Forum Discussion

Nathan's avatar
Nathan
SMARTY Moderator
08-12-2022

[Open Discussion] Do you buy refurbished tech?

I haven't bought a new laptop or phone in years. Mainly because when I upgrade, I buy a refurbished device. 

With bills spiralling for everyone, I can’t figure out why more people don’t do this. Based on my number I’ve saved £400 on my last two upgrades! 

I usually opt for the best conditions refurbished devices (Most retailers offer devices in varying conditions). Each time I’ve received a new device. My last one even came in the original retail box. 

I compiled a list of tech and potential savings buying refurbished below. Hope it’s helpful: 

 

Device 

New Price 

Best Refurb Price (Great Condition) 

Saving % 

iPhone 13 

£749 

£630 

£119 

MacBook Pro 2020  

£1,149 

£900 

£249 

Samsung S22 

£769 

£619 

£150 

iPad 2020 

£369 

£190 

£179 

 

Does anyone else know of some decent places to locate refurbished tech or do you always buy new? 

I’ve also attached a picture of the refurbished MacBook Pro 2020 I bought recently. It’s new and saved me £300 

Device
Refurbished
Savings

64 Replies

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  • Marjory_1308291's avatar
    Marjory_1308291
    SMARTY Enquirer
    22-01-2023

    I bought a refurb laptop a couple of years ago, it came with the same 1yr warranty as a new one.

  • RonnieMa_777889's avatar
    RonnieMa_777889
    SMARTY Maverick
    21-01-2023

    Reduce, Reuse and Recycle should be the future way to go where possible in theory is good for the economy and the environment . Tech companies both in hardware and software do not make it easy to repair or upgrade as they have a business model that requires them to sell more product and in turn make more profit . The strategy will have to change as the current one is not sustainable long term

  • Barbara_1030827's avatar
    Barbara_1030827
    SMARTY Maverick
    17-01-2023

    I have had my present mobile phone for about 4.5 years.  So no contract for a new phone saving me hundreds of pounds and have a great SIM onlynmonthly from Smartly.

    • Nathan's avatar
      Nathan
      SMARTY Moderator
      20-01-2023

      I wish I had that level of self-restraint. If I get in my head that I would like something new a shiny I always end up giving in.

  • StephenSmarty's avatar
    StephenSmarty
    SMARTY Enquirer
    17-01-2023

    I have bought refurbished devices as can't afford new ones 

  • HannahW_17's avatar
    HannahW_17
    SMARTY Enquirer
    17-01-2023

    I buy refurbished phone too and have a som only contract. The money this saves over the years is astronomically eye watering and I don't think people.reslise. I know not everyone has the cash finds available to purchase our right but if you do it really is a fantastic option. My last 2 phones I've got off eBay, repritable stores and pay with PayPal. I've never had a problem with either of my purchases at all. I also go for the best refurb option. 

    It seems like a lot of people fall into this disposable culture but really these bit of tech with refurbs or new batteries have a hell of a shelf life.... Cheaper, perfectly good piece of kit and it is helping with waste what's not to love! 

     

  • Terence_1037204's avatar
    Terence_1037204
    SMARTY Enquirer
    16-01-2023

    Livingsocial , found this app on Google play. 

    Got myself a refurbished chromebook reduced from £299 to £69 delivery was cheap , had this for six months now no problem. 

  • PaulDev_1435944's avatar
    PaulDev_1435944
    SMARTY Maverick
    16-01-2023

    I just wouldn't but unless it was new and had a warranty I just wouldn't want to take the chance just incase it didn't last. 

  • Sbristo5's avatar
    Sbristo5
    SMARTY Pioneer
    16-01-2023

    I downgraded, S22 were silly money, got an A53 new about £400. 5G big screen lovely photos. Screen resolution not as good but at 50yrs young am I going to notice? Plastic case not aluminium? It goes in a plastic case for its protection so overall very happy with it.

  • Rebecca_1508376's avatar
    Rebecca_1508376
    SMARTY Enquirer
    16-01-2023

    Always refurb. Current iPhone is 7 years old, was a refurb and still going strong after a new battery. Would never buy new. 

  • BarakLe_1273076's avatar
    BarakLe_1273076
    SMARTY Pioneer
    16-01-2023

    Always new. Mostly because of the manufacturer warranty. But also because it's nice to have a brand new gadget that no one used before