iPhone (SE, 3rd gen) new or reconditioned?

artistlifestyle

I need to replace a six year old SE phone with similar. I like small phones. Looking at iPhone 3rd generation. 

Please share your experience with reconditioned phones?  There’s about a £100 difference, and limited budget. It’s not urgent, but needs doing. 

Thanks so much and Best wishes for 2024. 

PHK

It depends where you buy them from. 

I've bought "Grade A" or "Excellent Condition" phones before and both were almost indistinguishable from new. Battery health was over 95% and I'm still using one three years later which now has 89% health. (Apple say that with normal use battery health will be 80% after two years)  It came from Music Magpie. 

powerspowers

I’ve had I’ve had good experiences with CEX reconditioned phones and would use again rather than buying new. 

Wonka_2

powerspowers said:

I’ve had I’ve had good experiences with CEX reconditioned phones and would use again rather than buying new. 

A second vote for CEX if you have a local one - their 2yr warranty is generally worth having 

clarkyson

I have used reconditioned phones before, they are usually fine. I would buy reconditioned phone again if I am in tight budget. 

ididgetwhereiamtoday

I usually buy a top end iPhone that’s over 2 years old. Save about 65% of new price. 

Much better than buying a midrange brand new phone. Bought from CEX and Amazon renewed with no issues. 

MoneyDany

My recent purchase of a reconditioned phone from Amazon was a good experience. As I prefer smaller phones, I found an older yet capable flagship model in good condition at a fair price - just what I wanted. I'd buy from them again.

EnPointe

'reconditioned'  phones from the Networks or  one of the  trading  styles Currys use (Currys / Carphone Warehouse / Mobiles.co.uk / E2save ) may be 'open box'  new  phones  or even phones whose  box got damaged in the warehouse or in a store  and therefore can;t be sold as 'new  sealed  original packaging'  

artistlifestyle

Thanks everyone, much to think about.