Main concerns about buying a pre-loved phone include poor battery life, the condition of the device and the limited or lack of warranty
iD Mobile joins forces with David Dickinson for refurb phone deals
Although 83% of Brits feel that new smartphones are too expensive, fewer than half are open to purchasing a refurbished phone a new study has revealed.
A survey of 2,000 adults highlighted key concerns deterring people from buying second-hand devices, including worries about poor battery life (61%), the device’s condition (55%), and the absence or limitation of a warranty (48%).
Additional concerns included fears of potential viruses or malware and the risk that the phone might have been stolen before being resold.
Despite these concerns, 43% of respondents cited cost savings as a key motivation for choosing a second-hand phone over a brand-new one. Additionally, 51% acknowledged that refurbished devices offer a more sustainable option compared to purchasing new ones.
To debunk any misconceptions and highlight the potential savings on refurbished tech, iD Mobile and TV icon David Dickinson hosted a unique auction in London. Bidders competed for savings on his top picks of quality pre-loved devices.
Those looking to bag a ‘real deal’ walked away with some of the latest, 12-month warranty-assured, refurbished plans.
Lewis Henry, from iD Mobile, which claims to save customers an average of £250-a-year compared to major networks, stated that while there are still a lot of myths around refurbished phones the savings speak for themselves.
“Many people assume they’ll be scratched, outdated models in a bad condition,” Lewis said, “when in reality, there’s often very little difference that can be easily spotted between a refurbished phone and a brand new one.”
The survey revealed that 63% of respondents were unaware that they could purchase a ‘Grade A’ handset, which has been restored to an excellent, like-new condition.
On a positive note, two-thirds expressed their willingness to trade in their current phone for it to be resold as a refurbished device, thereby extending the life cycle of mobile tech.
David Dickinson, renowned for spotting a real ‘bobby dazzler’ of a deal, commented: “These refurb phones are absolute bargains – top-notch condition, big savings, and no compromise on quality. Now that’s what I call a great deal!”