The iOutlet vs The Big Phone Store
Independent Refurbisher vs Full-Service UK Specialist - Discover Why Thousands Choose The Big Phone Store for Premium Refurbished Phones
Independent Refurbisher vs Full-Service UK Specialist
The iOutlet and The Big Phone Store both sell refurbished tech — but the way we do it is fundamentally different.
The iOutlet is an independent refurbisher and reseller based in the UK. It offers refurbished phones and tech online, focusing mainly on Apple and Samsung products with a smaller operation.
The Big Phone Store is a comprehensive UK-based refurbisher with a massive in-house facility, where every phone undergoes rigorous testing, meticulous restoration, and direct sales to customers. We're a full-service operation with complete control over quality.
Both are trusted UK brands — but there are significant differences in scale, testing protocols, and service delivery that directly impact your customer experience.
Premium Comparison Overview
| Key Features | The Big Phone Store | The iOutlet |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished phones since 1999 | ✓ Industry Pioneer | ✓ (est. 2013) |
| Trustpilot rating | Excellent 4.8★ | Excellent 4.7★ |
| Google reviews | 4.6★ | 4.6★ |
| UK-owned and operated | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12-Month Warranty | ✓ Comprehensive | ✓ Standard |
| Daily price updates | ✓ Live Market Pricing | ✓ |
| Flexible payment options | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recommended by Which? | ✓ Best Buy | ✓ |
| Recommended by MoneySavingExpert | ✓ | ✗ |
| Refurbished and sold in-house | ✓ Complete Control | ✓ |
| In-person store | ✓ | ✓ |
| UK customer service team | ✓ Expert Support | ✓ |
| 95% next-day delivery rate | ✓ Guaranteed | ✓ |
| Same-day dispatch (Mon–Fri before 3 pm) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Returns processed within 3 working days | ✓ Lightning Fast | ✗ |
| Wide device range | ✓ 12+ Brands | Focused on Apple & Samsung |
| Average battery health: 85%+ | ✓ Guaranteed | ✓ |
| Over 5 million phones sold | ✓ Market Leader | ✗ |
| Talk to a real person | ✓ Immediate Access | ✓ |
Information correct as of January 2026 | All data verified from public sources
Certified Quality
90-point inspection with PhoneCheck certification and guaranteed 85%+ battery health
Lightning Fast Delivery
95% next-day delivery rate with same-day dispatch before 3pm
Visit Our Store
Physical location in Wolverhampton for in-person service and support
Expert UK Support
Dedicated UK-based team available via phone, email, and in-person
The iOutlet: Strengths & Limitations
The iOutlet has established itself as a solid, UK-based refurbisher with good reviews and competitive prices. It focuses primarily on Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices, offering refurbished phones, tablets, and consoles through an online-only model.
While they maintain a loyal customer base, their smaller operation means there are areas where The Big Phone Store provides superior consistency, broader choice, and faster aftercare services.
| Where The iOutlet Has Limits | How The Big Phone Store Excels |
|---|---|
| Focused on Apple and Samsung only | Comprehensive Range: Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, Nokia, Honor, CAT |
| Online-only support channels | Multi-channel support: In-person, phone, email with UK-based experts |
| Smaller facility with limited capacity | One-acre UK refurbishment centre with industrial-scale capacity |
| Return times not publicly disclosed | 98% of returns processed within 3 working days - guaranteed |
| Limited upgrade options | Premium upgrades: Battery replacement, fitted protectors, original box add-ons |
Both companies maintain quality standards — but at The Big Phone Store, we've built an industrial-scale operation that delivers faster processing, complete transparency, and personalized service.
Delivery & Returns: Speed Matters
| Service Aspect | The Big Phone Store | The iOutlet |
|---|---|---|
| Dispatch time | Same-day (before 3 pm) | Same-day (before 3 pm) |
| Delivery speed | 95% next working day | Typically next-day delivery |
| Returns refund time | 98% processed within 3 working days | Processing times not publicly listed |
| In-person returns | ✓ Available | ✗ Not Available |
Both companies deliver quickly, but only The Big Phone Store offers in-person service and transparent, guaranteed return processing times.
Ready for Premium Quality & Unmatched Service?
Join over 5 million satisfied customers who trust The Big Phone Store for certified refurbished phones, transparent pricing, and exceptional UK-based customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The Big Phone Store refurbishes all phones in-house with guaranteed 85%+ battery health and certified 90-point inspections. iOutlet refurbishes some devices but also sources externally, with battery health guarantees not always specified.
A: Yes. Both The Big Phone Store and iOutlet offer 12-month warranties on most refurbished phones. We recommend checking individual listings for specific coverage details.
A: The Big Phone Store provides detailed battery health percentages, specific condition grades, and complete testing documentation upfront. iOutlet uses a letter grade system (A+, A, etc.), but specific battery health details aren't always displayed.
The Final Verdict
For The iOutlet
- ✓ Good UK refurbisher with fair prices
- ✓ Strong focus on Apple products
- ✓ Established online presence
- ✓ Physical store in Plymouth
For The Big Phone Store
- ✓ 25+ years industry experience
- ✓ Physical store for in-person service
- ✓ 12+ brand selection
- ✓ Recommended by Which? and MSE
- ✓ Highest rated refurbisher (4.8 stars)
Our Recommendation
The iOutlet serves well for basic Apple/Samsung needs with fair pricing.
The Big Phone Store delivers premium certified quality, faster service, broader selection, and industry-leading transparency - making it the superior choice for discerning customers who value quality assurance and comprehensive service.