Why Buying a Refurbished Phone is the Smart Choice in 2025

The Refurbished Revolution: Why More People Are Switching

In the last five years, refurbished tech has moved from a niche option to a mainstream choice. According to a 2024 IDC report, global shipments of refurbished smartphones grew by over 9%, while new phone sales slowed down.

In Australia, demand for refurbished iPhones and refurbished Samsung phones has surged. Customers now realise they can enjoy flagship performance without paying flagship prices — all while helping the planet.

1. Significant Savings Without Sacrificing Quality

When you buy a refurbished phone in Australia, you’re getting a device that has been professionally inspected, repaired if necessary, and restored to full working order. Unlike a privately sold “used” phone, refurbished devices go through rigorous testing before resale.

💡 Example:
A brand-new iPhone 13 (128GB) can retail for around $1,099 AUD. A refurbished iPhone 13 in Excellent condition can cost $650–$750 AUD, offering savings of 35–40% — enough to pay for a year’s worth of mobile plan costs or a set of AirPods Pro.

→ See our latest refurbished iPhone deals

2. Better for the Planet 🌏

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reported that more than 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2023 — and only 20% was properly recycled.

Choosing a refurbished smartphone helps reduce:

• Carbon emissions from manufacturing and shipping.
• Mining for materials like cobalt and lithium.
• Landfill waste, since your phone gets a second life instead of being discarded.

At Renewed Tech, every sale means one less device contributing to Australia’s e-waste problem.

3. Rigorous Quality Standards and Warranties

Not all refurbished devices are equal. Some sellers cut corners, but at Renewed Tech, every device passes a 72-point inspection — testing everything from battery capacity to camera sharpness.

We provide:

• A clear cosmetic grading system (Like New, Excellent, Good) so you know exactly what to expect.
• A warranty on every device for peace of mind.
• Battery health guarantees so your device performs like it should.

→ Learn more about our grading

4. Dispelling Common Myths About Refurbished Phones

Myth 1: “Refurbished means faulty.”
False — a faulty phone wouldn’t pass professional refurbishment checks. Many are ex-display models or customer returns in near-new condition.

Myth 2: “The battery won’t last long.”
We test all batteries and replace any that don’t meet our performance benchmarks.

Myth 3: “I won’t get a warranty.”
We offer warranties on all devices — you’re protected if anything goes wrong.

FAQs About Buying Refurbished Phones in Australia

Q: Are refurbished iPhones in Australia worth buying?
Yes — refurbished iPhones in Australia can save you hundreds while delivering the same performance as new models, especially from a trusted retailer like Renewed Tech.

Q: Is it better to buy a refurbished phone or a new phone?
Refurbished vs new phone comes down to value. Refurbished phones offer similar performance for 30–60% less, plus they’re more eco-friendly.

Q: Where is the best place to buy refurbished phones in Australia?
Look for sellers with warranties, battery health guarantees, and transparent grading. Renewed Tech ticks all these boxes.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, buying refurbished isn’t just a budget-friendly choice — it’s the smarter choice for Australians who want premium tech, big savings, and a smaller environmental footprint.

At Renewed Tech, we make sure every device meets the highest quality standards so you can shop with confidence. Your next phone doesn’t have to be new to be perfect.