Refurbished mobile or other options for smartphone

battenburg88

For various reasons, I've been resolute in never getting a smartphone. But, what with the recent situation in terms of working at home, I'm feeling a bit disconnected and tired of repeatedly having to delete text messages. So, I'm thinking of taking the plunge.

I don't need or want anything particularly swish, and for both cost and environmental reasons I thought it might be good to get a refurbished phone. Just skimming through the internet this evening, I'd probably seek to get one via a 'known' retailer - looks as though Giff Gaff have refurbished phones for example. One of my reservations with smart phones has always been the battery life, and I'm just wondering whether a refurbished phone will cut it on that front. If it's been heavily used but the battery still works, is it likely that the battery would be replaced as part of the refurbishment? Or is it just down to luck ? I'm not worried about cosmetic damage on a used phone, but I would be bothered if the battery died rapidly. I'm unclear whether that's covered by the grading system for refurbished phones.

Second option then, is that I already have a sim only contract with Virgin Mobile which is pretty cheap and already includes data (I don't really remember why!) - the deal is better than those that are currently listed on their website. Is that the kind of thing where I might be able to negotiate a handset? e.g. I'd increase my monthly tariff slightly and get a handset thrown in? I haven't given a lot of thought to comparative cost with just buying a handset, but wonder if its worth a shot to see what they might do. The Virgin phone line is closed for the evening, so I can't actually give them a call until tomorrow.

Any suggestions appreciated!

JJ_Egan

Battery probably not replaced on a refurb . But depends if its removable and price .

Refurb often 90 day warranty and some exclude battery .

4gadgets  last phone for me was a refurb .

Neil49

I recently purchased a "like new" mobile from giffgaff and it was in perfect condition with the protective film still around the edges. They come with a 12 month warranty but you have to add in the cost of a one month sim card costing £10 (which you can cancel to avoid further charges) unless you are already a giffgaff user.

Alternatively try CEX who just sell second hand mobiles that people have sold to them. They aren't refurbished but are graded by CEX according to condition and if you order online you can return within 14 days for a full refund. They come with a 2 year warranty. Purchased a Sony Xperia online from them for my wife which was grade B but the condition wasn't acceptable. Took it back to my local store and the refund was in my PayPal account in less than 5 minutes. Second one was OK but I recommend going for grade A. Stocks are a bit low at the moment so not a lot of choice.

DCFC79

Try Amazon, battery in current phone is like its from new.