How to Check the Quality of a Refurbished Phone Before You Buy

Buying refurbished can save you hundreds of pounds, but only if you choose a quality device. Here's a practical checklist to help you assess refurbished phone quality before committing your money.

The six-point pre-purchase checklist

1. Check the seller's reputation. Always buy from established sellers with verifiable reviews — read our about page to understand our standards.
2. Look for warranty coverage. A reputable refurbished phone should come with at least a 12-month warranty.
3. Verify the grading system. Make sure the seller clearly explains their grading scale (Pristine, Excellent, Good, Fair) and what each means visually.
4. Confirm the testing process. Find out how the device has been tested — our 90-point quality check verifies every component.
5. Check battery health standards. Quality refurbishers replace batteries below 85% capacity. Ask about the seller's threshold.
6. Review the returns policy. You should be able to return your phone if you're not satisfied — see our returns policy.