The best refurbished tablet deals in the UK

More portable than a laptop but with a bigger screen than a smartphone (or folding phone), a tablet is a worthwhile purchase for many people.

But unless it’s your main productivity device, you might be reluctant to spend a lot of money on one. The very best tablets are excellent devices, but they can be expensive.

The most obvious solution is to get a budget tablet, and there several cheap slates that are worth considering. But what if you could get a premium tablet for a fraction of its usual price?

It sounds too good to be true, but it’s very possible if you buy refurbished. Here’s everything you need to know about refurbished tablets, including how to get a great deal.

You may also be interested in the best tablet deals on new devices.

Best refurbished tablet deals in the UK

Where to find refurbished tablet deals in the UK

Here are the best places to browse for a refurbished tablet, along with any promotions you might be able to use:

• MusicMagpie
• Apple Refurbished – only iPads
• Amazon Renewed – also look out for Amazon Warehouse deals
• Reboxed – only iPads, use code MACWORLD15 for £15 off (or sign up to newsletter)
• Back Market
• Envirofone
• UR
• EE
• Handtec – use code ENDSSOON for £15 off when you spend over £150
• 4Gadgets
• Smart Cellular – iPads or Samsung tablets
• Smartfone Store
• Refurb-Phone – iPads or Samsung tablets
• The Big Phone Store
• Laptops Direct

Where to find refurbished tablet deals in the US

Here are some great places to try in the US:

• Apple Refurbished – only iPads
• Amazon Renewed
• Decluttr
• Back Market
• Gazelle – only iPads
• Refurb.me – comparison website for refurbished iPads

What is a refurbished tablet?

A refurbished tablet is one which has been originally sold to someone new, but then returned. This can be due to a fault of some kind, but also simply because the customer used their right to change their mind after buying it.

Refurbished is also used to refer to devices which have been traded in to get a discount on a new one.

Unfortunately, the word refurbished means different things, depending upon who you buy it from.

You might assume that a refurbished tablet has had parts replaced (such as a battery) and any problems fixed. But while some companies put devices through an actual refurbishment process and make it exactly as good as a new model (or as close to it as makes no difference), others simply grade the devices according to their own standards.

However, those standards aren’t comparable between different sellers. A Grade B tablet at one retailer might not be in the same condition as a Grade B from another. But each retailer should include a description of what each of its grades actually means in terms of condition, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with this.

Is refurbished the same as used?

All refurbished devices are technically used, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing. ‘Used’ simply means no longer new, which applies to any refurbished device.

But while a device can be sold as ‘used’ by a private seller online, you have to take their word for it on the condition. If you buy a tablet using this method but aren’t happy with the condition, there’s often not much you can do.

However, a ‘refurbished’ device can only be sold by a reputable seller, and has been graded to meet a specific condition. If you’re not happy with the tablet you receive, you can usually get a refund relatively easily. And most refurbished devices also come with at least a few months’ warranty.

For more information on the differences, see our in-depth refurbished vs used comparison.

Is it safe to buy refurbished tablets?

Yes, but only if you buy from a reputable retailer – we’ve recommended some earlier in this article. Several members of the Tech Advisor team have bought refurbished items over the years and haven’t had any issues.

Of course, how to define a ‘reputable’ retailer isn’t always easy. As a general rule, only buy a refurbished device from a retailer that you’d also be willing to buy from new (if they offer these products).

But several companies specialise in refurbished tech, so you might not have heard of them. Here, the big thing to look out for is the warranty offered, plus a clear description of its condition.