Why more and more people are choosing a refurbished iPhone
You want an iPhone. But that new price is stinging. A refurbished iPhone seems like the solution—the same quality for less money. Makes sense, right? More and more people are making this choice. They save hundreds of euros and get a device that works just as well technically.
But here's the interesting part: most refurbished iPhone buyers never expected to choose secondhand. They're precisely the discerning consumers who previously only bought new. Why? Because the refurbishment process has become so professional that the difference with new is barely noticeable. While the price difference is.
This shift speaks volumes about how we view technology. It's no longer about the latest and greatest, but about smart purchasing . And that changes everything.
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The reality of iPhone pricing
A new iPhone 15 Pro easily costs €1200 or more. For that price, you could also buy a decent laptop. Or a whole vacation. These prices are causing many people to postpone their purchase decision. They're stuck with an outdated device that's getting slower and slower.
A refurbished iPhone offers a solution. The same iPhone 14 Pro that cost €1100 new is now available refurbished starting at €750. That's a €350 saving for a device that performs technically identically. The only differences are the packaging and the fact that someone else has used the device briefly.
What exactly does refurbished mean?
During refurbishment, an iPhone goes through a strict inspection process. Technicians test more than 50 components: from the camera to the speakers, from the touchscreen to the battery. Defective components are replaced. The software is completely wiped and reinstalled. The device is given a thorough cleaning.
This process is fundamentally different from buying a used device through Marktplaats. There, you buy a device as-is, with no guarantees about its condition. With refurbished, you get:
- A battery with at least 85% capacity
- Fully functional cameras and microphones
- A screen without dead pixels
- 24 months warranty on technical defects
- 14-day return policy
The different gradations
Refurbished iPhones come in various cosmetic states. This determines the price:
As new
No visible signs of wear. The device looks like it just came out of the factory. Ideal if you value appearance.
Lightly used
Minimal signs of wear, such as a small scratch on the back. Only visible if you look closely. This is the most popular category because of the balance between price and condition.
Visibly used
Obvious signs of wear, such as scratches on the frame or back. The screen remains scratch-free. Perfect if you use a case and prioritize functionality.
Practical considerations when making your choice
Choosing a refurbished model depends on your usage. Do you take a lot of photos? Then an iPhone 13 Pro with its advanced camera system is a good choice. For everyday use like WhatsApp, email, and browsing, an iPhone 12 is perfectly sufficient.
Pay attention to storage capacity. A device with 64GB seems cheaper, but fills up quickly. 128GB or 256GB gives you more breathing room. Keep in mind that you can't expand the storage later.
The lifespan of software updates also plays a role. An iPhone 12 from 2020 will likely continue to receive updates for years to come. An iPhone X from 2017 is nearing the end of its update cycle. For most users, this won't matter much, but security updates remain important.
The environmental aspect
The production of a new smartphone generates approximately 70 kilograms of CO2 emissions. By choosing refurbished, you prevent these emissions. You give an existing device a second life. This reduces the demand for new production and the associated extraction of rare earths.
Electronic waste is growing globally by 5% annually. The Netherlands produces 20 kilos of e-waste per person annually. By using devices longer, we break this throwaway culture. An iPhone can easily last six years, technically speaking. Yet, many people replace their devices after just two years.
What should you pay attention to?
Buy from a refurbisher with good reviews. Check the warranty terms. A two-year warranty is standard with professional suppliers. Ask about the battery condition. A battery below 80% capacity requires replacement.
Check if the device is unlocked. This means you can use any carrier. Also check if the Find My iPhone feature is disabled. Otherwise, you won't be able to activate the device.
Some providers offer additional services such as an exchange guarantee. If you don't like the model, you can exchange it for a different one within a certain timeframe. This eliminates any doubt.
The financial benefits at a glance
A refurbished iPhone 13 costs around €600. A new one still costs €850. You can use that €250 savings for:
- AirPods Pro for wireless listening pleasure
- An Apple Watch SE for health monitoring
- Two years of telephone subscription
- A quality case and screen protector plus money left over
The depreciation is also lower. A new iPhone loses 20% of its value immediately upon purchase. With a refurbished iPhone, this depreciation is already factored into the price. After two years of use, you can often resell the device for 60-70% of its purchase price.
Conclusion
Buying refurbished is no longer a compromise. It's become a conscious choice. You get the same technology, the same user experience, and the same reliability. Just without the premium price of new. For a growing number of people, this is the logical choice. They save money, help the environment, and get exactly what they're looking for: a reliable iPhone that does what it's supposed to.
The smart choice for your next iPhone
Buying a refurbished iPhone is no longer a second choice, but a smart decision . You'll save hundreds of euros without compromising on quality or performance. The device has been professionally inspected, comes with a warranty, and works technically identically to a new one. Plus, you'll contribute to reducing electronic waste.
Whether you choose an iPhone 13 or a newer model, the savings remain significant. For those who think practically about technology, the choice is actually simple: why pay more for the same?
