A refurbished iPhone can last 3 to 5 years or more, similar to a new phone, depending on the model's age, refurbishment quality, and your usage, but factors like battery health (ideally 80%+), available iOS updates (5-6 years support), and the retailer's warranty (like Apple's 1-year) significantly impact its longevity, with newer models naturally lasting longer.
In general, it's typically between 2 and 8 years, and big-name brands often last longer than smaller brands. Refurbished iPhones that are less than 4 years old can generally get another 2-3 years out of them before you notice a drop in speed. They become noticeably slower by the 6-year point.
Yes, refurbished iPhones are generally very good, offering significant savings for devices that are thoroughly tested, cleaned, and often come with new batteries, outer shells, and a warranty, making them a reliable and cost-effective alternative to buying new, especially when purchased from trusted sellers like Apple or reputable retailers.
What are the disadvantages of a refurbished phone?
Spoiler: If purchased from a reliable retailer, refurbished phones should last as long as their new counterparts. Unfortunately, retailers with poor quality standards can sell refurbished phones that don't make it past a month.
Older phones may be slower due to having an older processor. The processor dictates the performance of a phone, such as how quickly it functions and runs applications. Refurbished phones may also miss out on some of the features available in newer phones, such as better cameras or 5G connectivity.
While it's possible for an Android phone to last seven years, it's uncommon. Most phones experience hardware and software limitations after 2-5 years, like battery degradation and loss of software updates.
Performance and quality
Concerns about battery life and cosmetic condition are common among potential refurbished iPhone buyers. However, certified refurbishers replace any component that does not meet the required standards, ensuring that both performance and appearance are comparable to new iPhones.
The Bottom Line. To conclude, for a service and device you can trust, we always recommend opting for refurbished phones. This allows you not only to save money but also to have faith in a third-party repairer to provide you with a quality mobile phone.
Refurbished phones receive the same software and security updates as new devices for as long as the manufacturer officially supports the model, which is usually at least several years. For example: Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5–6 years from a device's original release date.
Yes, refurbished iPhones are generally good in Australia, offering significant savings for near-new performance, but buying from a reputable seller is crucial for quality, warranty, and peace of mind, as they've been professionally inspected and tested for functionality, with cosmetic condition often being the main differentiator. Look for established retailers like OzMobiles, Wise Market, or Phonebot that provide clear grading, battery health info, and warranties, making them a safer choice than private sales.
Inspect the Physical Condition
While some refurbished iPhones look almost new, others might have noticeable wear and tear. Ensure to check for any scratches, dents, or cracks on the screen and body. A seller should provide detailed descriptions of the device's condition.
You will receive a refurbished device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems.
The 20-80 rule for iPhones suggests keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to minimize stress on the lithium-ion battery, thereby extending its overall lifespan and health by avoiding the high-stress points of full discharge (0%) and full charge (100%). While not a strict necessity for daily use, this practice reduces battery degradation by avoiding deep discharges and the taxing final 20% of charging, helping maintain battery capacity longer, though modern iPhones have built-in features like Optimized Battery Charging to manage this.
Choose a new iPhone if you want the latest model, full Apple warranty, and 5+ years long software support. Choose refurbished if you want to save money, but still get a reliable (and tested) iPhone, especially if you're buying a model that's only 1–2 years old.
For example, streaming videos or music, making calls, and gaming on the go typically cause your battery to drain much more quickly. Other culprits of battery draining include active applications in the background or constantly updating, such as real-time weather apps.
Refurbished products often lack the accessories included with a new purchase. That's another reason to try to find refurbs offered by the manufacturer; you're more likely to get all the parts. You might also get the product in something close to the original packaging, if that's important to you.
Driven by a desire to escape screens and reclaim a sense of control, they are resurrecting digital cameras, flip phones and CDs. It's not unusual to see them roaming the aisles of a record store or doing sidewalk photo shoots with digital cameras, as if they had traveled back to the early 2000s.
One potential risk associated with refurbished phones is the possibility of pre-installed malware. If the refurbishment process is not conducted by a reputable provider, there's a chance that the device could contain malicious software designed to steal personal information or compromise the device's security.
Buy from a reliable seller. Understand the return policy. Make sure that you understand how long you have to return the iPhone (if necessary), for what reasons you can return it, and how to return it. Find out if the seller certifies their preowned devices and what the process entails.
Refurbished iPhones are typically cheaper than the latest model for obvious reasons; not having the very latest features, not being fresh out of the factory and so on.
How to check the quality of a refurbished phone before you buy
Top 4 Phone Brands with the Longest Lifespan
If you want to keep using an iPhone for as many years as possible, avoid buying models that are already more than a year old. These models will get cut off from major iOS upgrades sooner than newer devices, which will make them unsafe to use in a shorter timeframe.
Whether you're on the go or staying in, avoid leaving your phone in very hot or cold environments. Extreme temperatures can not only drain your phone battery but also cause it to overheat and explode, putting your safety at risk.