Electricals retailer AO has launched a range of refurbished mobile phones.
The move – which includes refurbished iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max iPhone SE smartphones, as well as the iPhone 12 – enhances AO’s sustainability credentials and helps provide more affordable options to customers in the cost-of-living crisis.
Other models are being made available by the day, with the refurbished mobile phones all listed on AO’s MobilePhonesDirect.com website, which was acquired by the electricals group in 2019.
AO said the phones are sold “as new”, but shoppers can save up to £125 by shopping this range compared to buying brand new versions.
Each of the as new iPhones originate from official Apple factories and offer customers a 12-month warranty.
Scott Hooton, the mobile industry veteran who was appointed AO’s mobile director last month, said: “There is huge demand right now for more cost-effective options when it comes to upgrading or replacing mobile phones, so we’re thrilled to be the first online retailer to launch this special new range of ‘as new’ phones for UK customers.
“There’s a lot of pressure on household budgets, but consumers are still keen to keep up with the latest in technology, including mobile phones, which are an essential part of everyday life.”
He added: “As new mobile phones also tick a lot of boxes when it comes to making a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly purchase. For example, these iPhones have been returned by customers because of potential faults but have then been rebuilt by official Apple factories to exactly the same standard.”
Hooton brings 30 years’ experience of the mobile industry to AO having worked in a range of senior roles and consultancy positions with businesses such as Phones4U Netherlands, Phones4U, and Carphone Warehouse.
He had been working closely with AO since it acquired Mobile Phones Direct, “to build the right foundations for growth”, according to the retailer.
[Image credit: AO]
