Refurbished vs Used vs New Phones: A Buyer's Guide

Refurbished, renewed, certified, used, open box, like new. Sellers use all of these words, and there's no single rule for what each one means. That's why two phones sold as "refurbished" can be very different. Here's how to read the labels and what to check before you pay.

What the words usually mean

• New. Never owned or used, in its original sealed packaging.
• Open box. Opened but barely used. It's often a returned phone that was checked and resold.
• Refurbished or renewed. Previously used, then tested and repaired where needed before being resold. What gets repaired or replaced depends on who did the work.
• Used. Sold as it was owned, often with little or no testing.

The important thing is that these terms aren't standardized. A seller's description matters more than the label, so ask what was tested, what was replaced and what condition the phone is in.

What "condition" should tell you

A good seller describes condition in plain words, not just a letter grade. Look for answers to these:

• Are there scratches or dents on the screen or body?
• Does everything work, including the cameras, speakers, microphone, buttons and charging port?
• Has the battery or screen been replaced?
• What does the box include? A charger, cable and case can be missing.

A checklist before you buy

1. Confirm it's unlocked and works with your carrier. Our guide to what "unlocked" means explains how.
2. Check the battery. Battery wear is the most common problem with older phones. On recent versions of iOS you can see battery health in Settings under Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. Ask the seller for that figure.
3. Check the IMEI. Ask for the phone's IMEI number and make sure it hasn't been reported lost or stolen, and that no balance is owed on it.
4. Make sure it's been removed from the previous owner's account. iPhones have Activation Lock tied to the previous owner's Apple ID, and many Android phones have a similar Google account lock. A phone that's still tied to someone else's account can be unusable.
5. Test the basics when you get it. Make a call, take a photo, test both speakers and the microphone, try the charging port and check the screen for dead spots.
6. Read the return policy and warranty. A seller who stands behind a phone will tell you exactly what happens if something's wrong.

Which should you pick?

• New costs the most but removes the guesswork.
• Refurbished or open box from a seller who describes the condition clearly is usually the best balance of price and peace of mind.
• Used can be the cheapest, but you're taking on more risk, so every item on the checklist matters.

Questions to ask any seller

• Is this phone unlocked, and will it work with my carrier?
• What's the battery health?
• Has any part been replaced?
• Is it free of any account lock?
• What is your return policy?

If a seller can't answer these clearly, look elsewhere.

Want help choosing? Tell us the model and your carrier and we'll tell you plainly what we have and what condition it's in.