The Honest Guide to Buying a Preloved iPhone
The refurbished phone market has grown enormously in recent years — and for good reason. But there's still confusion around what "refurbished" actually means, and whether it's a good choice compared to buying new.
At The iLab, we sell preloved iPhones that have been fully tested, graded and inspected in our Barnstaple store. Here's everything you need to know.
What's the Difference in Price?
A new iPhone 17 retails at around £799. A Grade A preloved iPhone 17 from The iLab can cost significantly less — often £150–£250 cheaper — for a phone that looks and performs like new. That's a significant saving, especially if you're not fussed about being the first to own it.
What About Quality?
This is the big question. The honest answer: it depends entirely on where you buy from. A Grade A phone from a reputable seller like The iLab will have:
• Fully functional
• No significant scratches or cosmetic damage
• Been factory reset and cleaned
• A 24-month warranty included
New iPhone Advantages
New iPhones do have some genuine advantages:
• Apple's full 1-year warranty (extendable with AppleCare)
• Guaranteed battery health at 100%
• Latest model and colour options
• Psychological satisfaction of being first owner
Our Verdict
For most people, a Grade A preloved iPhone from a trusted local retailer represents outstanding value. You get the same performance at a meaningfully lower price, with a solid warranty behind it.
Browse our preloved iPhones at The iLab, or visit us in Barnstaple to see the stock in person.