It’s official—refurbished phones are a big hit in the UK!
Using data from Google Trends, The Big Phone Store has spotted a clear rise in the popularity of refurbished devices, especially during Black Friday. The data also shows smaller spikes in searches for refurbished iPhones when new models come out (usually in September), but the Black Friday and Cyber Monday surge is far greater. And it’s not just about iPhones—searches for the word “refurbished” show a similar trend.
In this article, we’ll go over our findings, and give our thoughts on why these patterns are starting to emerge.
Our Report
Methodology
We used Google Trends, which measures how popular a search term is over time (called ‘Relative Search Volume’). It gives each term a score between 1 and 100, with 100 being the peak of interest during a specific time period. The numbers don’t show the total number of searches but compare how much a term is searched relative to other searches at that time.
We checked 100 search terms related to refurbished phones. All data was publicly available as of the 20th December 2024.
Key Findings
- Refurbished Phones Are Gaining Popularity: Searches for refurbished devices in the UK have grown steadily since 2008, with the biggest spikes during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
- iPhones Dominate the Market: “Refurbished iPhone” is searched twice as much as “refurbished phones,” showing iPhone users drive much of the demand.
- Black Friday Is Key: November sees the highest interest in refurbished devices every year, far outpacing smaller September spikes when new iPhones are announced.
- Eco-Friendly and Affordable: Refurbished phones align with the “Green Friday” movement, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to buying new.
- Rising Trust in Refurbished Devices: Once seen as risky, refurbished phones are now widely available from trusted networks and retailers, increasing consumer confidence.
Full Results
1. Refurbished iPhones Lead the Way
- Searches for “refurbished phones” show a clear connection between Black Friday/Cyber Monday and interest in refurbished phones.
- September also sees a bump in searches when Apple announces new iPhone models, but it’s smaller than the November Black Friday surge.
2. November Is King for Refurbished Phones
- While “refurbished phones” as a search term doesn’t spike as much as “refurbished iPhone,” November is still the peak month every year.
3. iPhones Are the Most Searched
- “Refurbished iPhone” gets over twice as many searches as “refurbished phones,” showing that iPhone users are driving the trend.
4. A Long-Term Trend
- Searches for “refurbished” in the UK have been growing steadily since 2008, and Black Friday has made this trend even stronger since it became popular here in 2013.
5. A Different Story in the US
- In the US, interest in “refurbished” has dropped over the last 15 years. While November and December are still big months for searches, the yearly peaks aren’t as strong as they used to be.
Why the Black Friday Spike?
Here’s why people flock to refurbished phones in November:
1. Black Friday Is All About Deals
Refurbished phones are already a budget-friendly option, so they’re perfect for people hunting for discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
2. Saving Money Matters More Than Ever
Interest in refurbished phones started growing in 2008, the year after the first iPhone came out and during the global financial crisis. With the cost of living going up, more people are looking for ways to save money, and refurbished devices fit the bill.
3. The Rise of Green Friday
Refurbished phones are also great for the planet! They’re part of the “Green Friday” movement, which promotes environmentally friendly shopping. Big brands like Currys are even running Green Friday sales.
4. Refurbished Phones Are Trusted Now
Years ago, refurbished phones were seen as risky. Now, with networks and retailers offering their own refurbished lines, they’ve become a trusted option.
The Role of iPhones
It’s clear from the data that iPhone users are more familiar with refurbished devices than the average consumer. This is likely influenced by Apple’s prominent “Certified Refurbished” program, which has helped normalise refurbished products for their customer base.
iPhones are among the most popular phones globally but are also some of the most expensive. This makes refurbished options an obvious choice for those who want the same high-quality tech without the premium price tag. With a refurbished iPhone, consumers can enjoy significant savings without compromising on functionality.
Why Refurbished Phones Are a Win-Win
Refurbished phones tick all the boxes:
- They’re affordable. Especially during Black Friday, they’re a great deal.
- They’re eco-friendly. You’re helping the planet by choosing a refurbished device.
- They’re trusted. Big brands and networks now offer refurbished options, making them a smart choice.
Conclusion- What's Next?
The popularity of refurbished phones shows no signs of slowing down. As more people discover that they’re both wallet-friendly and good for the environment, refurbished devices are only going to get more popular.
If you’re thinking about getting a phone, Black Friday is the perfect time to check out refurbished options. Want to know more? Visit The Big Phone Store to see what’s on offer and learn about our Green Friday sale!
(Data accurate as of 20th December 2024)
