Music Magpie vs The Big Phone Store (UK)

Q: What battery condition can I expect?

The Big Phone Store refurbishes phones in-house and guarantees a minimum battery health of 85% (with "Like New" models at 90%+), with 90-point checks. MusicMagpie states that batteries have at least 80% capacity or they are replaced.

Compare with Music Magpie Phones and see why The Big Phone Store leads the UK's refurbished phone market

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Trade-In Giant vs Specialist Refurbisher

Music Magpie and The Big Phone Store are two of the UK's biggest names in refurbished tech — but they work in very different ways.

MusicMagpie is best known for buying used phones, CDs, and consoles, refurbishing them in bulk, and selling them online and through high-street partners like Asda.

The Big Phone Store is a dedicated UK refurbisher that restores, tests, and sells its own devices directly to customers — with no middlemen or third-party listings.

Both sell refurbished phones, but only one gives you full transparency, faster service, and direct access to the team that actually handled your device.

Music Magpie Phones vs TBPS (UK): Quick Comparison Table

Information correct as of Jan, 2026

Feature	The Big Phone Store	Music Magpie
Refurbished phones since 1999	✅	✅ (est. 2007)
Trustpilot rating	Excellent (4.8★)	Excellent (4.4★)
Google reviews	4.6★	4.1★
UK-owned and operated	✅	✅
12-Month Warranty	✅	✅
Daily price updates	✅	✅
Flexible payment options	✅	✅
Recommended by Which?	✅	✅
Recommended by MoneySavingExpert	✅	✅
Refurbished and sold in-house	✅	✅
In-person store	✅	❌
UK customer service team	✅	✅
Free next working day delivery (£150+ orders)	✅	❌ (standard 3–5 days)
95% next-day delivery rate	✅	❌
Same-day dispatch (Mon–Fri before 3 pm)	✅	❌
Returns processed within 3 working days	✅	❌ (up to 14 days typical)
Wide device range	✅	✅
Average battery health: 85%+	✅	Not specified
Certified 90-point quality checks	✅	❌
Over 5 million phones sold	✅	✅
Speak to a real person	✅	✅

What's Missing from Music Magpie — and How We Fill the Gaps

Music Magpie has scale, but that scale can mean slower turnaround times and less personal service.

At The Big Phone Store, everything — from refurbishing to refunds — happens under one roof, so your experience is consistent from start to finish.

Where MusicMagpie Falls Short	How The Big Phone Store Does It Better
Primarily focused on trade-ins	Hand-tested devices, each passing a certified 90-point inspection
Focus on trade-in volume	Specialist focus on quality and customer experience
Delivery takes 3–5 working days	95% of orders arrive next day
Returns may take up to 14 days	98% of returns processed in 3 working days
Limited direct communication	Real UK support team you can call or visit
Average battery health not specified	Guaranteed 85%+ battery, 95%+ on "Like New"
No physical retail store	Public showroom in Wolverhampton
Bulk-processing approach	Individual device testing and grading
Fixed-price trade-ins	Competitive trade-in prices with same-day payment
Limited transparency on testing methods	Independently certified with PhoneCheck

Experience and Trust

MusicMagpie launched in 2007 and quickly became a major UK trade-in brand. It processes large volumes of devices for resale through its website and partners like Asda and Amazon.

The Big Phone Store has been refurbishing and selling tech since 1999 — long before MusicMagpie entered the market.

Every phone we sell is restored and tested by our in-house technicians in Wolverhampton.

That means every device gets hands-on inspection and certification, not bulk testing.

"We've been doing this since before 'refurbished' was fashionable. Every phone we sell is tested, certified, and supported by people you can actually talk to."

— Steven Athwal, CEO

Comparing Music Magpie vs The Big Phone Store

Delivery and Returns

	The Big Phone Store	Music Magpie
Dispatch time	Same-day (before 3 pm)	1–2 working days
Delivery speed	95% next working day	3–5 working days
Returns	98% refunded within 3 working days	May take up to 14 working days
In-person return option	✅	❌

When you buy from Music Magpie UK, your device is processed and shipped from central warehouses, which can mean longer wait times.

With The Big Phone Store, everything ships directly from our Wolverhampton facility — most orders arrive the next day.

Quality Control

Both brands refurbish devices in-house, but the processes differ.

MusicMagpie operates a high-volume testing line focused on speed and throughput.
The Big Phone Store takes a more specialised approach — each device undergoes a 90-point inspection and PhoneCheck certification, ensuring verified battery health, screen quality, and data wiping.

We also guarantee 85%+ battery health as standard and offer a 100% battery upgrade option.

Value for Money

MusicMagpie's prices are competitive, but its business model includes marketplace listings and large-volume pricing based on trade-ins and partner sales.

At The Big Phone Store, you buy direct — no hidden commission or platform fees. We update prices daily, keeping them competitive while maintaining quality testing and faster aftercare.

Comparing Mazuma Mobile vs The Big Phone Store

Trade-In and Upgrade Options

MusicMagpie built its name on trade-ins — it's fast but fixed-price, with payments processed after inspection.

At The Big Phone Store, our trade-in process is just as quick but more transparent:

Instant online quote
Free tracked postage
Same-day payment once we receive and verify your phone

We also offer optional upgrades you won't find at MusicMagpie:

100% battery health replacement
Hand-fitted screen and camera lens protectors
Original box option for that "new phone" feel

Visit Us in Person

Music Magpie operates online and through partners — it doesn't have its own public retail space.

You can visit The Big Phone Store anytime at our Wolverhampton refurbishment centre to see how we test and grade refurbished tech.

📍 Wednesfield Business Park, Wolverhampton, WV11 3SF

🕘 Monday – Friday | 9 am – 5:30 pm

Visit Our Showroom

See our refurbishment process firsthand and get expert advice from our team.

Get Directions

Why UK Customers Choose The Big Phone Store

	The Big Phone Store	Music Magpie
Bulk refurbishment	❌	✅
Certified 90-point testing	✅	❌
Next-day delivery (95%)	✅	❌
Same-day returns processing	✅	❌
85%+ battery health guarantee	✅	Not specified
Public showroom	✅	❌
Personalised UK support	✅	✅
Recommended by Which? and MoneySavingExpert	✅	✅

The Verdict

MusicMagpie is a strong name in trade-ins and refurbished phones, but it's built for scale — not personal service.

If you want fast, consistent, UK-based support and devices tested to the same certified standard every time, The Big Phone Store is the better choice.

We refurbish. We test. We sell direct. And we've been doing it since 1999.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What battery condition can I expect?

A: The Big Phone Store refurbished phones in-house, guarantees a minimum battery health of 85% (with "Like New" models at 90%+) and runs 90-point checks. MusicMagpie states that batteries have at least 80% capacity or they are replaced.

What warranty and return coverage do they offer?

A: The Big Phone Store offers a 12-month warranty on refurbished phones starting the day you place your order. MusicMagpie offers a free 12-month warranty on its tech items, covering technical defects or workmanship issues.

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