Anyone with experience of buying refurbished phones?

kuepper

I'm thinking of getting a refurbished Samsung S9 plus or S10 plus and O2 or 4GADGETS seem around £420 for the S10 in decent nick and musicmagpie / ineedamobile for the s9. I've only heard of O2 before and can't see much in the way of reviews for buying from the others.

custardy

Keep in mind refurbished on modern phones generally means reset to factory and grade it.
If they dont mention new batteries or the like. They havent done anything to the phone.
I'm not putting you off,just so you know what you get. 
Ive just ordered a 'refurb' Pixel 3XL myself 

Neil49

I recently purchased an "as new" Galaxy s10 from Giffgaff. It came with the protective plastic covers and strips still attached and was in perfect condition. Current prices are high but every so often then take off a big chunk of money (£150 in my case) on specific phones and they can be good value. My S10 cost £399.

I've also used Music Magpie to buy a phone for my wife and that was in good condition as well. Aim for the best condition you can get to avoid disappointment. 

JJ_Egan

Yes and from 4gadgets .

Note 9 in pristine condition .

But as said  not a new battery .

mikeygahan

Stay clear of Magpie i bought a refurbished iPhone 7 off them and it was a clear dud

thavakal

Instead of buying new phones we can go for refurbished as we can save a money there will be no risk buying refurbished as they will provide warranty for refurbished.

JJ_Egan

No risk ??  depends upon the warranty .

Chino

kuepper said:

I'm thinking of getting a refurbished Samsung S9 plus or S10 plus and O2 or 4GADGETS seem around £420 for the S10 in decent nick and musicmagpie / ineedamobile for the s9.

Bear in mind that musicMagpie do seem to have form. For example, there's this thread (albeit predominantly of sellers' experiences):
Music Magpie - Warning

[Deleted User]

I’ve always liked using CEX. Possibly not the cheapest but you get 2 years warranty and physical shops (normally) for returns etc. 

Stompa

I've bought 'Like new' mobiles from both O2 and Giffgaff, all have been in pristine condition. I doubt I'll ever buy new again.