Why refurbished iPhones are often better than new ones
New iPhone? Too expensive. Used? Too risky. You know the dilemma: you want a reliable iPhone, but without paying top dollar. And then there's that voice in the back of your head warning you of hidden defects, fake sellers, and devices that quit after two months.
Yet, more and more Dutch people are consciously buying a secondhand iPhone – and not just because of the price. It turns out that refurbished devices often perform better than brand-new ones straight out of the box. How does that work? Through a thorough testing process, weak components are preventatively replaced, giving you an iPhone that's proven it can handle it.
Complete with a warranty, new accessories , and even perfect AirPods that fit seamlessly. It's no wonder your wallet and the environment are happy about this.
Useful links
- View our complete range of refurbished iPhones
- Discover refurbished Apple Watch Series 8
- Find the perfect refurbished iPad
The real cost of a new iPhone
Buying a new iPhone might seem like the safest option, but the figures tell a different story. The latest models quickly cost between €900 and €1800. Add to that the depreciation – a new iPhone loses an average of 30 to 40 percent of its value within the first year – and you understand why more and more Dutch people are thinking differently about their smartphone purchases.
The interesting thing is that a one- or two-year-old iPhone is technically virtually identical to the latest model. The processor is still blazing fast, the camera takes beautiful photos, and all apps run flawlessly. Yet, you often pay €300 to €500 less for this device.
Why refurbished is smarter than just second-hand
There's a significant difference between a used and refurbished iPhone. With a standard secondhand purchase through Marktplaats or Facebook, you're buying the device as is. There's no warranty, no guarantee of battery life, and if something goes wrong, you're on your own.
A refurbished device, on the other hand, has undergone a complete makeover. Professional technicians have inspected the device inside and out. The battery is tested and replaced if necessary. The screen is checked for dead pixels or cracks. All buttons, speakers, and cameras are tested. Software is completely wiped and reinstalled.
The refurbishment process in detail
When an iPhone enters the refurbishment process, more happens than you think:
- Complete hardware inspection with professional testing equipment
- Replacement of worn parts such as battery or screen
- Thorough cleaning of all ports and openings
- Software reset to factory settings
- Final inspection at more than 30 test points
This process guarantees you'll receive a device that works perfectly. In fact, the extensive testing proactively addresses vulnerabilities, making a refurbished iPhone sometimes more reliable than a new one straight out of the box.
The environmental impact that you should not underestimate
The production of a single new smartphone emits approximately 70 kilograms of CO2. This is equivalent to a car trip from Amsterdam to Paris. In addition, rare earth metals are used, often mined under challenging conditions. By choosing refurbished, you completely avoid this environmental impact.
In the Netherlands, we throw away millions of phones every year. Many of these devices still work perfectly or can be made like new again with minor repairs. The refurbishment process gives these devices a second life and prevents valuable raw materials from being lost.
Making a concrete difference
Imagine if every Dutch person who bought a new iPhone every year chose refurbished. That would mean:
- Saving millions of kilos of CO2 emissions
- Less pressure on rare resources
- Significantly less electronic waste
- Lower water footprint (production of one smartphone costs 12,000 liters of water)
What you need to know about warranty and service
A common concern with refurbished products is the warranty. And rightly so, because with a private seller, you usually don't get any guarantees. Professional refurbishment companies, however, offer a standard warranty, often up to two years. This gives you the same peace of mind as with a new purchase.
Additionally, you often get extra services that you have to purchase with a new iPhone. Think of screen protectors, cases, or charging cables. These are often included with refurbished devices, making the deal even more attractive.
Practical tips for your purchase
If you're considering buying a refurbished iPhone, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Check the battery condition
A good provider provides transparent information about battery status. Look for devices with at least 85% battery capacity. Anything above that is excellent for everyday use.
Pay attention to the storage capacity
Don't skimp too much on storage. 64GB seems sufficient, but photos, videos, and apps fill it up quickly. 128GB or 256GB gives you more breathing room and prevents frustration later.
Compare different quality grades
Refurbished devices are often offered in different conditions:
- As new: no visible signs of use
- Lightly used: minimal traces, only visible up close
- Visibly used: clear signs of use, but technically perfect
The price difference between these grades is often small, while the difference in satisfaction can be great.
The financial benefits at a glance
Let's look at what you'll save in concrete terms. A new iPhone 14 Pro costs around €1,329. The same refurbished phone, a year old, costs around €900. That's a savings of over €400. For that money, you can:
- Buy an Apple Watch with it
- Buy AirPods Pro
- Insure your phone comprehensively for three years
- Or just keep 400 euros in your pocket
But the savings go even further. Because you've spent less, the depreciation is also lower. If you sell your refurbished iPhone after two years, you'll pay less percentage-wise than if you'd bought it new.
When is new better?
To be fair, there are situations where a new iPhone is the better choice. For example, are you a professional photographer who always needs the latest camera technology? Or do you work with specific apps that only run optimally on the very latest models? Then buying a new one might be justified.
For the vast majority of users—who use their phones for WhatsApp, social media, taking photos, and browsing—a refurbished device is more than sufficient. The features you use every day work just as well on a two-year-old iPhone as on the latest one.
The future of smartphones
The trend toward refurbished and circular use of electronics continues. More and more consumers are realizing that the annual upgrade cycle is unsustainable. Not for their wallets, and certainly not for the environment.
Manufacturers are also responding to this. Software updates are supported for longer, meaning older models last longer. This makes refurbished devices even more attractive, because you know your phone will continue to receive updates for years to come.
By choosing refurbished now, you're not only being smart about your money and the environment. You're also part of a movement toward more conscious consumption. A movement that shows we don't always need the latest and greatest to be happy and productive.
The smartest choice for iPhone users
Buying a used iPhone doesn't have to be a gamble. With a refurbished device, you can save hundreds of euros without compromising on quality or security. You get a fully tested device with a warranty , often including new accessories , while also helping the environment.
For most users, this is simply the smartest choice: the same iPhone experience, but more conscious and affordable. Your wallet and the planet will thank you – and after a few weeks of use, you'll wonder why you'd ever pay top dollar.
