A refurbished phone is a professionally tested and restored smartphone that’s been prepared for resale after previous use. Popular models from brands like Apple and Samsung offer the same core functionality as buying new, but at a lower cost. This makes refurbished phones a popular option for people who want reliable performance without paying full retail prices.

Whether you’re replacing a broken handset, upgrading your current mobile, or simply looking for better value, refurbished phones provide a practical and dependable alternative to buying new.

This guide explains what a refurbished phone is, how it’s tested, and why it’s a safer option than buying used.

What Is a Refurbished Phone?

A refurbished phone is a pre-owned mobile device that has been inspected, tested, and restored to a fully working condition by a professional seller. Unlike phones sold privately or “as is,” refurbished phones go through a structured refurbishment process designed to ensure consistent performance and usability.

This process goes far beyond a factory reset.

What refurbishment typically includes:

• Full testing of key hardware components, including screen, camera, speakers, microphones, buttons and sensors

• Battery health checks to confirm reliable daily use

• Secure removal of previous user data

• Fresh installation of the operating system

• Repair or replacement of faulty components where required

• Thorough cleaning and final quality checks

By the time a refurbished phone is resold, it’s been verified to function as expected and is ready for everyday use.

Where refurbished phones come from

Many refurbished mobile phones come from customer returns, upgrade programmes, or business refresh cycles where devices are replaced despite being fully functional. 

These mobile phones are then professionally tested and restored before resale, rather than being discarded or sold informally.

What Refurbishment Doesn’t Change

Refurbished phones are often sold with condition grades to describe their cosmetic appearance. These grades relate only to how the device looks, not how it performs.

All refurbished phones go through the same testing and preparation process, regardless of grade.

Typical condition categories include:

• New Sealed Box – Unused and still factory sealed

• New Open Box – Unused, but packaging has been opened

• Platinum, Gold, Silver – Graded by cosmetic condition, from near-perfect appearance to visible signs of use

Performance, internal components, and software standards remain consistent across all grades.

Why Refurbished Phones Are Cheaper - and Safer

Refurbished phones are cheaper because they’re not brand new, not because they’re lower quality.

Many refurbished devices come from customer returns, contract upgrades, or business refresh cycles, where phones are replaced despite being fully functional. After refurbishment, these devices offer excellent value compared to buying new.

They’re also often safer than privately sold phones thanks to:

• Professional testing and quality control

• Transparent condition grading

• Long term Warranty coverage and return options

• Verified battery health and system performance

This removes much of the uncertainty associated with private second-hand sales.

Refurbished Phones vs Used Phones

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, refurbished and used phones are not the same.

A used phone is typically sold in its current condition, with no formal testing, no guarantees, and no accountability if issues appear later. Battery degradation, hidden faults, and software problems are common risks.

A refurbished phone, by contrast, has been professionally checked and approved for resale. The seller takes responsibility for its condition, offering a more predictable and secure buying experience.

The difference isn’t that the mobile phone has been owned before - it’s that a refurbished phone has been properly prepared for its next user.

Are Refurbished Phones the Right Choice?

For most people, yes.

Refurbished phones provide a straightforward way to access reliable technology at a more accessible price. With consistent refurbishment standards, clear condition grading, and warranty support, it’s easy to understand what you’re buying and how it will perform.

Many retailers, including Orbit, also offer warranties and 30-day returns for added peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading, replacing a damaged device, or buying a phone for work or study, refurbished phones offer a sensible alternative to buying new.

Refurbished Phones FAQs

How are refurbished phones tested?

Refurbished phones go through a structured testing process that checks key components such as the screen, battery, camera, speakers, microphones, buttons, ports, and software. Any faulty parts are repaired or replaced, and the phone is only approved for resale once it meets performance standards.

What are the disadvantages of refurbished phones?

The main disadvantage is that refurbished phones are not brand new, so cosmetic signs of previous use may be visible depending on the condition grade. Battery capacity may also be slightly lower than a brand-new device. These differences are usually cosmetic rather than performance-related when the phone has been professionally refurbished.

Do refurbished phones last as long?

A professionally refurbished phone is built to deliver reliable, long-term performance for everyday use. During refurbishment, key components such as battery health and internal hardware are checked to ensure the device meets strict quality standards before resale.

While a refurbished phone may have had previous use, buying from a trust refurbisher means it has been tested, restored where needed, and approved for continued use. Making it dependable and cost-effective to buying new.

Is it risky to buy a refurbished phone?

Buying a refurbished phone carries very little risk when purchased from a professional refurbisher, such as Orbit. The risk mainly comes from informal second-hand sales where phones are not tested, graded, or backed by warranties. Choosing a trusted seller significantly reduces this risk.

What should you look for when buying a refurbished phone?

When buying a refurbished phone, you should look for professional testing, clear cosmetic grading, verified battery health, warranty coverage, and a transparent returns policy.

Buying from a trusted refurbisher like Orbit means you can feel confident the phone has been fully tested, securely wiped, graded clearly, and backed by warranty and returns, removing much of the uncertainty associated with used phones.

Are refurbished phones unlocked?

Most refurbished phones are unlocked and compatible with multiple networks. This is usually confirmed in the product listing so buyers know the phone can be used with their chosen provider.

Do refurbished phones come with accessories?

Yes. Refurbished phones tend to include essential accessories such as a charging cable. Any replacement accessories provided meet safety and quality standards.