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Buying Guides16 Dec 2025Posted byLiam Harris

Are Refurbished Phones Good? A Practical Guide

Are Refurbished Phones Good? A Practical Guide

Short answer: Yes. Refurbished phones offer great value with warranties and quality testing. Buy from reputable retailers and you'll get 3-5 years of solid performance at 30-50% savings.

What is a Refurbished Phone?

A refurbished phone is a returned device that's been inspected, repaired if needed, tested, and repackaged for resale. Unlike used phones sold privately, these go through standardized quality checks before being sold again.


Where they come from: Warranty returns (customers with defective phones), customer returns (buyer's remorse), contract issues (customers unable to complete contracts), trade-ins (people upgrading phones), corporate returns (bulk business returns), and overstocked inventory. The refurbishment process involves inspection, repairs, factory reset, testing, and repackaging.


Grade breakdown: Open Box (brand new, never used, ~20% off), Like New Grade A (minimal wear, ~30% off), Grade B (light scratches, ~40% off).


Many refurbished phones have replacement parts installed during refurbishment. This is normal and doesn't affect quality—all replacement parts meet manufacturer standards and undergo the same testing.


Refurbished vs Used vs New

Refurbished phones are tested and come with warranty. Used phones have no quality guarantee and no warranty. New phones cost full price but have longest warranty. If budget matters, refurbished beats both—better quality than used, better price than new.


Related Terms: Reconditioned phones are the same as refurbished—both mean restored to working condition and tested before resale. Apple uses the term "Renewed" for their refurbished iPhones, which meet Apple's strict quality standards and come with 1-year warranty.

Are They Safe?

Yes. All refurbished phones get factory reset, so previous data is completely wiped. Your personal information won't be on it.


To verify authenticity: Check the IMEI number (Settings > About or dial *#06#) against the manufacturer's database. Most Australian retailers sell unlocked phones not tied to specific networks—verify before buying if it matters to you.


Software updates: Refurbished phones get the same updates as new ones. iPhones get 5-7 years of updates; Android phones get 3-5 years depending on brand.

How Long Do They Last?

Typically 3-5 years, same as new phones. Battery is what degrades first (usually after 2-3 years).


Before buying, check battery health. On iPhone: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Device Care. On Android: Check built-in battery settings. Aim for 85%+ capacity. Most Grade A and B refurbished phones include battery replacement as standard during refurbishment, so you often get a nearly-new battery even if the phone is older.


What affects lifespan: How you use it (gaming = more wear), how you care for it (use a case, avoid water), and how long the manufacturer supports software updates.

Is It Worth the Money?

Yes. An iPhone 17 costs A$2,199 new. and a refurbished iPhone 17 costs A$1,199 (saves $1,000 or 45%).


Check out our Refurbished iPhones to compare models and pricing.


Over 3 years: Refurbished costs $1,300-1,450 total. New iPhone 17 costs $2,700-2,900 with protection. You save over $1,200.


Best times to buy: 2-3 months after new models release, Black Friday, or when new generations launch.

How to Buy One Safely

Before purchase: Use our check before buying refurbished phone guide to verify everything. Check warranty (aim for 6-12 months). Verify the IMEI number. Check battery health if possible. Read seller reviews on Trustpilot and review.io (look for 4.5+ stars). Read customer reviews for actual feedback.


When it arrives, Use an iPhone repair check tool for detailed inspection. Check the screen for scratches. Test touch responsiveness. Look for water damage indicators near the SIM tray (should be white, not pink/red). Verify it's not carrier-locked if needed.


Packaging and Accessories: Grade A refurbished phones usually come in original packaging with all original accessories (charger, cable, earphones). Grade B and C may arrive in refurbished packaging but include all necessary accessories. Check the product description before purchase to confirm what's included.


Red flags: Suspiciously low price. Poor seller reviews. No return policy. IMEI verification fails. No warranty offered.

Warranty & Returns

Most refurbished phones come with a 6-12 month warranty covering hardware defects (not water damage or accidental damage). Apple refurbished includes 1-year warranty matching new iPhones. Most retailers offer an optional extended warranty for an additional 12-24 months if you want extra protection.


Most retailers offer 30-day returns if the phone is in resalable condition. Check the specific retailer's policy before buying.


Carrier Lock Status: All refurbished phones sold through PhoneBot are carrier-unlocked and work with any Australian network (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, etc.). Always verify this before purchasing from other retailers, as international imports may be network-locked.


Factory vs Retailer Refurbished: Factory refurbished phones (direct from Apple or Samsung) use original manufacturer parts. Retailer-refurbished phones may use quality replacement parts that meet manufacturer standards. Both are equally reliable and go through identical testing processes.

Where to Buy in Australia

Why Phonebot

  • 30-day change of mind policy
  • 1-year warranty plus a 12-month extended warranty option
  • Buy now pay later
  • Free delivery nationwide.

We focus specifically on refurbished phones with thorough testing and Australian support. Good option if you want specialist knowledge and straightforward policies.

Browse Samsung Refurbished Phone options or Refurbished Google Phones to compare across brands.

Direct from Manufacturers

Apple Australia runs an official refurbished program with a 1-year warranty matching new iPhones. Samsung Australia offers official refurbished models. Both have premium pricing but the highest quality standards. JB Hi-Fi offers a good selection with 14-day returns and competitive pricing.

Online Marketplaces

BackMarket Australia provides a wide selection with buyer protection and a 30-day guarantee. Reebelo Australia focuses on iPhones and Samsung with good warranty options. Swappie Australia specializes in iPhones with flexible payment options.


Avoid: Random marketplace sellers without reviews, Gumtree (no protection), and sellers with no warranty information.

Pros and Cons

For a detailed breakdown, see the Pros and Cons of Refurbished guide.


Pros: Save 30-50% vs new. Access premium phones at budget prices. Quality tested. Comes with a warranty. Return options available. Same performance as new. Environmental benefit (reduces e-waste).


Cons: Already 1-2 years old. Shorter warranty than new. Battery partially degraded (though many have new batteries). May have light cosmetic wear. Not all models/colors in stock.


Buy refurbished if: Budget is tight, you upgrade every 2-3 years, you want premium features at a lower cost, or environmental impact matters.


Buy new if: You want the longest warranty, planning 5+ year ownership, you're hard on phones, or you need maximum software support.

Questions You Might Have

How long do refurbished phones last? 3-5 years typically. Same as new phones. Proper care matters more than being refurbished. Check the Customer review sections for real-world lifespan experiences.


Do they get software updates? Yes, same as new phones. iOS: 5-7 years. Android: 3-5 years, depending on brand.


Is a warranty included? Yes, usually 6-12 months. Apple refurbished includes a 1-year.


Can I return one? Most retailers offer 14-30 day returns in original condition.


Are they reliable? Yes, when bought from reputable retailers. They're tested thoroughly and show similar failure rates to new phones.


Do they come in original boxes? Grade A usually yes. Grade B/C often no. Check the product description.


Are they unlocked in Australia? Most are. Always verify before buying.


Will my data still be there? No. Factory reset wipes everything.


Is it safe to buy refurbished phones? Yes, when bought from reputable retailers with clear warranties and return policies. Verify seller reviews, check IMEI before buying, and confirm money-back guarantees are offered.


Refurbished vs used—which is better? Refurbished. They're tested, have a warranty, and guarantee quality. Used is cheaper but riskier.

Bottom Line

Refurbished phones are smart. You save $1,000+, get a tested device with warranty, and make a sustainable choice. Performance is identical to new phones.


Next steps: Decide your budget and model preference. Research retailers with strong reviews and clear policies. Compare warranty and return options. Verify IMEI and battery health. Make your purchase with confidence knowing reputable retailers offer 30-day returns and warranty protection.


Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

Liam Harris

I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price of a refurbished phone?

Generally no with established retailers—prices are fixed. However, look for a Coupon code and seasonal sales. Some retailers offer payment plans with no interest if paid within the promotional period.

What happens if my refurbished phone breaks after the warranty period?

You'll need to pay for repairs or contact the manufacturer if there's a hardware defect. Australian Consumer Law provides statutory protection for major defects up to 6 years, so you have options beyond retailer warranty.

How do I know if a refurbished phone battery is original or replaced?

Check battery health percentage before purchasing—if it's 100% and the phone is 2 years old, it was likely replaced. Ask the seller directly about battery status. Many quality refurbishers replace batteries as standard practice.

What's the difference between refurbished and ex-display phones?

Ex-display phones are retail demo units never sold to public, typically like-new condition with minimal use, no cosmetic wear. Refurbished phones have been returned, potentially used, then repaired. Ex-display is usually more expensive but in better condition. For budget, refurbished offers better value.

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