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A brand new iPhone 15 Pro costs over $1,400 in Canada. A refurbished one in excellent condition? You might find it for $750–$900. That's a significant saving — but is it worth the risk?
As a repair shop that deals in both refurbished devices and phone repairs, we have a unique perspective on this question. We see the good, the bad, and the genuinely concerning. Here's our honest take.
What Does "Refurbished" Actually Mean?
The term "refurbished" is used loosely — and that's part of the problem. It can mean very different things depending on who's selling:
- Manufacturer refurbished — returned to Apple, Samsung, etc., inspected, repaired if needed, and re-certified. These come with a warranty and are the most reliable.
- Carrier refurbished — returned to Rogers, Bell, Telus etc. and resold. Quality varies but generally reliable.
- Third-party refurbished — repaired and resold by an independent shop or reseller. Quality depends entirely on the seller.
- "Refurbished" on marketplace sites — could mean anything from professionally serviced to simply wiped and relisted. Treat with caution.
💡 Key insight: We sell refurbished phones at Empire Wireless Mobile. Every device we sell has been inspected by our technicians, tested, and any issues addressed before it goes on the shelf. That's what refurbished should mean — but it doesn't always.
The Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Significantly cheaper than new — often 30–50% less
- Environmentally friendlier — extends device lifespan
- Can get a premium model at mid-range price
- Manufacturer refurbs often come with warranty
- Fully unlocked models widely available
- Great option for kids' first phone
✗ Cons
- Battery health may already be degraded
- Cosmetic wear — scratches, scuffs
- No warranty from private sellers
- Risk of getting a stolen or blacklisted device
- May have non-original parts from previous repairs
- "Refurbished" label used inconsistently
Understanding Grading Systems
Most reputable refurbishers grade their devices. Here's what the grades typically mean — though sellers don't always use the same system, so always read the description carefully.
| Grade | Condition | What to Expect |
|---|
| Grade A / Excellent |
Like new |
No visible scratches, full battery health (90%+), all functions working perfectly |
| Grade B / Good |
Light wear |
Minor scratches visible up close, battery health typically 80–90%, all functions working |
| Grade C / Fair |
Visible wear |
Noticeable scratches or scuffs, battery health may be below 80%, still fully functional |
| Parts / For Repair |
Damaged |
Cracked screen, significant damage — sold for parts or as a repair project only |
Our advice: aim for Grade A or B. Grade C devices often need a battery replacement shortly after purchase, which eats into your savings.
The 8 Things to Check Before Buying
Whether you're buying from a shop, online, or a private seller, run through this checklist:
🔍
Check the IMEI — Every phone has a unique IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it). Run it through a free IMEI checker to confirm it's not blacklisted, stolen, or still under contract. This is non-negotiable.
🔋
Check battery health — On iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Anything below 80% will need replacing soon. On Android, use AccuBattery or ask the seller for the reading. Don't buy without knowing this number.
📱
Test every function — Make a call, test the front and rear cameras, play audio through the speakers, test the microphone, try the vibration, and test all buttons. Take your time and be thorough.
🖐
Test the touchscreen — Swipe in every corner and test multi-touch. Touch dead zones are a common issue with refurbished screens, especially third-party replacement screens.
🔓
Confirm it's unlocked — Insert a SIM from a carrier other than the original. If it works, it's unlocked. If you see "SIM Not Supported," it's locked to a carrier and will need unlocking (which we can do for $30).
🍎
Check for iCloud/Google lock — For iPhones, go to Settings and make sure no previous Apple ID is signed in. A phone with someone else's Apple ID still signed in is locked and essentially unusable. For Android, check that no Google account is linked under Settings → Accounts.
🔧
Check for non-original parts (iPhone) — On iPhone 12 and later, go to Settings → General → About. If the screen, battery, or camera says "Unknown Part" or "Important Display Message," it's been replaced with a non-Apple part. This affects True Tone, Face ID accuracy, and warranty.
💬
Ask about the return policy — Any reputable seller should offer at least a 7-day return window. At Empire Wireless Mobile all our phones come with a warranty. Private sellers who won't let you test or refuse returns are a red flag.
Where to Buy Refurbished Phones in Toronto
Best options (most to least reliable):
- Apple Certified Refurbished (apple.com/ca/shop/refurbished) — the gold standard. Full warranty, original parts, rigorous testing. Limited selection but maximum confidence.
- Carrier refurbished programs — Rogers, Bell, and Telus all sell refurbished devices with warranties. Check their websites or visit a store.
- Local repair shops like Empire Wireless Mobile — we sell certified unlocked phones that our own technicians have inspected and repaired. You can ask us exactly what was done to the phone, check it in person, and walk away same day.
- Back Market — a well-known refurbished marketplace with a 12-month warranty. Quality is generally good but you're buying remotely.
- Facebook Marketplace / Kijiji — highest risk. No warranty, no accountability. Only recommended if you know what to check (see checklist above) and can meet in person to test the device.
⚠️ Red flags when buying privately: Seller won't let you test the phone, price is unusually low, box is missing, no original accessories, seller is vague about where they got it, or they're pushing you to decide quickly.
Is a Refurbished Phone Right for You?
Yes, if: you want a premium phone at a lower price, you don't need the absolute latest model, you're comfortable doing the checks above, and you're buying from a reputable source.
Think twice if: you're buying from an unknown private seller without the ability to test, you need a warranty for peace of mind, or the price seems too good to be true (it usually is).
The sweet spot for most people is a Grade A or B device from a reputable local shop or Apple's own refurbished store. You get a phone that looks and performs great, for 30–40% less than new.
✅ At Empire Wireless Mobile we sell unlocked, tested phones that our technicians have personally inspected. Come in to see what we have in stock — all our phones can be tested in store before you commit.
Looking for a Refurbished Phone in Toronto?
Come see our current stock at 876 Danforth Ave. All our phones are tested, unlocked, and ready to use — walk in and try before you buy.
The Bottom Line
Refurbished phones are a genuinely smart choice — if you buy from the right place and know what to check. The money you save can go toward a case, a screen protector, or a fresh battery if needed.
If you're in Toronto and want to see phones in person before you commit, come visit us at 876 Danforth Ave. Monday to Friday 12–7pm, Saturday 12–5pm. We're happy to walk you through what we have in stock and answer any questions.
