Refurbished is as reliable as the seller. We name the four real risks, how to spot them and what we do about them, with our review numbers included.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-09-08
"Is refurbished actually reliable?" is asked in our shop more often than "what does it cost?". The honest answer: refurbished is exactly as reliable as the party that checked the device. A well-refurbished iPhone lasts as long as a new one; a poorly checked device is a gamble. Below are the four risks that really matter, how to spot them and what we do about them. With our own numbers, so you can check.
In short: watch four things: battery capacity (at least 85%, preferably in writing), original or equivalent parts, a device free of iCloud and carrier locks, and a warranty from someone you can phone. We score 4.6 on Google (101 reviews), 9.8 at WebwinkelKeur and give a 2-year warranty, battery included.
The most common problem with cheap refurbished phones. An iPhone at 78% capacity is empty by the afternoon and iOS throttles it. How to spot it: a seller who does not state a percentage. What we do: every battery is read out; below 85% a new one goes in. When ordering you can also choose a new battery at 100%, and every battery is covered by our warranty.
A low-quality screen has washed-out colours, poor viewing angles and loses True Tone. How to spot it: a price far below the market and a seller who will not say what was replaced. What we do: we have repaired in-house since 2009 and only use parts we would fit in our own workshop. In the "Factory-new" condition nothing has been replaced and the battery is at 100%.
An iPhone still tied to the previous owner's Apple ID (Activation Lock) is unusable, and a device reported stolen can be blocked by the carrier. How to spot it: private sale without an invoice, no IMEI check. What we do: every device is IMEI-checked, fully wiped and unlinked before it enters the shop. You get an invoice in your name.
Six months of warranty from a web shop without a phone number is not a warranty. What we do: a 2-year warranty on every refurbished device, 30 days to change your mind, and a shop in Nijverdal you can simply walk into. See our warranty policy.
| What | As of September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Google reviews | 4.6 out of 5 based on 101 reviews |
| WebwinkelKeur | 9.8 out of 10, official trust mark |
| Active since | 2009, with our own workshop in Nijverdal |
| Check per device | 50 points: display, cameras, Face ID, speakers, buttons, charging port, battery, IMEI |
| Warranty | 2 years, battery included; 30-day returns |
The Google reviews are public on our Google profile. We fetch them daily and show the current score on every model page; we do not write them ourselves.
If something is off, you have 30 days to return it or drop by.
No, not if the battery is good. The chip, screen and camera do not wear noticeably. A refurbished iPhone 15 gets exactly the same iOS updates as a new one.
No. Second-hand is unchecked, from private seller to buyer. Refurbished is checked, repaired where needed, wiped, and sold with a warranty and invoice.
We repair it in our own workshop or replace the device. Sending it in is possible too.
Looking for an affordable entry option? Read our buying guide for the refurbished iPhone 14.
Refurbished iPhones met 2 jaar garantie. Elk toestel doorloopt ons 50-punts inspectieproces en wordt geleverd met 2 jaar garantie.
Every refurbished phone is sold in one of four conditions:
The Phone Shopper
Willem Alexanderstraat 11
7442 MA Nijverdal, Overijssel
Tel: +31 548 549 536
E-mail: [email protected]
Chamber of Commerce (KvK): 75693623 | VAT: NL002427182B29
Opening hours: Mon 13:00-18:00 | Tue-Wed & Fri 10:00-18:00 | Thu 10:00-20:00 | Sat 10:00-17:00 | Sun closed
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