A pre-owned phone contract lets you pay off a used or refurbished phone monthly, usually at a lower cost than the same model new. It can suit people who want a premium model, such as an iPhone, on a tighter budget. The trade-off is that condition, warranty and battery health vary, so check those details as carefully as the price.
This hub sits under Cellphone Contract Deals South Africa. To compare new-phone contracts and other deal types, go to Contract Deals.
Compare Pre-Owned Phone Contract Deals
“Pre-owned” can mean different things depending on who is selling. Know which type you are looking at before comparing prices.
| Type | What it usually means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Certified refurbished | Inspected, repaired where needed and resold by a network or approved partner | Warranty length, grading, what’s in the box |
| Pre-owned / pre-loved | Previously used, tested and resold | Condition grade, battery health, return policy |
| Ex-demo or open-box | Display or returned stock with light use | Warranty start date, cosmetic condition |
| Private second-hand | Sold directly by an individual | Not usually available on contract; no warranty |
Contract financing is normally only available through a network, retailer or provider, not private sellers.
Pre-Owned iPhone Deals
iPhones are the most common pre-owned phones offered on deal, because they hold their value and receive software updates for several years.
When comparing a pre-owned iPhone with a new one:
- check the model generation and how long it is likely to keep receiving iOS updates;
- confirm storage capacity, since it affects both price and usefulness;
- ask for the battery health percentage or the seller’s battery standard;
- compare the monthly cost against a new mid-range phone on the same term.
Vodacom, for example, currently sells pre-owned iPhones through its refurbished device range. To compare networks, see Pre Owned iPhone Contract Deals.
Deals by Network and Provider
Pre-owned ranges come and go, and not every network offers them at all times.
- Vodacom sells refurbished devices described as inspected and restored. Its Good As New devices come with a 12-month supplier warranty.
- Other networks and retailers may offer pre-owned or refurbished phones from time to time. Check each provider’s current listings and terms.
Whichever provider you choose, confirm whether the device is available on a new contract, an upgrade or only as a once-off purchase.
Condition, Warranty and Battery Health
These three factors decide whether a pre-owned deal is good value.
Condition
Ask how the phone is graded and what cosmetic wear is acceptable within that grade. Check whether screens or batteries have been replaced with original or third-party parts.
Warranty
Warranty terms vary. Vodacom’s Good As New terms, for example, give a 12-month supplier warranty covering hardware and battery faults, but exclude accidental, physical or liquid damage. Confirm who handles repairs and how long they take.
Battery health
Batteries wear with use. A lower battery health means shorter daily use and may mean a replacement sooner. Ask what minimum standard the seller applies.
What’s in the box
Refurbished phones may ship with fewer accessories. Vodacom’s Good As New devices, for example, include only the battery and SIM eject pin, with no charger or cable.
Monthly Cost and Contract Terms
A pre-owned phone should cost less than the same model new, but check the total rather than just the monthly figure.
1. multiply the monthly payment by the term and add any once-off fees; 2. compare with the same model new, and with a newer mid-range phone; 3. check how long the phone is likely to remain supported relative to your contract term; 4. read the cancellation terms. Cancelling early can mean paying the remaining device balance.
A long contract on an older phone can leave you paying for a device near the end of its useful life.
What to Check Before Applying
- the exact model, storage and condition grade;
- warranty length, exclusions and repair process;
- battery health or the seller’s battery standard;
- accessories included;
- contract term, monthly cost and total cost;
- whether it is offered on contract, upgrade or cash only.
Pre-owned device contracts usually go through the same credit and affordability checks as new-device contracts. Approval depends on your circumstances.
For new phones, tablets and other devices on contract, see Device Contract Deals.
Pre-Owned Deal FAQs
Get these four answers in writing
Pre-owned, certified pre-owned and refurbished are used loosely and mean different things depending on the seller. Before signing, pin down:
- the cosmetic grade and what it permits;
- the minimum battery health the seller commits to;
- the warranty length and what it covers;
- the return window if the device is faulty.
A lower monthly amount on a device with three months’ cover is not automatically the better deal.
Is a pre-owned phone on contract worth it?
It can be, if the monthly saving is meaningful and the warranty and battery health are solid. Compare it with a new mid-range phone on the same term.
Do pre-owned phones come with a warranty?
Certified refurbished phones from networks usually do. Vodacom’s Good As New devices, for example, carry a 12-month supplier warranty. Check the terms for each seller.
Do I still need a credit check?
Usually yes, if the phone is on contract. The network assesses affordability as it would for a new device.
Where can I learn more about contracts?
The Contract Deal Guides cover applications, upgrades, fees and cancellations.