Every year, millions of phones end up in a drawer, or worse, in the trash, even though they still work perfectly. Yet the environmental impact of manufacturing a new phone is huge. Choosing a refurbished phone is one of the simplest and most effective decisions you can make to reduce your environmental footprint. Here's why.
Why a new phone has a high environmental cost
Making a single phone requires more than 30 elements of the periodic table. From extracting the materials to its design and assembly, your phone has practically travelled around the world before reaching your hands. Phones are hard to recycle because they're made of several complex alloys. And the bigger the screens and the more powerful the cameras, the greater the environmental impact.
🌎 Seven billion phones have been sold worldwide since the first iPhone came out in 2007. That's an astronomical amount of natural resources consumed.
What exactly is a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phone is a used device that has been inspected, cleaned, repaired if needed, then rigorously tested before being put back on sale. Unlike a used phone sold as is, a refurbished device meets strict quality standards.
At Top notch, every device is classified according to a transparent quality scale: Good, Very good or Like new, so you know exactly what you're buying.
The concrete benefits of buying refurbished for the planet
Buying a refurbished phone lets you give a device a new life and do your part to reduce electronic waste and carbon emissions ✌🏼
By avoiding the manufacture of a new device, you save on average 40 to 80 kg of CO₂ depending on the model. In short, one less phone to manufacture = less environmental impact 💚
- Less electronic waste
- Savings on rare natural resources
- Lower carbon emissions from manufacturing
- Longer device lifespan
Refurbished phone vs used phone: what's the difference?
The distinction matters. A used phone is resold as is, without inspection or any guarantee that it works. A refurbished phone has gone through a rigorous process of checks, repairs and testing. You get a reliable device, backed by a warranty, for a fraction of the price of a new one.
Discover our selection of refurbished iPhones and refurbished Samsung phones available now.
How to choose a quality refurbished phone in Canada
Here are the essential criteria to check before buying:
- The quality grade: make sure the seller uses a clear classification (Good, Very good, Like new)
- The warranty: a serious reseller always offers a warranty on its devices
- Transparency: real photos and a detailed description of the device's condition
- Reputation: check customer reviews and the return policy
At Top notch, all these criteria come together to give you a worry-free and responsible shopping experience.
FAQ: refurbished phones
Is a refurbished phone as reliable as a new phone?
Yes. A certified refurbished phone is inspected, repaired and tested according to strict standards. At Top notch, every device is classified according to a transparent quality scale (Good, Very good, Like new).
What is the difference between a refurbished phone and a used phone?
A used phone is resold as is. A refurbished phone has been inspected, cleaned, repaired if needed, and tested before being resold.
Does buying a refurbished phone really reduce CO₂ emissions?
Yes. By avoiding the manufacture of a new device, you save on average 40 to 80 kg of CO₂ depending on the model.
Do refurbished phones come with a warranty?
Absolutely. Top notch offers a 12-month warranty on all its refurbished devices for complete peace of mind.
Which refurbished phone models are available at Top notch?
We offer a selection of refurbished iPhones and refurbished Samsung phones in different capacities and quality grades.