Mobilesrus is a UK-based mobile phone retailer offering new and refurbished smartphones with accessories. The company provides warranty coverage and focuses on affordability, though customer experiences vary. This guide covers what you need to know about phone quality, pricing, returns, and how it compares to alternatives.
You’re searching for a budget-friendly phone and stumble across Mobilesrus. The prices look good, but you’ve never heard of them. Are they reliable? Will your phone arrive in decent condition? Will customer service actually respond if something goes wrong?
These questions matter. Buying a phone from an unfamiliar retailer carries risk, especially when dealing with refurbished devices. This guide gives you the facts about Mobilesrus—what they offer, how their quality stacks up, what customers actually say, and whether you should trust them with your money.
What Is Mobilesrus?
Mobilesrus operates as an online mobile phone retailer in the UK. The company sells both new and refurbished smartphones, focusing primarily on popular brands like Apple and Samsung. Their business model centers on providing affordable alternatives to buying directly from manufacturers or major retailers.
The company targets budget-conscious buyers who want smartphones without paying full retail prices. They position themselves as a one-stop shop for phones and accessories, though their primary business revolves around refurbished device sales.
Unlike established players like Back Market or Music Magpie, Mobilesrus maintains a smaller online presence. This limited visibility raises questions about their track record and reliability, which we’ll address throughout this guide.
What Mobilesrus Offers
Phone Inventory and Brands
Mobilesrus stocks smartphones across multiple price points. Their inventory typically includes iPhones from several generations back, Samsung Galaxy devices, and occasionally other Android brands. The selection changes based on available stock, which can be inconsistent compared to larger retailers.
Most phones listed are refurbished rather than brand new. Refurbished means the device was previously owned, then tested, cleaned, and repaired as needed before resale. The company sorts these phones into condition grades, though their specific grading criteria aren’t always clearly detailed on product pages.
Stock availability can be hit-or-miss. Popular models in good condition tend to sell quickly, while older or less desirable phones linger in inventory. If you’re hunting for a specific model in a particular grade, you might need to check back regularly.
Pricing Structure
Refurbished phones from Mobilesrus typically cost 30-60% less than new devices. An iPhone 12 that retails for £600 new might list at £350-£450 refurbished, depending on condition grade. Samsung devices follow similar discount patterns.
Price competitiveness varies. Sometimes Mobilesrus beats major competitors like CeX or Music Magpie by £20-£50. Other times, their prices sit in the middle of the pack or slightly higher. The key is comparing specific models across multiple sites before buying.
Discount codes and promotional offers appear periodically. These can knock an additional 5-10% off listed prices during sale periods. Watch for these around major shopping events or sign up for email notifications if you’re not in a rush.
Phone Quality and Grading System
Understanding what you’re actually buying requires knowing how Mobilesrus grades their phones. Most refurbished retailers use similar systems, but specifics matter.
- Grade A phones should have minimal cosmetic wear—light scratches at most, invisible from normal viewing distance. The screen should be clean without visible damage. All functions must work perfectly. These look and perform nearly like new devices.
2. Grade B phones show noticeable cosmetic wear. Expect visible scratches on the body, possible small dents, and minor screen scuffs. Everything should still function correctly, but the device won’t win beauty contests. Grade B offers the best value if you prioritize function over appearance.
3. Grade C phones display heavy wear—deep scratches, significant dents, screen damage (though not cracks affecting functionality). These are budget options where the phone works but looks rough. Only consider Grade C if price is your sole concern and you plan to use a case anyway.
Battery health matters more than cosmetic condition for long-term satisfaction. Mobilesrus should guarantee minimum battery capacity (typically 80% of original), but verify this before purchase. A phone with 70% battery capacity will need charging constantly, killing the deal no matter how cheap.
The refurbishment process should include testing all functions (camera, speakers, microphone, buttons, sensors), cleaning, and replacing faulty parts. Unfortunately, Mobilesrus doesn’t publish detailed information about their specific testing procedures or quality control standards. This lack of transparency is a weakness compared to competitors who openly share their testing checklists.
Warranty and Returns
Mobilesrus provides warranty coverage, though terms can vary by product. Standard warranties typically run 12 months for refurbished phones. This matches industry standards from competitors like Back Market and Music Magpie.
The warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures that occur through normal use. It doesn’t cover accidental damage (drops, water damage, cracked screens you caused), cosmetic wear, or battery degradation from regular charging cycles. Read the specific warranty terms on your product page before buying.
Return policies give you an escape route if the phone arrives in worse condition than described. Most UK retailers must offer 14 days for online purchases under consumer protection laws. Check if Mobilesrus extends this or adds conditions (restocking fees, return shipping costs, original packaging requirements).
Filing warranty claims or returns requires contacting customer service. The process should involve explaining the issue, possibly providing photos, and receiving instructions for sending the device back. Response time and helpfulness vary—more on that in the customer service section.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Customer feedback provides the clearest picture of any retailer’s reliability. For Mobilesrus, reviews appear scattered across different platforms, making it harder to gauge overall satisfaction compared to competitors with thousands of consolidated Trustpilot reviews.
Positive reviews typically mention good prices, phones arriving in described condition, and smooth transactions. Satisfied customers appreciate getting quality devices for less money than retail and highlight when items arrive quickly.
Negative reviews focus on several recurring issues. Some customers report phones arriving in worse condition than listed—Grade A devices that look more like Grade B, or batteries that drain faster than expected. Others mention slow or unhelpful customer service when problems arise.
Communication issues come up repeatedly in complaints. Delayed responses to emails, difficulty getting return authorizations, or vague answers to specific questions frustrate buyers who need help. This stands in contrast to larger retailers with dedicated support teams and faster response protocols.
The limited number of reviews overall raises concerns. Established competitors have tens of thousands of reviews spanning years. Mobilesrus has far fewer, making it harder to identify consistent patterns or trust that the sample represents typical experiences.
Delivery and Customer Service
Shipping timeframes typically range from 2-5 business days within the UK. Standard delivery usually carries a small fee (£3-£5), while free shipping might kick in above certain order values. Express options may be available for urgent needs at higher cost.
Packaging matters for protecting phones in transit. Expect phones to arrive in bubble wrap or foam inserts inside sturdy boxes. Original manufacturer boxes usually aren’t included for refurbished devices. Some retailers add nice touches like new charging cables or basic cases—verify what’s included with your specific purchase.
Tracking information should be provided once your order ships. This lets you monitor progress and know when to expect delivery. Missing or unclear tracking details signal potential organizational issues.
Customer service quality makes or breaks the experience when issues arise. Mobilesrus offers contact through email and possibly phone, though response times seem inconsistent based on customer reports. Some buyers report helpful resolutions within 24-48 hours. Others describe waiting days for responses or getting generic answers that don’t address their specific problems.
Compare this to competitors with live chat, comprehensive FAQs, and reputation for same-day responses. The customer service gap represents Mobilesrus’s biggest weakness relative to established players.
Mobilesrus vs Competitors
The UK refurbished phone market includes several strong alternatives worth considering:
- Back Market operates as a marketplace connecting buyers with certified refurbishers. They offer 12-month warranties, clear grading standards, and 30-day returns. Prices run competitive, and customer reviews are extensive (mostly positive). Their main advantage is transparency and strong buyer protection.
2. Music Magpie brings years of experience and massive scale. They refurbish phones through detailed processes they publish online, offer 12-month warranties, and maintain solid Trustpilot ratings. Prices sometimes run higher than smaller retailers, but reliability and customer service are consistently strong.
3. CeX combines online and physical store presence. You can inspect phones in person before buying or return items to local stores. Their grading system is well-established, though prices can be higher than online-only competitors. The trade-in program is convenient if you’re upgrading.
4. The Big Phone Store focuses on value pricing with 90+ point quality checks and 12-month warranties. They’ve built a reputation for transparency about refurbishment processes and customer service. Prices often undercut competitors while maintaining quality standards.
Mobilesrus fits into this landscape as a smaller player with competitive pricing but less established reputation. Choose Mobilesrus when:
- Their price on your specific model beats competitors by meaningful amounts (£30+)
- The phone grade and battery health are clearly stated
- You’re comfortable with slightly higher risk in exchange for savings
Choose competitors when:
- You want maximum buyer protection and easier returns
- Customer service quality matters more than small price differences
- You’re buying an expensive phone (iPhone 13 Pro or newer) where reliability is crucial
- You value extensive customer reviews and transparent processes
Should You Buy from Mobilesrus?
Mobilesrus can work for the right buyer under the right circumstances. They’re not a scam—phones do arrive and many customers complete transactions without issues. But they’re also not the safest or most reliable choice in the UK refurbished phone market.
Buy from Mobilesrus if:
- Price is your primary concern and they’re significantly cheaper than alternatives
- You’re buying a lower-value phone (under £300) where risk is manageable
- You understand phone condition grades and can evaluate quality when it arrives
- You’re comfortable potentially dealing with slower customer service
- You’ve confirmed warranty terms and return policy specifics for your item
Choose competitors if:
- You want maximum peace of mind and buyer protection
- You’re spending £400+ on a phone
- Fast, helpful customer service matters to you
- You prefer retailers with thousands of verified reviews
- You value transparency about refurbishment processes
Red flags to watch for:
- Vague condition descriptions without clear grade assignments
- Missing or unclear warranty information
- No stated battery health guarantee
- Reviews mentioning persistent customer service problems
- Prices that seem too good to be true (significantly below all competitors)
The smart approach involves comparison shopping. Find your desired phone model on Mobilesrus, Back Market, Music Magpie, and CeX. Compare prices, grades, warranty terms, and customer reviews. The extra 20 minutes of research could save you £50 or prevent a frustrating experience.
Check your payment method’s buyer protection too. Credit cards offer Section 75 protection for purchases over £100, giving you recourse if things go wrong. PayPal provides dispute resolution. These safety nets matter more when buying from smaller retailers.
Final verdict: Mobilesrus serves a specific niche—buyers who prioritize price and can tolerate some uncertainty. They’re legitimate enough to consider but not your safest choice. If their price advantage is substantial and you’re comfortable with slightly higher risk, go ahead. If peace of mind matters more, stick with more established competitors. The best decision depends on your specific situation, risk tolerance, and what you value most in a phone purchase.
