More portable than a laptop, but with a larger screen than a smartphone (or foldable 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 it. The very best tablets are excellent devices, but they can be expensive.
The most obvious solution is to buy a budget tablet, and there are several cheap slates worth considering. But what if you could get a premium tablet for a fraction of the usual price?
It sounds too good to be true, but it is very possible if you buy refurbished. Here’s everything you need to know about refurbished tablets, including how to get a good deal.
You may also be interested in the best tablet deals on new devices.
Best refurbished tablet deals in the UK
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) – Excellent condition
1
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £639
Now:
£369
(£270 off)
The 2021 model of the regular iPad is still a great affordable Apple tablet. Instead of buying a new one, it makes more sense to buy this refurbished 256GB model in ‘Excellent’ condition at a significant discount.
Apple iPad Air (2022) – Excellent condition
2
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £849
Now:
£547.52
(£301.48 discount)
The 2022 iPad Air is still a great value tablet, especially at this price. There’s a 35% discount on this 256GB model in ‘Excellent’ condition, meaning it’s still fully functional and has a minimum 80% battery capacity.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Fair condition
3
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £1,199
Now:
£589
(£610 discount)
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is out now, but why not save big by buying its capable predecessor? While the Tab S9 Ultra cost at least £1,199 at launch, you can now get the refurbished 256GB model in ‘Fair’ condition for over 50% off.
Despite some cosmetic damage, the tablet has been found to be fully functional and has at least 80% battery remaining.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Very good condition
4
From: eBay
Was: £169
Now:
£90.24
(£78.76 discount)
Samsung’s latest budget tablet is a great device for the money. But this refurbished model in very good condition is an excellent buy with a 46% discount. While you can’t trust all eBay listings, this one comes from the official Currys Clearance store.
Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) – Excellent condition
5
From: Amazon
Was: £349
Now:
£129.99
(£219.01 discount)
The 2019 iPad is still a good choice, especially if you only want a device for entertainment or video calling. And this refurbished version in ‘excellent’ condition costs 62% less than the tablet at launch.
Where to find deals on refurbished tablets in Great Britain
These are the best places to look for a refurbished tablet, along with any promotions you might be able to take advantage of:
Where to find deals on refurbished tablets in the US
Here are some great places to try in the US:
What is a refurbished tablet?
A refurbished tablet is a tablet that was originally sold to someone new, but then returned. This could be due to some kind of error, but also simply because the customer has exercised his right to change his mind after the purchase.
Refurbished is also used to refer to devices that have been traded in to get a discount on a new device.
Unfortunately, the word refurbished means different things depending on who you buy it from.
You could assume that parts of a refurbished tablet have been replaced (such as a battery) and that any problems have been resolved. But while some companies put appliances through an actual refurbishment process and make them exactly as good as a new model (or as close as possible that makes no difference), others simply grade the appliances according to their own standards.
However, these standards are not comparable between different sellers. A grade B tablet at one retailer may not be in the same condition as a grade B tablet at another store. But every retailer must include a description of what each of its grades actually means in terms of condition, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with this.
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Is refurbished the same as used?
All refurbished devices are technically used, but that does not mean they are the same. ‘Used’ simply means no longer new, and that applies to any refurbished device.
But while a device may be sold online by a private seller as ‘used’, you have to take their word for it. If you buy a tablet this way, but are not satisfied with its condition, there is often not much you can do.
However, a ‘refurbished’ device may only be sold by a reputable seller and is classified to meet a specific condition. If you are not satisfied with the tablet you receive, you can usually get your money back relatively easily. And most refurbished devices also have at least a few months’ warranty.
To learn more about the differences, see our in-depth renovation vs. used comparison.
Is it safe to buy refurbished tablets?
Yes, but only if you buy from a reputable retailer. We recommended some earlier in this article. Several members of the Tech Advisor team have purchased reconditioned items over the years and have had no problems.
Of course, it’s not always easy to define a ‘reputable’ retailer. As a general rule, you should only buy a refurbished appliance from a retailer who would also be willing to buy you a new appliance (if they offer these products).
But several companies specialize in refurbished technology, so you may not have heard of it before. The most important thing to look out for is the warranty offered, plus a clear description of its condition.
