If you’re looking for refurbished phones (also known as second-hand phones or reconditioned phones) in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a refurbished iPhone, renewed Samsung Galaxy or pre-owned Google Pixel, you can find a huge range of refurbished phone deals at The Big Phone Store.
Affordable Refurbished Phones
Buy Refurbished Phones at The Big Phone Store
Buying a cheap phone can feel like a bargain, but outsourced testing and low battery health can cost you in the long run when the phone starts to fail. Buy from The Big Phone Store and get a phone that has passed 90+ tests carried out in-house, with a minimum 85% battery health. Every refurbished phone we sell is SIM-free, unlocked and comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.
A refurbished phone starts as a used phone or pre-owned phone, but unlike phones sold privately, it is checked, tested and prepared for resale before you buy it. Every refurbished smartphone we sell is SIM-free and not locked to a network, meaning you can simply put your existing SIM card into your new refurbished device and keep the same phone number. You're buying the device outright, rather than being tied into a lengthy contract.
Buying Guide
Brand | Why Our Customers Love It |
|---|---|
Long software support, strong cameras, easy-to-use iOS and excellent resale value | |
Bright AMOLED screens, powerful cameras, lots of choice and flexible Android features | |
Clean Android, clever AI features and some of the best point-and-shoot cameras available |
According to us :)
Buying a refurbished phone isn't just the cheaper option, it's the better one. Many of our first-time customers aren't sure whether buying refurbished phones comes with the same benefits as buying brand new. In fact, it comes with even more.
Read our quick comparison table to see why buying cheap refurbished phones can actually be the smarter choice.
Buying Brand New | Buying Refurbished | Who Wins? |
|---|---|---|
Usually 12-month warranty | 12-month standard warranty, with 2-year, 5-year and lifetime-warranty upgrades available | Refurbished is the clear winner here, with our extended warranties providing longer cover than the standard manufacturer warranties that come with new phones. You get more protection if your phone develops a fault, which saves you money in the long run. |
100% battery health | 85-100% battery health | Draw. Both options allow you to have the maximum battery capacity, but buying refurbished also allows you to save money by using a pre-owned battery instead. |
Limited to new models | Options to suit every budget | Refurbished wins here. We currently offer hundreds of models and variations to suit every budget. By choosing a phone that’s 1-2 generations old rather than the latest model, you get more bang for your buck. |
Often limited to online support via ticketing systems | A real person picks up the phone | Buying refurbished is a better choice for customer support. Repair timelines can vary with phone manufacturers, so you could be left without your phone for a very long time. When buying refurbished at The Big Phone Store, you get to speak to a customer service representative who will help to solve your problem. We’re human beings, not bots, so we understand that you need your device quickly. 95% of post-sale issues and returns queries are processed within 24 hours, and 100% are resolved within 48-72 hours. |
Support a multi-billion dollar company, to whom you’re just a number | Support everyday, hardworking people | Buying refurbished gives you a more human experience. We’re a local independent business, not a chain or large corporation. To us, customers are people, not just a source of profit. Recently, we launched a ‘Replacement Sent First’ service, so in qualifying fault cases, customers can receive a replacement phone before returning their existing phone. We know what it's like to be a regular, hardworking individual, and take steps to help you where we can. |
Makes a large, negative impact on the environment | A much lower environmental impact | Refurbished undoubtedly wins when it comes to environmental impact. Producing a new phone requires additional raw materials and energy. Buying a refurbished phone means that you’re keeping the device and its existing materials in circulation, rather than requiring new ones. If you want to reduce your impact on the environment, buying refurbished is the way to go. |
Behind the scenes
The quality of a refurbished phone starts with where it comes from.
Our stock comes from trusted sources such as networks, our trade-in programme and corporate buyback schemes when businesses upgrade their devices.
That's important because not all refurbished stock has the same history. Some sellers import devices from other markets because they are cheaper upfront, while others sell phones that have been heavily rebuilt, poorly repaired or written off elsewhere before being brought back into sale.
We avoid that kind of stock.
We do not sell phones just because they look good in a photo. Every device you see on our website has a clean history and passes the checks required before we accept it for resale.
You, the customer, are important, especially if you’ve never experienced refurbished before (you’re missing out!).
It's my goal now to dedicate the remainder of my life to making refurbished phones the first choice people think about when buying a new phone. May refurbished phones rule, dominate, and become a common everyday occurrence, just like buying used cars.
— Steve Athwal, Founder and CEO
Behind the scenes
Every phone we sell goes through a full in-house process at our Wolverhampton facility.
We follow strict standards when preparing used phones for resale. We don’t use cheap, low-quality parts. We replace batteries when the total capacity is under 85% of the original, and 98% of our phones contain only genuine parts. Read our Quality Charter to learn about the standards we uphold.
Initial Triage
Background Checks, Diagnostics, Battery Checks and more
Repair (If Needed)
Grading
Cleaning, Data Wipe and Final Quality Control
Because our entire process sits under one roof, we can spot patterns quickly. If customers ask the same question or a certain issue appears more than once, the issue can be addressed straight away.
What we offer | What it Means | How it Benefits You |
|---|---|---|
90+ point check | We use an independent third-party testing software called ‘Phonecheck’ as part of our testing process to run more than 90 functional checks on every phone: buttons, Wi-Fi, cameras and much more. We also perform history checks to make sure the phone isn’t lost, stolen, blacklisted, etc. | Not every refurbished phone is the same. Even though you might be comparing two of the same model, it doesn’t mean that the phones will function the same. Testing standards can vary greatly between refurbished sellers, so there could be issues with the cameras or microphones that you don’t know about until you test it for yourself. Even worse, it could actually be a lost or stolen device that belongs to someone else. Every pre-owned handset we sell goes through 90+ functionality checks as well as background checks, so you can make full use of your new device and all its great features without worry. |
Forensic data wiping | We professionally erase the previous owner's personal information, accounts, files and photos before the phone is sold. | We use professional data wiping to remove the previous owner’s personal data, files and account from every refurbished device we receive. That way, you have peace of mind that the device is secure, private, and ready to set up as your own from day one. |
UK-market stock | We only sell phones that are suitable for the UK market. Our stock is sourced from UK and European channels rather than other regions. | Some refurbished sellers, especially on marketplaces, sell stock which isn't approved for use in the UK and may not work as expected. We don't. Any phone you buy from us is approved for the UK market, which can also help to protect its resale value. We check that every device we receive conforms to CE or UKCA requirements before putting them up for sale. |
What do 'conditions' actually mean?
Our Refurbished Phone Grades
The biggest question you’re asking yourself is probably: ‘what’s the cosmetic condition of the refurbished smartphones you sell?’ We offer four different conditions (grades) of refurbished phone, from 'Good' to 'Like New'. Whilst all our phones work perfectly, each one has a different level of visual imperfection. Phones with more signs of wear are priced lower, whereas phones that look as good as new are priced higher.
We also show real-life example images of previous handsets that we’ve sold. Simply head over to our grading page to see real examples of our phones in different conditions.
Grading Guide
What to Expect From Our Refurbished Phone Grades
Each one of our grades looks different. Here's how.
Like New Phones
-No visible marks at normal viewing distance
-100% battery health
Pristine Phones
-Very light signs of handling, hard to notice in normal use
-85%+ battery health
Very Good Phones
-Light scratches and wear visible at certain angles, but still looks great overall
-85%+ battery health
Good phones
-Noticeable scratches/marks and heavier cosmetic wear; still fully functional
-85%+ battery health
Understanding Cosmetic Condition
Second-hand phones are like second-hand cars
The easiest way to understand refurbished phone conditions is by comparing them to used cars. You can have two of the exact same BMW model, with the same specifications, mileage and MOT. Functionally, they are identical. But the first car is flawless; it stayed in the showroom and doesn’t have a single imperfection. The second car has nicks, scratches, and kerbed wheels. Obviously, the first car is worth much more than the second.
This is exactly how refurbished mobile phones work. The better the cosmetic condition, the higher the price.
The best condition for you depends on your budget and how much cosmetic wear you're comfortable with. However, if you’re buying refurbished for the first time, we always recommend starting with Pristine. You still get a lower price, whilst being able to see for yourself what minor imperfections look like.
If you’re not happy with the condition of the refurbished phone you receive, we’ll happily take it back and talk you through the options.
Image: a 'Good' vs 'Very Good' condition iPhone 13
Buying Guide
Which Condition is Right For You?
If you think: | Then choose... | Why? |
|---|---|---|
"I want a good balance of price and appearance" | Very Good | Smart saving without heavy cosmetic wear |
"I am buying as a gift" | Pristine or Like New | Better first impression when opened |
"I want the closest thing to new" | Like New | Highest refurbished condition |
"I use a case anyway" | Good or Very Good | Frame marks may be hidden once protected |
"I plan to trade it in later" | Pristine or Like New | Better cosmetic condition can help future resale value |
"I want the cheapest reliable phone" | Good | Fully tested, lower price, visible wear accepted |
Behind the scenes
Battery life is one of the biggest worries people have about buying refurbished, so we make the standard clear.
Our minimum battery health for every device is 85%, meaning that the battery can hold at least 85% of its original maximum capacity. This is higher than every one of the 8 competitors we benchmark against for battery health.
There’s nothing worse than a phone that dies when you’re expecting a call or waiting for the bus. Every pre-loved device we receive automatically gets a battery replacement if the battery health is below 85%, so you can enjoy your refurbished mobile all day, every day. And for total peace of mind, you can upgrade to a brand new battery at checkout. The best part? It costs less than it would at many high-street phone shops.
You can choose the price point that suits you, or pay a little more upfront for the confidence of a new battery. The choice is in your hands.
Every refurbished phone is carefully packed and sent from our Wolverhampton facility.
Your order includes:
Your refurbished phone
USB charging cable
SIM removal tool
Protective packaging
A reusable microfibre pouch
You can also add accessories at checkout, including cases, screen protectors, headphones and chargers.
Buying Guide
Phones matter. People use them for banking, work, travel, family, photos, school runs, maps and emergencies. Support cannot be slow, vague or passed around.
If you have a problem, our customer service team is in-house and connected directly to our refurbishment, repair and dispatch teams. That means we can check what happened, understand the order history and give you a proper answer.
You are not relying on a third-party seller. You are speaking to the same business that tested, packed and sold the phone.
Choose your phone by brand, price, condition or storage size.
Select your preferred condition and any extras.
Add accessories, battery upgrade or warranty options if available.
Pay securely using your preferred payment method.
Track your order once it leaves our Wolverhampton facility.
Use your phone with the reassurance of warranty and returns support.
Browse our refurbished phones for sale by brand, price, storage and condition. Every phone is checked, prepared and supported by The Big Phone Store.
Shop refurbished phones today and get premium tech for a fairer price.
Refurbished Phone Myths vs Reality
Myth | The Reality at The Big Phone Store |
|---|---|
“Refurbished means broken.” | Every phone is tested before sale. If a key part fails, it is repaired or replaced before the phone is listed. |
“The battery will be terrible.” | We set a minimum battery health standard and offer a brand new battery upgrade at checkout. |
“The cheapest phone online is always the best deal.” | Not if it is imported, poorly rebuilt, locked, blocked or worth less when you come to trade it in. |
“Condition affects how the phone works.” | Condition describes the exterior only. Every phone still has to pass functional checks. |
“You are on your own if something goes wrong.” | Our support team is in-house and connected to our refurbishment, repair and dispatch teams. |
“Refurbished phones are just old unwanted devices.” | Many phones still have years of useful life left. Refurbishment keeps good technology in circulation for longer. |
We value the opinions of all of our customers, and we're sure that you do too! If you're still unsure about buying the Refurbished Phones you want, take a look at the reviews our customers have left for us.
Awesome
Value for money
Overall performance
Phone condition
Battery
Delivery speed
Recycled packaging
This is the first phone I have bought from The Big Phone Store and will definitely use for the next one .Fast efficient service.First class.
Value for money
Overall performance
Phone condition
Battery
Delivery speed
Recycled packaging
As a phone it works well. I did have trouble transferring data from my old pixel7 pro to the new phone and also had problems pairing it with my pixel 4 watch. However Copilot talked me through it and now aok.
Value for money
Overall performance
Phone condition
Battery
Delivery speed
Recycled packaging
Refurbished phones are pre-owned phones that undergo a refurbishment process, where they are cleaned, thoroughly checked and tested, and put back on sale. Buying a refurbished phone is often cheaper than buying new, and it’s also better for the environment, because it decreases the demand for manufacturing a completely new phone.
Some people may also call them reconditioned phones.
A second-hand phone is simply a phone that someone else has owned in the past, and is now being sold again. A refurbished phone is a second-hand phone that has been tested, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and sold on again.
Buying refurbished from a trusted retailer such as The Big Phone Store can give you more protection than buying a second-hand phone privately, including functional testing and warranty cover.
New: Never used, comes with a manufacturer warranty.
Refurbished: Pre-owned, fully tested, repaired where needed, and restored to full working order. Costs less than a brand new phone, and may have some slight imperfections.
Refurbished phones from The Big Phone Store come with a 12-month warranty as standard.
A properly refurbished phone can be a very good buy when it has been fully tested, clearly graded and sold with a warranty. It’s better for the environment and can save you a lot of money. The main thing is to buy from a trusted retailer such as The Big Phone Store, rather than an unverified seller.
Refurbished mobile phones are cheaper than new ones because they are pre-owned devices that have been returned, repaired or restored to working condition. Components such as batteries or screens are often replaced, and the phones undergo thorough testing to meet quality standards. Professionally refurbished phones still work properly, but might have minor cosmetic imperfections.
At The Big Phone Store, reconditioned phones give you a way to buy quality tech for less without paying the premium for a brand-new device.
When buying a second-hand or refurbished mobile phone, it’s important to check key details like the condition, storage capacity, network compatibility, and overall device quality. Always look for: real grading photos and clear descriptions, straightforward warranty and returns policies, UK-based support and secure payment options.
At The Big Phone Store, every phone is fully tested, securely data-wiped, and clearly graded, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Each product page includes the condition, storage, network status and other information you need before ordering.
A dedicated UK refurbished-phone retailer can give you protections that private sellers often don't, including device testing, warranty cover, returns and customer support. The Big Phone Store has specialised in mobile phones since 1999, with refurbishment, testing and customer support handled by our own UK teams, making it one of the best places to buy a refurbished phone.
This depends on the retailer and the condition of the phone you choose. At The Big Phone Store, all devices come with a minimum 85% battery health guaranteed. If you want a phone with a brand new battery, choose a ‘Like New’ device, or add a battery upgrade at checkout.
At The Big Phone Store, yes, all of our refurbished phones come with a free 12-month warranty as standard. You can also upgrade to a 2-year, 5-year or lifetime warranty at checkout.
Yes. Every refurbished phone sold by The Big Phone Store must pass our functional checks before sale. Cosmetic condition describes how the phone looks, not whether it works, so a Good-condition phone is held to the same functional standards as a Pristine or Like New phone. Every device also comes with at least 85% battery health.
Yes. At The Big Phone Store, we use forensic data wiping to delete the old user’s data from your refurbished phone. This means that when you receive a phone from us, it will be completely fresh. You can log in using your own accounts, and there won’t be any old files or photos taking up storage.
At The Big Phone Store, yes. We only sell phones that we know come from a reliable source. Every phone we receive goes through a background and history check, to make sure that it’s not reported as stolen, lost, or finance-flagged. Every mobile phone has something called an IMEI number, which is a unique identification number, a bit like the phone’s fingerprint. We run this number through a service called CheckMEND, which checks the phone’s history to make sure that it’s not blacklisted from UK networks.
Yes. All of our refurbished phones are unlocked to UK networks, meaning that you can keep your current UK SIM card. Our SIM-free refurbished phones support many UK networks, including EE, giffgaff, Vodafone and more.
Yes, you can return the phone for a full refund within 45 days. If you’re not happy with the condition of the phone, we can either send a replacement, help you choose a new model, or refund the order, no questions asked. See our returns page for more information.
There isn’t a fixed lifespan for a refurbished phone. How long it lasts depends on the model, its age, battery condition, how heavily you use it and how long the manufacturer continues providing software and security updates.
A properly tested refurbished phone can still have years of useful life left. Batteries naturally degrade over time, and very old models may eventually stop receiving software updates or supporting newer apps, so it’s worth considering the age of the model as well as its condition.
