Buying a new iPhone as a student? Think again
Buying a new iPhone as a student? It's often a financial headache. You scroll through online stores, compare prices, and hunt for discounts. Apple's student discount gives you a maximum of 10% off—that's €100 on a €1000 phone. Not exactly spectacular.
But here's the thing: the smartest students aren't buying a new iPhone at all. They're scoring a refurbished one for hundreds of euros less—and combining that with extra discounts. An iPhone 13 that costs €900 new? You can get it refurbished for €600. Add the student discount to that, and you're quickly saving €400 . Same phone, same performance, but with money left over for your textbooks. Or a few months' rent.
The trick is not in chasing small discounts on new devices, but in cleverly combining refurbished devices with the right deals.
Useful links
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Why refurbished is the smartest choice for students
As a student, you naturally want to get the most out of your budget. Buying a brand-new iPhone from Apple with a student discount will save you up to 10%—that's about a €100 saving on a €1,000 device. Not exactly impressive when you consider that your monthly grocery budget is probably around the same amount.
The alternative? A refurbished model. These devices have been professionally refurbished, tested, and work like new. The price difference is significant: while a new iPhone 14 will easily cost you €1,100, you can find the same phone refurbished for around €750. That's a saving of €350 – without the student discount.
How to combine discounts smartly
The trick is to accumulate savings. Start with the basics: a refurbished device. Then you can apply these tactics:
Timing is everything
- September-October : Immediately after the launch of new models, prices of previous generations drop significantly
- Black Friday : Extra discounts on top of the already lower refurbished prices
- Start of the academic year : Many providers offer special student promotions
Using Student Verification
Several platforms offer student discounts, but you must be able to prove your status. Make sure you have the following on hand:
- Your student email (@student.universiteit.nl)
- College card number
- Proof of registration from your educational institution
Practical comparison: new versus refurbished
Let's take a concrete look at what you get for your money. An iPhone 13 Pro, for example:
New at Apple (with 10% student discount):
Original price: €1159
With discount: €1043
Warranty: 1 year
Refurbished by a reliable supplier:
Price: €650-750
Condition: As new, minimal signs of use
Warranty: Often also 1 year
Savings: €293-393 compared to new with discount
What should you pay attention to when buying refurbished?
Not all refurbished devices are created equal. Here are the most important checks:
Battery condition
A good refurbished iPhone has at least 85% battery capacity. Always ask about this or check if it's listed. A new battery costs around €75, so factor that into your decision if the capacity is lower.
Warranty and Return Policy
Reliable sellers offer at least a one-year warranty and a 14-30 day return period. This gives you the peace of mind that you won't be left with a problem.
Understanding Gradations
- A-grade : Virtually new, with minimal signs of wear
- B-grade : Light signs of use, fully functional
- C-grade : Visible signs of use, but technically perfect
For students, B-grade is often the sweet spot: considerably cheaper than A-grade, yet still perfectly usable. The difference is mainly in small scratches, which you won't see with a case on.
Additional saving tips for students
Besides choosing refurbished, there are more ways to reduce costs:
Choose an older model
An iPhone 12 or 13 performs exactly the same as the latest version for 95% of users. For study apps, social media, and even taking photos, the difference is minimal. The prices of these models are considerably lower.
Consider smaller storage capacity
With iCloud and other cloud services, you often need less local storage than you think. 128GB is more than enough for most students. It saves you €100-150 compared to 256GB.
Sell your old device
That old phone in your drawer is worth money. Even a broken iPhone screen could fetch you €50-150. Add this to your budget for extra flexibility.
When is new better?
There are situations where a new iPhone might be the better choice:
- For example, you study graphic design and need the latest camera technology
- You want to be guaranteed to use the same device for 5+ years
- You have specific business requirements from an internship or part-time job
But for most students, refurbished simply offers more bang for your buck. The money you save can be used for things that directly benefit your studies—or simply for a little extra breathing room in your monthly budget.
Conclusion: choosing wisely pays off
The smartest students don't chase small discounts on new devices. They choose refurbished and combine this with available student discounts whenever possible. This way, you get a top-of-the-line device without financial stress. The savings you make—often €400 or more—can cover your tuition for months or finally pay off some of that student loan. Or just enjoy a few more beers with friends, which is also important during your student years.
The smart choice for students
A new iPhone with a student discount sounds appealing, but the real savings are in refurbished devices . While you get a maximum discount of 10% at Apple, you can easily save €300 to €400 with a refurbished model. Same phone, same performance, but with money left over for more important things.
For most students, an iPhone 12 or 13 is more than enough—you don't use those latest camera features for your lecture notes, anyway. Combine a refurbished device with good timing (like after a new iPhone release) and you have a top-notch phone without the financial hangover.
