Should I Buy A Refurbished Phone? 8 Reasons Why
Are Refurbished Phones Worth It?
A refurbished phone is a used smartphone returned to the manufacturer, retailer, or carrier for reformation or reconditioning. The user returns the phone for various reasons, including a dislike for the phone, manufacturing defects, or hardware issues. Regardless of the problem, the manufacturer, carrier, or retailer tests the device to examine the internal and external conditions. The phone is then reconditioned into working order and sold at a discounted price. A refurbished phone may have a few physical blemishes but perform and function like a new phone.
Buying a refurbished phone is worth the investment, especially considering the cost of a new phone. Purchasing a refurbished device saves you a lot of money and provides an alternative to your usual 24-month phone contract.
Refurbished vs. Used Phones
Although sometimes used interchangeably, refurbished and used phones are quite different. A used phone is a device previously used by someone and sold as it is. On the other hand, a refurbished phone, although pre-used, has gone through a professional refurbishing process, checked for defects and cosmetic damages, and reset to factory settings by the manufacturer or retailer.
When you purchase a used phone, you buy it the exact way the previous owner used it. There may be wear and tear, no warranty, and in some instances, battery issues. You are gambling on the condition of the phone, and would have to fix any problems out of pocket. Generally, used phones are cheaper than refurbished phones.
Purchasing a refurbished phone is buying a lightly used phone or even a brand new phone in some instances. The manufacturer restores the phone to like-new conditions, solving battery issues and component failure problems. The extra steps taken to return the device to pristine conditions make refurbished phones more expensive than used ones.
What to Look Out for Before Buying Refurbished Phones
Buying a refurbished phone is a way to save money and enjoy the perks of a new phone. However, there are some things to look out for when purchasing a refurbished phone to ensure you get a good deal for your money. They include:
Warranty
A warranty helps you return the phone should any issues occur after purchase. If you purchase a refurbished phone, ensure that the manufacturer or dealer is willing to provide some guarantee by offering a safety net. The safety net may be a time frame to return the device, cash refunds, or part replacements if there is a fault. Most phone manufacturers or retailers of refurbished phones offer warranty periods of up to one year.
Return Policy
Read the fine print before paying for a refurbished phone, especially if you are buying from an online retailer. The fine print lets you know if you can return the phone or get a refund if a technical issue occurs.
Stolen or Fake Phones
There is the risk that your refurbished phone is a stolen or fake device. You can avoid buying a stolen phone by asking for the original invoice, which should include the store and cost of purchase. You can also ask the seller for the phone's original package.
Remember that the refurbished phone market is awash with fake phones. To avoid purchasing one, go to the settings on the phone to examine the hardware. Check the phone’s specification details to ensure it matches the device.
Reliable Battery
Check the battery health before purchasing a refurbished phone. Some retailers of refurbished phones install new batteries during the refurbishing process, while others do not. Since smartphones used over the years lose battery capacity, ensure you check if the dealer or retailer includes a new battery for the refurbished phone. While you can replace the battery yourself, buying a new battery adds to the overall price of the phone.
Water Damaged Phones
Although some new phones are water resistant, not all phones are. You can check if a phone has water damage by looking at the SIM tray. A reddish color inside the card slot indicates water damage. Although refurbished, a phone damaged by water can set you back hundreds of dollars worth of repairs in the future. Therefore, ensure that you are not purchasing a refurbished device previously damaged by water.
Software Updates
Depending on the age of the phone, some older refurbished phones may not get security or other software updates. Security updates are software patches that protect your device from hackers. Therefore, be sure to know how long the manufacturer intends to support the device software before you purchase a refurbished phone.
Phone’s Condition and Accessories
Some refurbished phones may come with scratches, and others without accessories. Most reputable online retailers of refurbished phones disclose the scratches and marks on a refurbished phone in the product description. However, many retailers do not offer refurbished phones with accessories or add-ons. Therefore, ensure that you can find the appropriate charger and other accessories before buying a refurbished phone sold without add-ons.
Network Compatibility
Network compatibility involves checking to see if the refurbished phone works with your SIM card. Before parting with cash, be sure that the phone you’re about to buy is compatible with your intended network.
8 Reasons to Buy a Refurbished Phone
Here are eight reasons why you should buy a refurbished phone:
Cost Effective
The most significant benefit of buying a refurbished phone is cost savings. They offer value for money as you pay a fraction of the original price for possibly an almost brand-new phone. In most cases, when you purchase a refurbished device, you get a newer model smartphone without having to pay full price.
Excellent Condition - Better than a Used Phone
Purchasing a used phone may come from a friend or an auction site. On the other hand, refurbished phones come from buyers returning a phone due to defects, or when they purchase a newer model. Dealers go to great lengths to ensure the phone is fully functional and bring the phone to a state as good as new.
Environmental Benefits
Purchasing a refurbished phone helps the environment. Buying a refurbished phone helps reduce the number of phones that end up in landfills. This reduces e-waste, including ground, water, and air pollution, which poses health risks.
Quality-assured
Dealers put refurbished phones through rigorous quality checks to ensure the phones deliver good performance. Usually, skilled technicians handle the refurbishing process, replacing damaged parts with originals before testing the phones. The dealers move phones that meet the testing criteria to the sales department and discard those that do not meet the quality check.
Same Perks with a New Phone
Purchasing a refurbished phone comes with the same perks as a new phone. For instance, most dealers and retailers offer insurance for refurbished phones. You also get the advantage of a 14-day return policy if you change your mind after purchase.
Money-back Guarantee
Most dealers of refurbished phones offer some form of warranty if you are dissatisfied with the phone. You can return the phone to get your money back or get a replacement.
No Contracts
When you take a contract for a brand new smartphone, you spend a substantial amount paying off the contract monthly. Also, breaking the contract attracts stiff penalties. On the other hand, you are not tied to an agreement when you purchase a refurbished phone. You can buy a refurbished phone with cash and use it for as long as possible. You eliminate expensive contracts, early termination fees, and penalties.
Giving to Charity
Most dealers and retailers of refurbished phones donate part of the proceeds of their sale to charity. When you purchase a refurbished phone, you are helping to make a difference in the world by giving to people in need.
Beyond Saving Money
A refurbished phone is not a used or defective phone. There are many benefits when you purchase a refurbished phone. They are inexpensive, tested, safe for the environment, have no lengthy contracts, and you can get your money back if it doesn’t work out. However, ensure you do your due diligence and research before purchasing a refurbished phone.
