There’s no getting past the reality that smartphones are costly, with many of the most recent flagship models costing $1,000. The iPhone is notoriously expensive, frequently turning off purchasers and driving them to choose a less expensive Android phone.

However, for people on a tight budget, there is another option: refurbished phones. A refurbished iPhone, sometimes known as a “refurbished iPhone” or a “reconditioned iPhone,” is an Apple smartphone that has been restored to complete functional order after being previously owned or used as a showcase model. While many fear that a refurbished iPhone would be harmed in some manner or perform inferiorly to a brand-new device, this is not the case. In truth, you can frequently get a product that is as excellent as new without breaking the budget.

Is It Worth Buying a Refurbished iPhone? 

iPhones are generally costly, but acquiring a reconditioned phone may get your hands on Apple’s newest technology without breaking the bank. For example, buying a refurbished iPhone 12 costs you much cheaper than a brand-new one. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars upfront, reconditioned iPhones, like brand-new ones, are an excellent option. 

Buying a refurbished iPhone is also good for the environment, making them an excellent, sustainable choice. The average carbon emissions of a smartphone throughout its lifetime come to around 80kg, with 80% of that occurring during the manufacturing process. Choosing an existing device rather than a new one means you’re saving this vast chunk of carbon. What’s more, choosing a refurbished handset will also help with the growing issue of electronic waste, or e-waste, which means you’re doing your bit to help save the planet. 

What Are The Different Grades of Refurbished iPhones?

All refurbished phones are graded based on their condition, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you part with your money. While no unified grading standard exists, most dealers grade reconditioned products from A to D.

Grade A

A grade-A smartphone will be in great shape if you can go to a brand-new device without paying a premium. A smartphone returned within the allotted 30-day cooling-off period will be the most acceptable grade-A device. This means that even if you are saving hundreds of pounds, the phone is still brand new. At most, the screen or housing will have little evidence of wear and tear, such as subtle scratches that are scarcely perceptible to the human eye.

Grade B 

A smartphone with a B grade will still be in decent shape but most likely have some noticeable dents and scratches. Although there will be traces of prior usage, unlike top-tier refurbished equipment, you can anticipate that a handset will still perform as well as a grade-A item.

Grade C

With Grade C refurbished phones, you can anticipate a fully working smartphone with evidence of extensive former usage. Refurbished grade C products are functional but exhibit considerable evidence of usage. This might take the shape of visible scratches and dents on the handset’s exterior and display, while these aesthetic markings will not hinder the product’s functionality.

Grade D

Grade D refurbished phones will be damaged in some form, appear used, and have seen extensive use. In some situations, grade D devices may be damaged or visually flawed beyond repair and are designed to be resold for parts only. Fortunately, most networks only sell grades A-C. Grade D phones are available from specific refurbished phone merchants on eBay, although they will generally recommend that you only buy one if you can repair them yourself.

Which Refurbished iPhone Would Be Best For You?

The iPhone lineup from Apple has expanded into a diverse, frequently perplexing array of several devices introduced over several years. There is a wide range of models available at drastically varied costs and specifications, and some are only available as used models, so there should be something for everyone.

Refurbished iPhone 13 

The iPhone 13 was unveiled in September 2021, joining the more cost-effective iPhone 13 small, the top-of-the-line iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max as Apple’s newest flagship models. The base model in the bumper line still has many flagship-caliber capabilities, like an A15 Bionic CPU and a Super Retina XDR display with True Tone technology.

Over the previous iPhone 12, Apple has also made many other improvements, including doubling the storage (128GB) on the base model, new cameras, longer battery life, an updated processor, brighter screens, and 5G support in more nations.

Look at our refurbished iPhone 13 deals.

Refurbished iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 remains a powerhouse in terms of specifications and functionality, even though the iPhone 13 has now replaced it. The phone has a powerful A14 Bionic processor, a high-resolution screen protected by hard Ceramic Shield Glass, Apple’s exclusive MagSafe feature for more reliable wireless charging, and support for attachable accessories. It also has a sleek flat-edged design with aluminum edges, like Apple’s new phones.

It’s significantly less expensive than the iPhone 13 because it’s no longer the newest and best smartphone in Apple’s portfolio, especially if you choose a refurbished model. Furthermore, you can be sure that your refurbished iPhone 12 will be in fantastic shape, considering that it is less than two years old.

Look at our refurbished iPhone 12 deals. 

Conclusion 

As we know, brand-new iPhones are not affordable for everyone due to their high prices. However, refurbished phones are an alternative for those on a low budget. Buying a refurbished iPhone can save money and get an iPhone like the brand-new one.