Laatste update: 26 september 2025

Refurbished: why it's not the same as second-hand

Het Geheim van Refurbished: Hoe Je Geld Bespaart en het Milieu Helpt

Why refurbished is better than you think

Refurbished. It sounds like secondhand with a fancy name. You're unsure about the quality. You wonder if those AirPods actually work properly. If those accessories won't break within a month. It's understandable that you're hesitant.

But here's what most people don't know: refurbished products are often tested more rigorously than brand new ones .

Every component is checked, replaced where necessary, and retested. While new products come straight off the assembly line—with all the associated risks. With refurbished, you essentially get a product that 's been checked twice . For less money. With a warranty. And you prevent another perfectly functioning device from ending up in the trash. That's the secret of refurbished: not less quality, but more security.

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The difference between refurbished and second-hand

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a world of difference. With secondhand products, you buy what you see. The device comes directly from the previous owner, without inspection or repair. You don't know how it was used, if there's any damage you can't see immediately, or what its remaining lifespan is.

Refurbished products go through a complete recovery process. Every component is inspected. The battery is tested for capacity. The screen is checked for dead pixels. The buttons are tested for responsiveness. Software is reinstalled. In short: the product gets a second life with the assurance of professional inspection.

This also explains the price difference. A used iPhone might be cheaper, but you're taking more risk. A refurbished one costs a bit more, but offers the assurance of tested quality and a warranty.

What happens during the refurbishment process?

The process begins when a product is returned. This can happen for various reasons: a customer trades in a newer model, a company replaces its equipment, or someone exercises their right of withdrawal.

Step 1: Diagnosis

Technicians first perform a complete diagnostic. They use specialized software to test every component, from the camera to the speakers, from the Wi-Fi chip to battery performance. Everything is recorded.

Step 2: Repair and replacement

Defective parts are replaced. For smartphones, this often means a new battery if the capacity drops below 80%. Cracked screens are replaced with original or high-quality alternatives. Malfunctioning buttons are repaired or replaced.

Step 3: Cleaning and disinfection

The device is thoroughly cleaned, not only inside and out. Dust is removed, ports are cleaned, and the entire device is disinfected.

Step 4: Software reset

All personal data is securely erased. The operating system is reinstalled with the latest updates. The device is as good as new in terms of software.

Step 5: Final inspection

Before the product is packaged, it undergoes a final test. All functions are checked again. Only when everything works perfectly does the product receive the refurbished seal of approval.

The financial benefits explained

Refurbished products typically offer savings of between 20% and 50% compared to new. For a MacBook Pro, this can easily mean hundreds of euros in savings. With an Apple Watch, you can save tens to hundreds of euros, depending on the model.

But the real savings are in the lifespan. A well-maintained iPhone will easily last five years. If you buy the latest model every year, you'll spend around €5,000 after five years. Buy refurbished models that are one or two years old, and you'll halve this amount while still using modern technology.

In addition, refurbished products retain their value better than you think. Because they've already experienced the greatest depreciation, the difference when reselling them is smaller. So you're investing smarter.

Warranty and security with refurbished

Many people don't realize that refurbished products often come with an extended warranty. At Leapp, for example, all products come with a warranty. This means you're just as protected as with a new product.

The warranty usually covers the same things as with new products: manufacturing defects, defective parts, and malfunctions not caused by your own fault. The only difference is sometimes the warranty period, but even this is becoming less relevant as many providers now offer the same warranty period.

Additional assurance comes from the fact that refurbished products have already undergone their initial setbacks. Production errors that arise in the first few months are already discovered and resolved during the refurbishment process.

Understanding the Different Gradations

Refurbished products are categorized. At leapp, we use three clear gradations:

  • As new: no visible signs of use, perfect screen, impeccable casing
  • Lightly used: minimal signs of use, possibly a small scratch that you only see if you look closely
  • Visibly used: clear signs of use such as scratches on the casing, but the screen is still in good condition

Important to know: these grades only reflect appearance. The technical condition is excellent for all grades. A "visibly used" device works just as well as a "like new" one; you'll just pay less because it doesn't look as perfect.

Tips for choosing refurbished

Pay attention to the specifications that are important to you. Do you need a lot of storage? Then look for models with at least 128GB. Do you use your phone intensively? Then pay extra attention to the battery capacity.

Also consider the age of the model. A two-year-old iPhone will still receive updates for years. A five-year-old model might only receive updates for a year. For everyday use, this makes a big difference.

Consider your usage patterns. Are you careful with your belongings? Then "visibly used" is a smart choice for extra savings. Do you always put your phone in a case? That way, you won't see any scratches on the back.

The environmental impact in perspective

Producing a new smartphone costs about 70 kilograms of CO2. That's equivalent to driving 350 kilometers in an average car. By buying refurbished, you avoid these emissions.

You also save raw materials. An iPhone contains over 30 different metals, including rare earth elements that are only mined under challenging conditions. By reusing existing products, we reduce the pressure on these scarce resources.

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste problem worldwide. Every refurbished product sold is one less item on the landfill. It's a direct, measurable contribution to a more sustainable world.

The smart choice for your wallet and planet

Refurbished isn't a fancy word for secondhand, but a smart choice . You get a professionally tested product with a warranty, save tens to hundreds of euros, and prevent unnecessary environmental pollution. Whether you choose an iPhone , Apple Watch , or accessories, you can be sure that it works perfectly, regardless of the quality.

That doesn't make refurbished cheaper than new, but smarter . For your wallet and the planet.