Every year, around 30 million phones sold in France. And an increasingly large proportion of these involve reconditioned phones. But is it really a good choice for everyone?
Whether you want to change your smartphone to keep up with the times or simply replace a tired device, you're faced with this dilemma: buy new or reconditioned?
In this article, we'll help you see things more clearly by comparing the two options - without the jargon, without the headaches.
The smartphone market is changing fast
The market has clearly changed in recent years. Faced with ever-higher prices and a ecological awarenessMany French consumers are turning to refurbished phones.
Some figures that speak for themselves
| Year | Market size (France) | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 500 million | +15% |
| 2022 | 575 million | +18% |
| 2023 | 680 million | +20% |
The success of refurbished phones is not just down to their price: they also reflect a desire to consume in a different, more eco-friendly way. manager and more sustainable.
🔧 What exactly is a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phoneIt's not just a second-hand phone. It's a device that's been :
- Thoroughly inspected,
- Repaired if necessary (change of battery, screen, etc.),
- Cleaned and tested to ensure perfect operation.
📌 Not to be confused with :
- Second-hand phone sold as is, without warranty.
- Reconditioned Checked, refurbished, guaranteed.
The economic benefits: saving money without sacrificing quality
One of the first arguments in favour of refurbished products is of course the price. On average, you can save 30 to 50 % compared with the new price.
Here are a few concrete examples:
| Model | New price | Reconditioned | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | 800€ | 450€ | -43% |
| Galaxy S22 | 900€ | 500€ | -44% |
| Google Pixel 6 | 700€ | 400€ | -42% |
But that's not all:
- The equipment has already lost some of its initial value → less depreciation.
- And in the event of resale, you often lose less money than with a new phone.
And what about the environment?
Choosing a refurbished smartphone also means making a smart choice. gesture for the planet.
Why it's environmentally friendly:
- Less electronic waste
- Fewer natural resources extracted
- Less energy used (no need to restart an entire production line)
In a nutshell: one less phone produced means one less impact.
Guarantees: a secure purchase
Contrary to what you might think, reconditioned phones come with guaranteesThese are often close to those of new appliances.
What you need to know:
- Legal guarantee: at least 6 monthssometimes up to 2 years according to sellers
- Possibility of take out extended warranties
- Customer service is often responsive on serious platforms
Performance and reliability: what are they really worth?
A well-tested refurbished smartphone often offers performance close to new.
| Features | Reconditioned | Nine |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Identical | Latest generation |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | Comparable | Optimale |
| Battery | Sometimes changed | New |
| Software updates | Yes, depending on the model | Yes, in the long term |
📌 Be careful, however, to check:
- The state of the battery
- Compatibility with recent apps
- Small signs of wear (often cosmetic)
Risks to be aware of before buying
Even if reconditioned is a good option, we must remain vigilant :
- Battery worn out? Find out about its condition.
- Compatibility? Check that the device is still receiving updates.
- Physical condition? Look at the 'grades' (A, B, C...) before ordering.
Where can you buy with confidence?
Here are the best ways to find a refurbished phone in complete safety :
Specialised online platforms :
What to check before buying :
- Clear guarantee
- Well-defined condition (Grade A, B...)
- Positive customer reviews
- Accessible customer service
The star models in 2023
iPhone :
- iPhone 12 / 13 highly sought-after, excellent value for money
- iPhone 14 / 15 : compact, affordable and always high performance
Samsung:
- Galaxy S21 / S22 top-of-the-range, powerful and elegant
- Galaxy A52 / A53 : perfect for small budgets without compromise
Other popular brands :
- Google Pixel, OnePlus, Huawei...
In short: how do you make the right choice?
| Criteria | Reconditioned | Nine |
|---|---|---|
| Prices | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Performance | Very good | Optimale |
| Ecological impact | Low | High |
| Guarantee | Up to 2 years | Up to 2 years (or more) |
| Latest innovations | Not always available | All the latest news |
Conclusion: which phone is right for you?
The choice between a new phone and a refurbished phone depends above all on your priorities.
- Want to save money without sacrificing quality? → Opt for a reconditioned.
- Are you keen on the latest technological innovations? → The nine remains your best option.
In all cases, the most important thing is to make a informed choiceto suit your budget, your needs and your values.