metals and other materials used in new phone production.
Supporting Circular Economy: Choosing refurbished phones supports business models focused on reuse rather than constant consumption.
Red Flags to Avoid When Shopping
Unreliable Sellers
- No physical address or contact information
- Suspiciously low prices that seem too good to be true
- No warranty or return policy offered
- Poor customer reviews or no reviews at all
- Vague condition descriptions without specific grading
Device Warning Signs
- Unusually cheap prices for premium models
- No mention of battery condition or health
- Phones sold “as seen” without testing
- Multiple similar listings from same seller (possible stolen goods)
- No original purchase proof available
Money-Saving Tips for Refurbished Phone Shopping
Timing Your Purchase
Best Times to Buy:
- September/October: When new iPhones launch, older models become cheaper
- January: Post-Christmas sales and new Android flagship announcements
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Many retailers offer additional discounts
- End of financial quarters: Retailers clear inventory with better deals
Maximising Value
Compare Multiple Sites: Don’t settle for the first price you see. The same phone model can vary by £50+ between retailers.
Consider Slightly Lower Grades: Grade B phones often look much better than described and offer significant savings over Grade A.
Bundle Deals: Some retailers offer discounts when buying cases, screen protectors, or insurance alongside your phone.
Trade-In Options: If you have an old phone, many retailers offer trade-in credits that can reduce your final price.
Warranty and After-Sales Support Comparison
Back Market
- Warranty Length: 12 months
- Return Period: 30 days
- Customer Support: Email and live chat
- Repair Service: Through approved partners
musicMagpie
- Warranty Length: 12 months
- Return Period: 14 days
- Customer Support: Phone, email, and live chat
- Repair Service: In-house team available
Amazon Renewed
- Warranty Length: 90 days (varies by seller)
- Return Period: 30 days
- Customer Support: Standard Amazon customer service
- Repair Service: Depends on individual seller
CEX
- Warranty Length: 24 months
- Return Period: 14 days (48 hours for online orders tested in-store)
- Customer Support: In-store, phone, and online
- Repair Service: Available through stores
Final Recommendations: Which Site Should You Choose?
For First-Time Refurbished Buyers
musicMagpie offers the best balance of quality assurance, customer service, and competitive pricing, making it ideal for those new to refurbished phones.
For Maximum Savings
CEX typically offers the lowest prices, especially for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept slightly more wear on devices.
For Premium Quality Assurance
Back Market provides the most stringent quality controls and comprehensive marketplace oversight, ideal for expensive purchases.
For Convenience and Familiarity
Amazon Renewed works perfectly for existing Amazon customers who value familiar checkout processes and Prime benefits.
For In-Person Shopping
CEX remains the best option for buyers who prefer examining phones before purchase, with extensive UK store network.
Read Also: Sky Refurbished Phones: Complete Guide & Best Alternatives
Conclusion
The refurbished phone market in the UK offers excellent opportunities to save money while getting high-quality devices. The most reliable sites for refurbished phone deals include Amazon Renewed and Back Market, with major retailers and dedicated refurbished sites offering thorough safety checks and warranty coverage.
Success in buying refurbished phones comes down to choosing reputable retailers, understanding grading systems, and knowing what to inspect when your device arrives. Whether you’re looking for the latest iPhone or a budget-friendly Android device, the retailers covered in this guide offer reliable options with proper warranty coverage and customer support.