Everything you need to know before buying a refurbished iPhone

The concept of refurbished is becoming increasingly well-known, and more and more refurbished devices are being sold. In particular, the refurbished iPhone is very popular. However, many people still have doubts about purchasing a refurbished smartphone because they don't know exactly what it means, where the phone comes from, or what the quality of such a refurbished phone is. After all, how else can you explain that big price difference? 

What is refurbished? 

In the Netherlands, the English term "refurbished" is almost always used, but the official translation is "revised." Other terms that mean the same and occasionally come up are renewed, remarketed, and remanufactured. At RefurbishedDirect, we always refer to refurbished devices. This means that all our devices have had a previous owner and come from the business market. They are then fully inspected, wiped clean, cleaned, and repaired where necessary. For example, some parts may be defective and need to be replaced. This is how we guarantee that our iPhones are 100% technically sound.  

Refurbished is therefore not comparable to second-hand. At RefurbishedDirect, you can be sure that all components have been checked and that your device will last for years to come. Additionally, you get a two-year warranty. When you buy a second-hand iPhone from a private seller, you are not sure of the device’s origin, quality, and you don’t have any warranty. Therefore, you have no idea of the technical condition of your new iPhone, unlike when you buy a refurbished one.  

What is the Refurbished Quality Mark? 

In 2019, the Refurbished Quality Mark was introduced. This was an initiative by Techniek Nederland after a report from the Dutch Consumers' Association showed that refurbished iPhones are not always of the same quality everywhere. Through this quality mark, it is now assessed which refurbishers fully follow the refurbishing process and meet the quality requirements. 

When this is the case, they receive a certificate. As a result, the supplier is audited by an independent party, and as a consumer, you have more confidence in the product you are buying. Not all refurbishers affiliated with SWOOP have this quality mark, such as Tweedekans and Maxicom. In some cases, this results in a price advantage. So, pay close attention when making your purchase.  

So, in terms of content, a refurbished iPhone is indistinguishable from a new one, but what about the exterior? 

What are cosmetic conditions? 

The cosmetic condition can vary per refurbished product. This is because the phone has already been used, and the casing and screen are not always replaced. This means there may be scratches on the device. To clarify this, all products are assigned a cosmetic condition. This is done based on the amount of wear and tear. Different grades have been established for this. An iPhone with a good cosmetic condition is cheaper than one in excellent condition, which is fair. At SWOOP, you can choose from good, very good, excellent, and pristine. The internal condition of these devices is the same across all grades.

Why is refurbished cheaper than new? 

The devices sold as refurbished are often only used for a short period. However, they can no longer be offered as new, which significantly lowers the price. Phones and components that are still in good condition can be reused, allowing refurbished iPhones to be sold much cheaper. Additionally, most phones are first refurbished about a year after their release when a new model hits the market. 

As a result, you won’t quickly see the latest model offered as refurbished. However, iPhones released one or two years ago are more common. This makes a refurbished iPhone much more affordable than a new one. The fact that refurbished iPhones are a bit older doesn’t mean they won’t last for years. There are few noticeable differences between the latest generations of iPhones. So, with a refurbished iPhone, you are still getting a very powerful phone. 

How sustainable is a refurbished iPhone? 

By purchasing a refurbished iPhone, you are giving the device a second life. On average, a smartphone is used for only two years before being replaced by a new one. What happens to the old device varies. Some are recycled, but most are not. So, by buying a refurbished iPhone, you are essentially recycling a phone that would otherwise be thrown away. Firstly, fewer devices need to be produced, reducing CO2 emissions and saving liters of water. Secondly, less electronic waste is discarded, which, after plastic, is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. A refurbished iPhone is therefore beneficial for the environment in multiple ways.