If you’re looking to save money on your next smartphone, you’ve probably come across the term refurbished phone. But what exactly does that mean?
A refurbished phone is a pre-owned device that has been returned, traded in, sold by its previous owner, then restored to complete working conditions by professionals. These phones are tested, cleaned and repaired (if necessary), making them a reliable and affordable alternative to brand-new models.
At Meelie Mobile, we stock a wide range of top-quality, fully functional refurbished phones — each one carefully tested and certified by our experts. Every device goes through a full checklist covering performance, battery health, screen quality, and overall condition. If something doesn’t meet our high standards, we replace it with premium parts and give it an honest grade based on its condition. The result? Refurbished phones that look great, work like new and often outperform manufacturer standards.
What is the difference between a refurbished and a new phone?
| Feature | New Phone | Refurbished Phone |
| Condition | Brand new, factory sealed | Professionally tested to full functionality |
| Price | Full retail price | Often up to 50% cheaper |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty | Up to 24-month warranty |
| Environmental Impact | Higher (new production) | Lower (reuses existing tech) |
Our Grading Conditions Explained
All our refurbished phones are fully tested and function properly but may have cosmetic differences depending on the condition you choose. Our grading conditions range from Brand New to Good, so you can pick your device to suit your budget.
Like New: In perfect condition, no signs of use.
- Screen: Pristine with no scratches, marks or blemishes
- Housing: Perfect, no signs of use.
- Functionality: Fully cleaned and tested, 100% functionality
- Battery: Minimum 90%
Excellent: Near perfect condition, only
- Screen: May show very minor signs of use on close inspection.
- Housing: May show very minor signs of use on close inspection.
- Functionality: Fully cleaned and tested, 100% functionality
- Battery: Minimum 80%
Very Good: Great condition and great value showing light signs of use.
- Screen: May show some light signs of use such as micro-scratches not noticeable when the screen is on.
- Housing: May show some light wear and tear but barely noticeable at arm’s length.
- Functionality: Fully cleaned and tested, 100% functionality
- Battery: Minimum 80%
Good: These devices have lived a little but offer great value.
- Screen: May show some noticeable wear and tear including scratches, these will barely be noticeable when the screen is on.
- Housing: May show moderate signs of use including scratches and small dents.
- Functionality: Fully cleaned and tested, 100% functionality
- Battery: Minimum 80%
The Best grade to choose?
Like New refurbished phones are the top choice of users who want a “like-new” phone without the premium price tag. However, if you’re looking for bigger savings, “Very Good” offers a great balance between price and quality. For those who don’t mind a little wear & tear and are looking for a bargain then our “Good” grade is the on for you. If you are looking for the absolute lowest price phone, then check out our “Eco” grade which offers the most budget-friendly option for those who prioritize functionality over appearance. These devices are fully tested and 100% operational, but they show heavy signs of use, including deep or excessive scratches on the screen and body. Despite the cosmetic wear, every phone in this grade performs just as well as higher-grade models, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable device at the lowest possible price.
Should I buy a refurbished phone?
Buying refurbished devices saves money and protects the environment when compared to buying a new phone.
Choosing a refurbished phone reduces CO2 emissions by up to 91% compared to a brand-new phone.
It allows to:
- Preserve natural resources by avoiding the extraction of virgin metals for manufacturing purposes.
- Less carbon footprint.
- Less electronic waste.
Source: https://www.compareandrecycle.co.uk/blog/how-sustainable-are-refurbished-phones
How to buy refurbished phones?
You can buy refurbished phones here at Meelie Mobile. We offer refurbished smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
Looking for a budget-friendly phone? At Meelie Mobile, we’ve got you covered with deals amazing deals on high-quality, affordable devices -no need to break the bank.
And the best part? You can pay later with Clearpay!
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