Vodafone UK launched its Nearly New scheme, which offers “pre-owned” smartphones at a discount.

While the offering will be available to both prepaid and contract customers, the operator is targeting pay-as-you-go users who have not already migrated to smartphones.

Devices sold will include a 12 month warranty – or 24 months for contract customers – and will have been returned by customers in “very good condition”.

Handsets will go through a “strict series of checks and processes”, including a full security wipe.

The company said that its range will vary on a monthly basis – depending on the handsets returned – but prepaid customers will be able to save up to £155.

Smartphones available will include the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS – but not the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5.

Vodafone said that smartphone take-up among new contract customers is “over 90 percent” already.