When buying a smartphone in the UK, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to buy brand new or refurbished. Both options have genuine merits — the right choice depends on your priorities and budget. Here's everything you need to know.
What Does 'Refurbished' Mean?
A refurbished phone is a pre-owned device that has been returned, repaired if necessary, cleaned, tested, and resold. Refurbished phones are graded by condition:
- Grade A (Excellent): Like new, minimal or no visible wear
- Grade B (Good): Light scratches or minor cosmetic marks, fully functional
- Grade C (Fair): Visible wear, may have screen marks, but fully working
Advantages of Brand New
- Factory sealed — no previous owner, no wear
- Full manufacturer warranty (Samsung offers 24 months)
- Latest software out of the box
- All original accessories included
- Complete peace of mind
Advantages of Refurbished
- Lower price — typically 20-40% cheaper
- Environmental benefit — reduces e-waste
- Access to premium models at mid-range prices
- Covered by seller warranty (typically 12 months)
Risks of Refurbished
- Battery health may have degraded — always check before buying
- Unknown device history
- Cosmetic wear even on Grade A devices
- Shorter warranty period than new
When Brand New Makes More Sense
Buy brand new when you want absolute peace of mind, when the price difference is small, when you plan to keep the phone for 3+ years, or when buying for a child or elderly relative who needs reliable simplicity.
When Refurbished Makes More Sense
Buy refurbished when you want a premium flagship at a lower price, when you change phones frequently, or when you're environmentally motivated.
Brand New Samsung at Competitive Prices
At AZ Electronics, our brand-new Samsung phones are priced so competitively that the value gap between new and refurbished is very small. The Samsung Galaxy A06 starts at just £99.99 brand new and unlocked — with zero compromise on warranty or condition.
Browse our full range of brand-new Samsung phones, starting from £99.99. Every device ships with a 12-month warranty and free UK delivery on orders over £50.