The tech world’s abuzz with the iPhone 17 range, but this year, I decided to swim against the current and went for a refurbished iPhone 16. And boy, am I glad I did!
I’ve been lucky enough to use an iPhone 16 Plus review unit for most of the year, and it’s been an absolute dream. But when it was time to send it back, I had a choice: wait for the iPhone 17 or go the refurbished route. Having covered tech deals for over five years, I knew the latter was the way to go to avoid those sky-high prices.
So, I picked up a ‘like new’ iPhone 16 from Giffgaff, and let me tell you, it’s been a revelation. It looked and felt brand new, with no visible signs of use. Even the battery health was at a perfect 100%, with just six charges logged. At £569, it’s £230 cheaper than the launch price and £130 less than Apple’s current selling price – and it’s even cheaper than the iPhone 16e!
But here’s the thing: not all refurbished phones are created equal. While I got lucky with my iPhone 16, some may have lower battery capacities. Most reputable retailers promise at least 80% battery life, but it’s something to consider. You can always grab a power bank for peace of mind.
Another thing to note is that buying refurbished iPhones means you won’t have access to AppleCare. But don’t worry, you still get your one-year statutory rights as a consumer.
Despite these considerations, my experience has me convinced that I’ll likely never buy a new phone again. Pair a refurbished iPhone with a SIM-only deal, and you’ll save even more in the long run. And with the cost of living on the rise, every penny counts!
So, next time you’re thinking of upgrading, consider going refurbished. You might just be surprised, like I was.
