Refurbishment
Refurbishment in electronics refers to the process of restoring and testing a pre-owned electronic device so that it can be resold. These devices, often smartphones, tablets, or laptops, are checked by retailers or refurbishers to make sure they are in working order before being sold again. Other products frequently refurbished include smartwatches, gaming consoles, and cameras.
What refurbished means
A refurbished device is usually one that has been returned, traded in, or resold to a retailer or manufacturer. After inspection, it may be repaired if necessary, then put back on sale. Depending on the seller, refurbished products may also be described as renewed, reconditioned, recertified, recycled, or like new.
Since the word “refurbished” is not legally defined in many countries (with France introducing a legal definition in 2022), its meaning can vary between sellers. In some cases, a product might be sold as refurbished without significant repair or testing, while in most cases devices undergo functionality checks before resale.
Difference from used electronics
Some companies, such as Back Market in the UK, distinguish refurbished devices from “used” ones. In their definition, a used device has not undergone repairs or testing. Other retailers, like The Big Phone Store, describe refurbished as simply a type of second-hand device.
Apple Certified Refurbished
Apple’s “Certified Refurbished” products are notable because they go through a stricter process than most refurbished electronics. For example, iPhones sold through Apple’s program are fitted with a new battery and new external casing. Because of this, Apple-certified devices are sometimes considered closer to remanufactured than refurbished.
Common checks and features
Most refurbished electronics undergo:
- Functionality testing to ensure full working order
- Software checks to confirm the device isn’t jailbroken or rooted
- Authenticity verification to rule out counterfeit devices
- Network compatibility testing
- Blacklist checks to ensure devices aren’t reported stolen
- Battery health testing, typically requiring at least 80% capacity
- Data wiping and factory reset for privacy
Specialist sellers often provide warranties (commonly 12 months), a returns policy, insured delivery, accessories, and the option of cosmetic or battery upgrades.
Grading systems
Refurbished devices are typically sold with a grade or condition label, which indicates cosmetic wear rather than technical performance. Grading systems vary but often follow this pattern:
- Like New: No signs of use; comparable to brand new.
- Excellent / Pristine: Minor, barely visible signs of wear.
- Very Good / Good: Noticeable signs of use, such as light scratches.
- Fair / Poor: Heavier wear, deeper scratches, cracks, or reduced battery health.
Grades influence pricing, with more worn devices typically sold at lower costs.
Types of sellers
Refurbished electronics are sold through:
- Specialist retailers (e.g., Reboxed, Gazelle, The Big Phone Store, Envirofone)
- Manufacturers (e.g., Apple, Samsung trade-in and certified programs)
- Large retailers and mobile networks (e.g., Best Buy, Currys, mobile carriers offering trade-in upgrades)
- Online marketplaces (e.g., Back Market, Swappa, Amazon, eBay, Ovantica, TikTok Shop)
Marketplaces often offer the widest range of devices but may not directly handle quality control.
Growing consumer demand
Since the mid-2010s, global demand for refurbished electronics has been rising, driven mainly by affordability and environmental concerns. In the UK, refurbished phones accounted for one in four smartphones sold in 2023. Reports also point to consumer awareness of e-waste and sustainability as major factors behind this growth.
AI and automation in refurbishment
With the rapid expansion of the secondary device market, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are becoming central to refurbishment. Traditional grading relied on human inspection, which could be inconsistent. Companies such as Apkudo, PiceaOnline, BlackBelt, and Foxway now use automated systems combining AI, robotics, and imaging to carry out diagnostics and grading.
Automated processing
AI-driven tools can identify scratches, dents, and technical issues with higher accuracy than manual inspection. This reduces costs, shortens turnaround times, and provides standardised results.
Circular economy initiatives
Some businesses, such as Cyculus, are applying “Device Processing as a Service” (DPaaS), making advanced automated refurbishment accessible to a wider range of companies. In Europe, automation adoption remains relatively low compared to the United States, but it is growing as companies seek greater efficiency and sustainability.
Outlook
As AI technologies advance, the refurbishment sector is expected to become faster, more accurate, and more sustainable. Automated testing and repair methods are likely to help reduce e-waste while extending the lifecycle of electronic devices.
