Uswitch - Savvy Brits dial in to refurbished mobile phones scene

More than 22 million Brits are considering a refurbished mobile phone when the time comes to buying their next handset, saving a combined total of £2 billion compared to getting a new device, according to comparison and switching service, Uswitch.

2,00 people were surveyed for the research.

34% of those considering buying a refurbished phone are motivated by the need to make more green decisions. Over a million mobile users have already made the switch in the past year, and this is proving to be particularly popular with young people aged 18-34.

The current cost of living crisis has driven many consumers to look at ways to save money, with 24% of people saying that they need to find a cheaper alternative to buying a phone brand new.

Meanwhile, four in considering a refurbished phone believe that brand new handsets have simply become too expensive.

Yet there are still some sceptics out there. Despite passing the same quality checks as new handsets, two fifths of Brits would not consider buying a refurbished handset.

Of these, a third fear that the handset could arrive faulty and over a quarter (28%) are concerned about the battery life of refurbished models.

Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch, comments: “With budgets being squeezed more than ever, buying a new top-of-the-range phone might not be a priority for many consumers right now.”

“Choosing a premium refurbished device is an easy way to get your hands on the phone you want, at a price you can afford, and not have to sacrifice on its quality and condition.”

“Buying refurbished is also an easy way to be more eco-friendly, giving a pre-owned phone a fresh lease of life and cutting the e-waste produced from buying a new device. It also encourages more mobile consumers to get into the habit of recycling and reusing handsets.”

“Our research shows millions of people are considering buying a refurbished phone in the near future and we expect more people to make the switch soon.”

“Sceptics should remember that refurbished does not mean faulty — all phones are tested the same way as new devices and some will have been returned without ever being used. They often come with a one-year guarantee for added assurance.”

“For those wanting peace of mind when buying a refurbished phone, be sure to use a trusted seller. And if you want a handset which is as good as new, look out for one labelled as Grade A, which is the only grade available on Uswitch.”

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