Why choose a refurbished iPhone?
A new iPhone can easily cost over a thousand euros. It's understandable that more and more people are turning to secondhand devices. You save hundreds of euros and do something good for the environment. Win-win, you might think. But here's where the trouble begins. Does that battery still work? Are there any hidden defects? And do you even get a warranty on such a secondhand phone ?
Yet the solution turns out to be surprisingly simple. The refurbished market has undergone a professionalization process in recent years that most people are still unaware of. Certified sellers now offer the same guarantees as with a new phone – including warranty, return policy, and thorough quality control. The result? You pay up to 40% less for the exact same iPhone experience. Without the hassle of Marktplaats deals. Without the risk of a bad purchase.
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Why choose a second-hand phone?
The smartphone market has reached a turning point. New flagship models now cost more than the average monthly salary, while technological progress is steadily declining. An iPhone 14 is practically identical to an iPhone 13, but costs hundreds of euros more. It's no wonder consumers are switching en masse to refurbished devices.
The benefits add up. You save an average of 30 to 40 percent on the original price. A refurbished iPhone 13 Pro that costs €1,159 new can be found starting at €750. That's a saving of almost €400 for the exact same device. Moreover, you avoid having to produce a new phone, which reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 70 kilograms.
The difference between second-hand and refurbished
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there's a crucial difference. You buy a used phone in the condition the previous owner left it in. With refurbished devices, the device first goes through an extensive repair process.
Professional technicians inspect over 50 components, from the camera to the speakers. Defective components are replaced with genuine parts. The battery receives special attention—it's often replaced preventatively if its capacity drops below 85 percent. The result? A phone that technically functions like new, but for a fraction of the price.
What should you pay attention to when purchasing?
The refurbished market is growing explosively, but not every provider adheres to the same standards. Therefore, pay attention to these essential points:
Warranty and return policy
A reliable seller offers a minimum 12-month warranty. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their products. A return period of at least 14 days is also standard, allowing you to test whether the device meets your expectations.
Quality grades
Refurbished phones are classified into different grades:
- Grade A: As good as new, without visible signs of use
- Grade B: Light signs of use, such as small scratches on the casing
- Grade C: Clear signs of use, but technically perfect
Most buyers choose Grade B—the best compromise between price and condition. It's often €50 to €100 cheaper than Grade A, and the phone looks exactly the same with a case.
Battery condition
The battery largely determines your phone's lifespan. Always ask about the battery capacity. For Apple devices, you can check this yourself via Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A capacity above 85 percent is acceptable, and above 90 percent is excellent.
The financial benefits highlighted
Let's say you want to buy an iPhone 13. A new one costs around €909. A refurbished one in Grade B condition costs around €650. That's a difference of €259 – enough for a year's phone plan or a pair of AirPods.
It becomes even more attractive if you upgrade annually. New iPhones lose about 35 percent of their value in the first year. A refurbished model loses only 15 to 20 percent. So if you sell it after a year, you'll spend relatively less.
Sustainability in figures
The production of one smartphone requires approximately 70 kilograms of raw materials and emits 70 kilograms of CO2. By buying refurbished, you largely avoid this environmental impact. If everyone in the Netherlands were to buy refurbished instead of new, we would save as much CO2 as 500,000 cars sitting idle for a year.
Electronic waste is a growing problem worldwide. We produce 50 million tons of e-waste annually, of which only 20 percent is recycled. By extending the lifespan of phones through the refurbished market, we're making a real difference.
Practical tips for your purchase
Timing is everything in the refurbished market. The best deals are found two to three months after a new model's launch. That's when many previous generations become available as early adopters upgrade.
Also consider a model from one or two generations ago. An iPhone 12 Pro offers 90 percent of the features of an iPhone 14 Pro, but costs half as much. For most users, the difference in daily use is negligible.
Always check if the device is unlocked (SIM-free). This gives you the freedom to choose any plan and increases its resale value. Also, ask about the device's origin – European models often have better warranty terms than imports from other continents.
The smart choice for your next iPhone
Buying a refurbished phone is no longer a compromise, but a smart choice . You'll save hundreds of euros, get the same guarantees as a new purchase, and contribute to a more sustainable world. Whether you choose a recent model or one from last year , quality is guaranteed thanks to extensive inspections and replacement of worn parts.
All you have to do is choose a reputable seller who's transparent about their warranty, return policy, and battery condition. Then you'll have the same smartphone experience, but with a much better wallet experience.
