Back Market has made a name for itself as one of the biggest marketplaces for refurbished phones, operating in 18 countries and valued at billions. But can you trust their products? Are you getting quality devices, or are you just rolling the dice with refurbished goods?
We decided to dig deeper by purchasing three iPhone 12 models from Back Market, each with a different rating: Fair, Good, and Excellent. The goal? To uncover the truth about the quality of these refurbished phones, their parts, and the repairs done. Here’s what we found.
Excellent Condition Phone ($357): More Issues Than Expected
We started with the “excellent condition” iPhone 12, expecting a device that would look and perform like new. Unfortunately, it fell short in several areas:
- Screen Replacement: The screen was clearly a low-quality replacement, protruding from the body and dim despite being an OLED. The bezels and chin were larger than they should be, indicating a subpar repair job.
- Camera Issues: Both the front and rear cameras showed signs of tampering and dirt.
- Internal Problems: Upon opening the phone, we discovered water damage (indicated by red water damage sensors), missing screws, and a swapped screen IC to mask the replacement.
Even though the phone passed basic functionality tests, the hardware quality and sloppy repairs were alarming.
Good Condition Phone ($266): Slightly Better, Still Disappointing
Next, we examined the “good condition” iPhone 12. Priced lower than the excellent model, this phone looked slightly better but still had significant flaws:
- Screen Quality: The screen was dim and appeared to be of the same poor quality as the excellent model.
- Battery Health: Surprisingly, the battery health was higher at 90%, which didn’t align with the overall condition.
- Internal Inspection: Inside, we found water damage indicators, a poorly adhered battery, and a swapped screen IC. While marginally better than the excellent phone, it still fell far below acceptable standards for a refurbished device.
Fair Condition Phone ($262): Surprisingly the Best of the Lot
Finally, we turned to the “fair condition” phone, expecting it to be the worst. Instead, it turned out to be the best:
- Appearance: The exterior had minor scratches, but the screen looked original and flush with the body.
- Performance: The phone passed all diagnostic tests with flying colors.
- Internal Quality: Upon opening it, we found no water damage, original parts, and clean, well-maintained internals.
This phone, which was the cheapest and rated the lowest, ironically offered the best value and quality.
The Verdict on Back Market
Our investigation revealed a troubling inconsistency in Back Market’s refurbished phones:
- Quality Control Issues: The excellent and good condition phones were riddled with poor repairs, non-original parts, and even water damage.
- Transparency Problems: While Back Market is upfront about part replacements, the repairs done on these devices often appeared rushed and substandard.
- Fair Phones Performed Best: The fair condition phone, expected to be the least impressive, was the only one to meet acceptable standards.
Should You Buy from Back Market?
Based on our findings, purchasing from Back Market is a gamble. While you might luck out with a decent device, the inconsistent quality and lack of rigorous refurbishing standards make it a risky choice. If you decide to buy, consider starting with their lowest-rated options—they might surprise you.
