Vodafone launches new refurbished phone range helping price-conscious customers get the phone they want for less

The launch follows research*** which found that 73% of respondents would now consider buying a refurbished phone to save money and 55% for environmental reasons. It also highlighted peoples’ concerns when considering a refurbished phone, including reduced battery life (49%), how long the phone will last (47%), whether the phone is data secure (36%) and a reluctance to use ‘someone else’s’ device (26%).

To give customers peace of mind and address these concerns, Vodafone only offers high-quality refurbished handsets in ‘Great’ or ‘Pristine’ condition. Every phone in the range is Vodafone Assured which means it’s had a full 32-point visual and diagnostic check to ensure components such as the screen, battery and camera are fully functional. Every phone has also been deep cleaned and securely data wiped [1]. Vodafone’s 14-day no-quibble money back guarantee applies.

In addition to cost savings and flexibility, Vodafone’s new refurbished range supports the company’s commitment to promoting a circular economy: Vodafone has pledged to cut carbon emissions and electronic waste and help its customers do the same.

Already in the UK, Vodafone’s mobile and fixed-line customers can access circular services, such as a market-leading digital platform with trade-in options, plus insurance and repair services to help them keep their handsets for longer. Vodafone also helps consumers and businesses give unwanted phones and tablets a second life through its Great British Tech Appeal. Its stores accept electronic waste, such as phones, tablets and accessories to be responsibly recycled.

Max Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “More people than ever are now considering refurbished devices so they can get a great value phone and be friendlier to the planet. With our market-leading two-year warranty, 32-point health check, and Vodafone EVO, the UK’s best smartphone plan, buying a refurbished phone from Vodafone gives customers peace of mind and flexibility.”

The refurbished phones can be purchased as part of the Vodafone Together package, which enables families to save up to £380 a year when they move their broadband and mobile plans to Vodafone. A family of four could save up to £688 a year if they all bought a Vodafone refurbished phone and combined their household broadband and mobile plans with Vodafone Together****.

Vodafone youth brand VOXI will launch its own refurbished phone range later in November 2022 with savings to be made across ‘Great’ and ‘Like New’ conditioned devices. All refurbished phones come fully tested with a 32-point check – plus a two-year warranty when coupled with a VOXI plan. VOXI SIM-only plans work on a flexible monthly subscription with no contract, giving customers the flexibility to change, pause or cancel their plan whenever they like.

Vodafone will reach net zero for its UK operations by 2027, its business and network is powered by 100% renewable electricity and it has recently switched to SIM cards made from recycled plastic. Find out more.

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Notes to editors

About Vodafone EVO

Customers can also choose their monthly price and spread the cost of their refurbished phone from three to 36 months thanks to flexible contracts on Vodafone EVO. They can get a guaranteed trade-in saving when they trade in an eligible phone using the Vodafone Trade-in Tool.

Calculations/research

Refurbished devices available at launch are: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone SE 2022, iPhone XR, Samsung Galaxy S20 4G, Samsung Galaxy S21.

[1] The visual and diagnostic checks and data clean are carried out by Vodafone’s third party refurbished supplier.

*Based on device only, iPhone SE 3rd gen 64GB, payment over 36 months. New device price = £451, refurbished device price = £261, saving £190.

** A lifecycle assessment study (Pamminger, R., Glaser, S. & Wimmer, W.), Modelling of different circular end-of-use scenarios for smartphones. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (2021) 26:470-482) found that a refurbished phone (used for an average 1.93 years) can have a 55% lower contribution to climate change (or ‘GWP’) compared to a new phone (used for 2.5 years) (according to the study results shown on page 479). Based on this study, buying and using a refurbished phone can be considered to be friendlier for the planet in comparison to buying and using a new phone, because it has a lower negative impact on climate change.

The full study.

***Consumer research was carried out from 3-7 November by OnePoll; 2000 UK adults (nationally representative) were surveyed.

**** A family of four could save up to £688 a year if they all bought a Vodafone refurbished phone (rather than a new one) and combined their broadband and mobile plans with Vodafone Together:

• Four refurbished devices with a £63 saving each per year vs brand new equivalent = £252 (based on device only, iPhone SE 3rd gen 64GB, payment over 36 months).
• Vodafone Together broadband discount = £3 x 12 months = £36 a year.
• Vodafone Together mobile discount of 30% on three additional lines at £37 each (Unlimited Max Xtra 4 benefits plan)
  = £37 * 30% = £11.10 per person per month.  3 people * 12 months * £11.10 = £399.60
• Total saving for household of four with Vodafone refurbished phones + Vodafone Together = up to £688 a year