Second-hand iPhone in Ireland: used, refurbished or new?
Search for a second-hand iPhone in Ireland and you'll find three quite different things under one heading: phones sold privately on DoneDeal or Facebook Marketplace, refurbished phones sold by businesses, and new phones from Apple and the networks. They can look identical in a photo. What you get after you pay is not the same at all.
This guide compares the three on what actually decides whether you'll be happy in a year's time: protection, condition, battery and risk.
The quick comparison
| Used (private sale) | Refurbished (from a business) | New | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tested before sale | Rarely | Yes, with diagnostic software | Factory new |
| Battery health stated | Sometimes, unverified | Stated minimum (ours: 80%+, Like New 85%+) | 100% |
| Warranty | None | Seller's warranty (ours: 24 months) | Apple's 1-year limited warranty |
| Irish consumer rights | Very limited | Full, as a purchase from a trader | Full |
| Cancel within 14 days | No | Yes, when bought online | Yes, when bought online |
| Unlocked | Varies | Should be (ours always are) | If bought SIM-free |
Buying a used iPhone privately
A private sale can work out well. The problem is that almost all the risk sits with you.
Your rights are limited
Irish consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2022, protects you when you buy from a trader. When you buy from another private person, most of that protection doesn't apply. If the phone develops a fault next week, you're relying on the seller's goodwill.
What to check before you hand over money
If you do buy privately, meet in a safe public place and check these on the spot:
- Activation Lock is off. Go to Settings and make sure no Apple ID is signed in. A phone still linked to someone else's account can be locked remotely and may be useless to you.
- Battery health. Settings > Battery > Battery Health shows the maximum capacity. Below 80% means the battery is worn.
- Parts and service history. On recent iOS versions, Settings > General > About shows whether the screen, battery or camera has been replaced, and whether the part is genuine.
- It works on your network. Put your own SIM in and make a call. A phone locked to another network won't connect.
- Face ID or Touch ID, cameras, speakers and charging port. Test each one, not just the screen.
Buying a refurbished iPhone
A refurbished iPhone is still a pre-owned phone, but a business has taken responsibility for it. It has been tested, repaired where needed, cleaned and graded before it's offered for sale.
What you get from a good refurbisher
- Testing: every device we sell is tested with M360 Diagnostics, covering screen, cameras, audio, sensors, buttons and connectivity.
- A stated battery minimum: at least 80% battery health, and at least 85% in our Like New grade.
- Clear grading: Like New, Very Good or Used, explained on our grading page.
- A warranty: 24 months on every refurbished iPhone, on top of your statutory rights.
- Returns: as an online purchase from a trader, you can cancel within 14 days and return the phone. Our refund policy explains how.
- Unlocked: works on Three, Vodafone, Eir and the networks that use them.
Refurbished vs used: the real difference
The difference between refurbished and used isn't how the phone looks. A Used-grade refurbished iPhone can have the same scratches as a private-sale phone. The difference is that someone has checked everything inside it and will stand behind it if it fails.
Buying a new iPhone
A new iPhone gives you the latest model, a full-capacity battery and Apple's one-year limited warranty, alongside your statutory rights. It also gets iOS updates for the longest time from the day you buy it.
If you want the newest features the day they launch, new is the only option. If a model from the last few years does everything you need, a refurbished one gives you the same phone with a warranty and a tested battery.
Which should you choose?
A simple way to decide:
- You want the newest model as soon as it's out: buy new.
- You want a recent model with protection if something goes wrong: buy refurbished from a business that states its warranty, battery minimum and grading.
- You're comfortable checking a phone yourself and accept the risk: a private second-hand sale can work, if you follow the checklist above.
Popular refurbished models
The iPhone 13 is one of the most searched models in Ireland. The iPhone 12 suits a lower budget. The iPhone 15 adds USB-C. See every model in our refurbished iPhones range.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy a second-hand iPhone in Ireland?
It can be, but a private sale leaves most of the risk with you. Check Activation Lock, battery health and network compatibility before you pay.
What is the difference between refurbished and used?
A used phone is sold as it is. A refurbished phone is tested, repaired where needed and graded by a business, and comes with a warranty.
How can I tell if an iPhone has had parts replaced?
On recent versions of iOS, go to Settings > General > About. Replaced parts are listed there, and Apple flags any that aren't genuine.
Do refurbished iPhones come with a warranty?
From reputable sellers, yes. Every refurbished iPhone from Refurb Phone has a 24-month warranty.
Find your next iPhone
If a tested, unlocked iPhone with a 24-month warranty sounds like the right middle ground, browse our refurbished iPhones, sent free with DPD.
