EE LAUNCHES REFURBISHED SMARTPHONE PLAN RANGE, GIVING NEW WAVE OF TECH THRIFTERS A SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY TO UPGRADE TO A NEW PHONE

EE LAUNCHES REFURBISHED SMARTPHONE PLAN RANGE, GIVING NEW WAVE OF TECH THRIFTERS A SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY TO UPGRADE TO A NEW PHONE

• EE launches its new refurbished smartphone range with airtime, featuring iPhone and Samsung smartphones and offering customers a high-quality, more sustainable and cost-effective way to upgrade
• The launch coincides with new 'Tech Thrifters' movement - as research reveals a shift in Gen-Z habits with 55% of 18-24 year olds viewing pre-owned tech as a badge of honour
• EE's range comes with extended warranty included for peace of mind as well as uses manufacturer approvedparts, and a 40% discount on airtime for students
• A smarter choice for the planet, EE's refurbished range contributes to reducing carbon emissions, e-waste and raw material use, supporting EE's ambition to reduce its climate impact and give tech a longer life while connecting customers to the UK's best network
  

EE today announced the launch of its new range of pre-owned smartphones with airtime, offering a great value deal with unlimited mobile data on the UK's best network, and providing customers with a more affordable and sustainable way to get a great handset, without compromising on quality or peace of mind.

Available on ee.co.uk, EE's refurbished launch range features Apple and Samsung smartphones, priced from £31 per month, available on up to 36 month Flex Pay agreements to spread the cost of the handset over a prolonged period. Every phone is rigorously checked, tested and backed by EE's extended warranty.

What's more, students who take out a Flex Pay plan with EE will receive a 40% discount on their airtime when taking a refurbished smartphone. For example, this means students could make savings of up to £12 per month on refurbished device plans like the Samsung Galaxy S24 saving around nearly £300 over the length of the plan.

Rise of the Gen Z Tech Thrifters

The launch comes as the latest research* has identified a new wave of tech-savvy, eco-conscious 'Tech Thrifters', the 18-24 year olds who see Refurbished is no longer "second best" - but a status symbol for a smart financial choice and a desirable lifestyle trend.

• 67% of young adults say they actively look for ways to be thriftier when buying technology
• 57% say they prefer to reuse or buy refurbished technology as it is better for the environment
• 63% say they buy refurbished technology as it feels like a positive lifestyle choice

Far from being a compromise, buying refurbished is increasingly seen as a badge of honour and consumers are actively seeking our second-hand technology.

• 55% of 18-24 year olds say they feel proud to reuse or buy pre-owned items
• While 63% say they would rather spend less and get a refurbished device than pay full price for a brand-new model. For many, refurbished technology is now viewed as a smart, responsible choice rather than a second-best option

No.1 for Quality

Every device in the EE refurbished range undergoes a rigorous 53-point quality inspection. From battery health and camera precision to ports and speakers, with restoration using manufacturer-approved parts.

To provide ultimate peace of mind, EE is including an Extended Warranty that covers manufacturer faults for the entire lifetime of the customer's plan-surpassing the standard new-device warranties provided by manufacturers. Every phone arrives in recycled EE-branded packaging with a genuine charging cable and a battery tested for peak performance.

A greener way to connect

Sustainability also plays a defining role in purchasing decisions according to EE's research, with 46% of 18-24 year olds saying they feel a personal responsibility to reduce electronic waste. At the same time, affordability remains critical, with nearly three quarters (74.2%) saying they expect brands to help them make more sustainable choices without costing more. The research highlights that young people increasingly see value, longevity, environmental impact, and the social trend of being a 'Tech Thrifter' as equally important when choosing their next phone.

Choosing refurbished phones is a more sustainable option that reduces environmental impact by making better use of existing devices and limiting new material use. A lifecycle assessment by ADEME,which made a comparison, revealed that choosing refurbished for two years, rather than buying new for three years, can cut carbon emissions by up to 87% per year, use 86% fewer raw materials, generate 85% less e-waste, and consume 77% less water, avoiding around 50 kg of carbon over two years. The launch of refurbished devices on Flex Pay plans supports EE's sustainability ambitions and helps customers with choices that are better for the environment.

Sharon Meadows, MD Marketing & Commercial, EE said: "Our new range of refurbished smartphone Flex Pay plans makes great technology accessible to more people, in a way that helps both budgets and the planet. Refurbished is no longer a second choice, it's now mainstream, with younger customers leading the way when it comes to thrifty, sustainable choices. Our launch will give them and consumers across the UK, total confidence they're getting a high-quality device, backed by EE's extended warranty and award-winning support, along with access to the UK's best network."

Availability

The new range is available now at ee.co.uk. Customers can spread the cost over 36 months with EE Flex Pay, enjoy a 14-day cooling-off period, access to the UK's best network and 24/7 award-winning support.

For more information on EE's refurbished phones range, visit ee.co.uk/refurbished-phones.