Refurbished vs second-hand: the difference
A second-hand device is resold as it is, often between private individuals. A refurbished device goes through a professional who tests it, replaces faulty parts if necessary, wipes the data and resells it with a guarantee. The price is a little higher than second-hand, but the risk is much lower.
Cosmetic grades
Sellers classify the appearance of devices by grade: for example “Like new”, “Very good”, “Good”, or A+, A, B, C. There is no common standard: “very good” at one seller may correspond to “good” at another. Read the definition of each grade on the seller's website. In all cases, the grade refers to appearance: the device must work fully, whatever its grade.
The battery
This is the most important point after price. Look at the minimum capacity guaranteed by the seller (often 80% or 85% of the original capacity, sometimes a new battery) and what happens if it is lower on arrival. Once you receive the device, check it yourself in the settings.
Guarantees in the European Union
- Legal guarantee of conformity: a device bought from a professional seller in the EU is covered by a legal guarantee of at least two years (Directive (EU) 2019/771). For second-hand goods, including refurbished ones, member states may allow a shorter period agreed with the buyer, but not less than one year.
- Right of withdrawal: for an online purchase, you have 14 days after delivery to withdraw, without having to give a reason (Directive 2011/83/EU).
- Commercial guarantee: some sellers add their own guarantee. It comes on top of the legal guarantees; it does not replace them.
What to check on arrival
- The device is not linked to any account (no request for Apple or Google credentials on activation).
- The IMEI shown by *#06# matches the one on the invoice.
- The phone is not locked to an operator: test your SIM card.
- The battery health matches the listing.
- Screen, cameras, speakers, microphones, buttons, charging and biometrics all work.
- On iPhone, Settings > General > About shows whether any parts have been replaced with non-genuine parts.
If there is a problem, contact the seller quickly, within the withdrawal period if possible.
How QuizzBuy presents offers
On QuizzBuy, every offer shows the same information: condition, battery health, guarantee period and seller. That way, you compare like-for-like offers instead of just comparing prices.