10 Myths About Refurbished Phones (And Why They’re Totally Wrong)

10 myths about refurbished phones (and why they're totally wrong)

Refurbished phones have come a long way from their early days, but a few old myths are still hanging around like a bad Wi-Fi signal. If you’ve ever turned your nose up at the idea of buying a refurbished phone, this post is for you!

Let’s bust some of the biggest myths and show you why refurbished might just be your smartest tech move yet.

Myths about refurbished phones infographic

Truth: Not even close. Refurbished phones go through serious checks—think repairs, software updates, and deep testing—before they’re sold again. At The Big Phone Store, we even upgrade any tired parts with new, high-quality or original components. So you’re basically getting a phone that performs like new, just without the hefty price tag.

Myth 2: They Don’t Last Very Long

Truth: A refurbished phone can last just as long as a brand-new one. Before they’re resold, these devices have any worn-out parts swapped and are thoroughly tested. With proper care (and no swimming trips), they’ll keep up with you for years to come.

Myth 3: The Battery Life Is Poor

Truth: This is a biggie—but totally false. At The Big Phone Store, all our phones come with a battery that’s at least 85% healthy. Our Like-New range has over 95%, and you can even choose a 100% new battery at checkout. If a battery’s not up to scratch, we replace it. Simple as that.

Myth 4: No Warranties? No Thanks

Truth: Reputable sellers—like us—always offer a warranty with your refurbished phone. That means if something stops working properly, you’re covered. It’s just like buying new, only better for your wallet.

Myth 5: They’re More Likely to Break

Truth: Actually, refurbished phones often go through more testing than brand-new ones. We check for hardware issues, software bugs, and make sure everything’s solid before it leaves the store. These phones are ready for real life.

Myth 6: They Don’t Come with Accessories

Truth: They do! While you might not get the original packaging, you will get the essentials—charging cable, SIM tool, and more. And since even brand-new phones often skip the plug these days (cheers, 2020 sustainability rules), refurbished isn’t missing out. We also offer OEM accessories if you want that brand-new feel.

Myth 7: They’re Just Fancy Second-Hand Phones

Truth: Second-hand means “sold as-is.” Refurbished means tested, repaired, cleaned, and guaranteed to work properly. Big difference! We never sell a phone that hasn’t passed our quality checks.

Myth 8: You Can’t Update the Software

Truth: Yes, you absolutely can. Refurbished phones run the same software as new ones and can receive updates too. That means better security, new features, and all the latest emojis.

Myth 9: They’re Not Secure

Truth: Every refurbished phone we sell is wiped clean—no photos, no logins, no sketchy apps. We reset them to factory settings and scan for any viruses or malware. Your data is safe from day one.

Myth 10: They’re Not Suitable for Business Use

Truth: Many companies actually prefer refurbished phones for their teams. Why? They’re reliable, cost-effective, and do everything a new phone can. Whether it’s emails, video calls, or endless group chats, a refurbished phone handles it all.

Final Thoughts

Buying a refurbished phone isn’t about settling, it’s about being smart. You get a high-quality device, save money, and do your bit for the planet. So next time someone tells you refurbished means “risky,” you’ll know the real story.

Ready to see what a refurbished phone can really do? Check out The Big Phone Store and discover your next great device, myth-free.