The difference between refurbished and used comes down to reconditioning. A used device has simply been owned before; the term tells you nothing more. A refurbished device is also used, but a retailer has tested it, repaired it where needed, cleaned it and fully reset it. New devices are unused and still in their original packaging, but they are also the most expensive option.
Refurbished, used or new: what's the difference?
| Feature | New | Refurbished | Used (private sale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional testing | By the manufacturer | By the retailer before sale | Usually none |
| Previous owner's data deleted | Not applicable | Yes, with reputable retailers | Depends on the seller |
| Statutory legal guarantee | Yes | Yes | Usually excluded |
| Right of withdrawal online | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | Highest | Significantly cheaper than new | Often the cheapest |
Reconditioning typically includes a functional test, a thorough clean, replacement of faulty parts such as the battery or display where needed, and deletion of all data. In many countries, however, “refurbished” is not a legally defined term, so each retailer decides exactly what is tested or replaced.
“Tested” means the functions were checked before sale: on a smartphone, things like the display, cameras, speakers, buttons, charging port, connectivity and battery. A tested used device hasn't necessarily been repaired or reconditioned, though; what was done should be stated in the listing.
What condition grades are there?
With reputable retailers, condition grades mainly describe appearance, and the device should work fully in every grade. Many retailers use four grades:
| Condition | Appearance (typical) | Right for you if … |
|---|---|---|
| Like new | No or barely noticeable signs of use, even up close | you want it to look new, for less |
| Very good | Micro-scratches, barely visible at normal distance | looks matter to you |
| Good | Visible wear, such as scratches on the casing | you use a case anyway and want to save more |
| Fair | Clear signs of use such as deeper scratches or small dents | function and price matter most to you |
Every retailer defines its grades slightly differently, so the description and photos of the specific listing are what count. The cosmetic grade usually doesn't cover the battery: if you buy privately, ask for the battery health as a percentage and use our guide to checking battery health to interpret it.
What rights do you have when you buy?
In the EU, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when you buy from a business seller, in principle for two years, refurbished goods included. For used goods it can be shortened, but never to less than one year and only by express agreement. It only covers defects that already existed at delivery, not later damage such as a drop. A commercial guarantee or warranty, by contrast, is a voluntary promise from the retailer or manufacturer on top of it.
When you buy online from a business seller in the EU, you generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal, including for used goods. Private sellers can usually exclude the legal guarantee, and there is no statutory right of withdrawal. On eBay or Vinted, the platform's protection also applies under its terms and complements your statutory rights. This is general information, not legal advice.
Who should buy refurbished, used or new?
- Refurbished is the best compromise between price and peace of mind for most people: a tested device, significantly cheaper than new, with rights against the retailer, and it saves resources because no additional device has to be made.
- Used from a private seller is often the cheapest, but comes without testing, usually without a legal guarantee and without a right of withdrawal. It suits you if you know your way around tech and can test the device in person, ideally with our used smartphone checklist.
- New mainly pays off for models that have only just been released, when there are hardly any used units and the price gap is small.
How much you save compared with new depends mainly on the model's age, the condition grade and the storage capacity.
Buying a used device from tested before
At tested before, the testing is right there in the name: every device is tested before it is sold (display, battery, buttons, cameras, connectivity), reset and listed on eBay or Vinted with an honest condition grade and real photos, with the platform's protection under its terms. Our quality page explains how we test. Browse our tested used devices.
