Are Refurbished Phones Safe?
Are Refurbished Phones Safe? - Everything You Need to Know.
In the age of skyrocketing smartphone prices, many people are looking for affordable alternatives and refurbished phones have become a very popular option, especially in Australia. But a common question still lingers in the minds of cautious buyers: Are refurbished phones safe?
The short answer is: yes, if you buy from a reputable source.
But let’s break down exactly what makes a refurbished phone safe, what to look out for and how you can avoid getting stuck with a lemon.
What Does “Refurbished” Actually Mean?
The term "refurbished phone" is a pre-owned device that has been tested, cleaned, repaired (if needed) and restored back to it's full working condition. It’s not just “used”, it’s been through a formal inspection process by a qualified technician to ensure it works properly.
There are different levels of refurbishment:
Manufacturer-Refurbished: These are the devices repaired by the manufacturers that make the device(s) themselves eg. Apple, Samsung, etc.
Retailer-Refurbished: These are the devices that are inspected and restored by a third-party seller. They normally undergo thorough testing and checks before they are listed for sale and most retailers offer warranty with their sales making it the perfect bank for your buck.
Used or Second-Hand: These are the devices that are listed for sale usually under private accounts on various online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Ebay, etc. They generally come with no guarantees or inspections.
Are Refurbished Phones Reliable?
When done properly, refurbished phones can be just as reliable as new ones. Trusted sellers like CELLiFY have a team of qualified technicians that test all the functionality of the devices including their battery health, the touchscreen and its responsiveness, Face-ID, Touch-ID or any other fingerprint scanners, cameras and microphones, charging ports, buttons and everything else. Devices that don't pass these tests are repaired and retested again for long term functionality or rejected from being sold. That is why buying from a verified reburbisher matters.
What About Battery Safety?
Batteries are one of the top concerns buyers have, batteries are also one of the main component that may need to be looked at when looking to purchase a pre-owned device. Big companies like Apple recommend replacing batteries when capacity drops below 80%, there are softwares and tools technicians can use to test the device's battery performance beyond what the phone itself may state in settings, good refurbishers clearly state battery health and would normally offer a warranty for the battery aswell.
Another cause for concern regarding the battery is overheating or swelling which is extremely rare if the device is tested properly. Always look for listings that include battery condition, not just cosmetic grade. A faulty battery can cause the device to not operate as expected or even worse, they can catch fire.
Are Refurbished Phones Safe for Long-Term Use?
Many buyers wonder if a refurbished phone will only last a few months but in reality that is far from the truth. A well-refurbished device can easily last 2 to 4 years, depending on the model and how it’s used. Flagship phones like the iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S21 still receive software updates (as of June 2025) and have hardware built to last easily for the next few years.
Choosing a newer model with a strong battery and solid warranty can ensure you get years of use and not just a short-term fix. It is important to know what you are going to be using the device for and what you expect out of it but being refurbished will not affect the performance of the device at all.
Do Refurbished Phones Hold Their Resale Value?
One commonly overlooked benefit of buying refurbished is that you’re not just saving money upfront but you can often resell the device later with minimal loss in value. Refurbished phones that are well-maintained, come with documented condition reports and remain functional after 1–2 years still have strong demand in the second-hand market. In fact, choosing a model that’s considered “safe” and reliable (good battery health, no third-party parts, etc) can make it easier to resell because buyers trust devices that were originally purchased from certified refurbishers.
Furthermore if you can keep the receipt handy, the warranty is often still valid further helping increase the resale value of the device as well.
Can Refurbished Phones Be Hacked or Compromised?
Another myth is that refurbished phones are unsafe due to past usage. The reality is that all data is wiped and the device is factory reset, when a device is reset with it's original OS installed again, everything that could possibly be on the device has to get wiped and then installed. As long as you're not buying from a sketchy seller on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, etc. security is not an issue.
To be extra safe, change your Apple ID/Google account, enable two-factor authentication and install any updates immediately. Every update the phones are patched with any security related issues if found in the older OS. In 2025, hacking into any device is extremely difficult if not impossible especially when the device's OS is restored.
What Are the Risks and How to Avoid Them?
Now that we've answered "Are Refurbished Phones Safe"? We should also mention any risks involved and the only real risk is buying from the wrong place. Signs to avoid are no warranty, no mention of battery health or diagnostics, “As-is” or “untested” listings or prices that feel too good to be true.
Stick with trusted sellers who offer clear return policies, clearly explain grading criteria, provide battery, cosmetic, and functional info and have some sort of warranty to go along with the sale.
So, Are Refurbished Phones Safe?
Yes, when you buy from a reputable seller, refurbished phones are safe, reliable and often indistinguishable from new in daily use. You can save hundreds of dollars without compromising performance or peace of mind.
At CELLiFY, every device is thoroughly tested, data-wiped and inspected by professionals. We include battery health info, detailed condition grading and provide warranty coverage with every device purchased from us, so you know exactly what you’re getting. It’s our way of making refurbished phones safe, simple and stress-free.