Last updated: March 2026 • Reviewed by Compare The Networks
Why Choose Refurbished for Business?
Refurbished business phones are professionally restored devices that look and work like new — at 30-50% less cost. For businesses buying multiple devices, the savings are substantial.
The strategy is simple: buy refurbished phones outright, then pair with a cheap business SIM only deal. No handset contracts, no credit checks on the device, and significantly lower total costs.
Refurbished vs New: Cost Comparison
| Option | Phone Cost | Monthly Plan | 2-Year Total | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New iPhone 16 on contract | £0 upfront | £45/mo | £1,080 | — |
| Refurb iPhone 15 + SIM only | £450 upfront | £10/mo | £690 | £390 36% Off |
| New Galaxy S25 on contract | £0 upfront | £38/mo | £912 | — |
| Refurb Galaxy S24 + SIM only | £380 upfront | £10/mo | £620 | £292 32% Off |
All prices exclude VAT. Refurbished phone costs are approximate for Grade A devices. SIM only at £10/mo for unlimited data on Three.
Fleet Savings Example
For a business buying 10 phones:
| Setup | 2-Year Total (10 Lines) | Fleet Saving |
|---|---|---|
| 10x New iPhone 16 on contract | £10,800 | — |
| 10x Refurb iPhone 15 + SIM only | £6,900 | £3,900 36% Off |
| 10x Refurb Galaxy S24 + SIM only | £6,200 | £4,600 43% Off |
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Get a Free QuoteUnderstanding Refurbished Grades
Refurbished phones come in different grades. Here’s what each means:
| Grade | Condition | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Pristine) | No visible marks, looks new | Client-facing staff Recommended |
| Grade B (Good) | Minor cosmetic marks only | Office & field workers |
| Grade C (Fair) | Visible wear but fully functional | Warehouse & backup phones |
For business use, we recommend Grade A. The small extra cost versus Grade B is worth it for devices that employees use daily and that clients may see.
Best Refurbished Phones for Business (2026)
- iPhone 15 (~£450) — still receives iOS updates until 2030+. Excellent camera, Face ID, and Apple ecosystem integration. The best value refurbished iPhone for business.
- iPhone 14 (~£350) — slightly older but still fully supported. Great budget option for Apple-focused businesses.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 (~£380) — flagship Samsung with 7 years of updates remaining. Samsung Knox security included. Best value refurbished Android.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 (~£200) — mid-range workhorse. Water-resistant, good battery. Ideal for fleet deployments.
- Google Pixel 8 (~£320) — pure Android experience with 7 years of updates. Excellent camera. Good for businesses using Google Workspace.
How to Set Up Refurbished Phones for Business
- Buy refurbished phones from a reputable seller with minimum 12-month warranty
- Get business SIM only deals — we compare all networks to find the best rates. No credit check required for SIM only.
- Insert SIMs and transfer numbers — port existing numbers with a PAC code (takes 1 working day)
- Enrol in enterprise management — use Samsung Knox or Apple Business Manager for security
Are refurbished business phones worth it?
Yes. Grade A refurbished phones are 30-50% cheaper than new, look and perform identically, and come with 12-month warranties. For fleet purchases, savings of £3,000-5,000+ per 10 devices are typical.
What does Grade A refurbished mean?
Grade A means professionally restored to near-new condition. No visible scratches or marks, full functionality tested, new battery if needed, and minimum 12-month warranty included.
Can I use a refurbished phone with a business SIM only deal?
Yes. Buy the phone outright and pair with a business SIM only deal from £6/month. This is the cheapest total cost approach and avoids credit checks on the handset.
How much can I save with refurbished business phones?
30-50% on the device, plus further savings by pairing with SIM only instead of a handset contract. Total 2-year saving of £300-500 per phone is typical.