Buying any phone is a pricey commitment, so knowing your options for either buying brand-new or refurbished and reconditioned phones can be great options. To save you countless hours of research, we've narrowed it down to the pros and cons that will help you figure out if a refurbished phone is the right pick for you!
What is a refurbished phone?
Before weighing the pros and cons of a refurbished phone, it's important to define what “refurbished” means. A refurbished phone refers to a mobile device that has undergone a process of repair and restoration to be made available for resale. This means the phone might have been returned to the manufacturer or the seller due to a manufacturing defect or hardware malfunction. Alternatively, it could be a pre-owned phone that has been repaired in one way or another, such as fixing a broken screen, replacing a damaged battery, or repairing any other faults that the phone may have had.
It's important to note that all refurbished phones are typically subjected to thorough testing and inspection to ensure that they are still functioning well and meet the necessary standards for resale. This means that when you purchase a refurbished phone from a reputable retailer, you are likely to get a product that is still in good working condition, even though it may have undergone some repairs in the past.
What should you consider when shopping for a refurbished phone?
When shopping around for refurbished phones, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration. For example, you should consider the reputation of the retailer, the warranty or guarantee that they offer, the condition of the phone and the extent of the repairs that were done.
Additionally, you should be aware of any potential risks or drawbacks associated with purchasing a refurbished phone, such as the possibility of hidden faults or defects that may not have been fully disclosed by the seller.
Ultimately, while purchasing a refurbished phone can be a cost-effective way to get a functional mobile device, it's important to do your research and exercise caution to ensure that you are getting a quality product that meets your needs and expectations.
What are the advantages of a refurbished phone?
1. Refurbished phones are usually cheaper
Because refurbished phones are not brand new and sealed in a box, they are a great pick for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option! They usually come in cheaper prices than new phones and in the long run, they can save you a lot of money!
2. Refurbished phones are an eco-friendly option
The tech industry is not necessarily eco-friendly, especially when it comes to smartphones! It is crucial to be aware of the real cost of your phone and choose a more equitable option. Refurbished phones are a great pick if you want to help stop broken phones from ending up in landfills, being recycled ineffectively and overall reducing electronic waste! The environmental impact of your refurbished phone will be much lighter compared to a brand-new phone.
3. Refurbished phones come with a warranty
In most cases, a refurbished phone comes with a warranty! Retailers offer warranties that are usually up to 90 days and sometimes even up to 12 months. It can save you a lot of money in the long run if any fault or malfunctions prevent your refurbished phone from working properly.
Furthermore, you can also subscribe to some affordable refurbished mobile phone insurance to further protect your investment. It's another great advantage to consider if you’re hesitant to buy a refurbished phone!
4. Refurbished phones are checked and repaired by experts
If you are worried about the quality of your refurbished phone, you should be aware that they usually are subject to a meticulous checkup and repair process performed by experts! Regarding the previous data of the refurbished phone that you are buying, it is completely wiped from the phone so that you can enjoy a worry-free, data-free new phone. Similarly, the storage should be free from any problems in the long run!
What are the disadvantages of a refurbished phone?
1. Refurbished phones are usually not the latest in tech
Buying a refurbished phone can be a lot cheaper but it can also be a lot more restrictive in terms of variety! Unfortunately, because of the price savings, you are usually not able to get the latest and greatest phone from retailers selling refurbished phones. If you really want one of the latest iPhones for example, just know that the price will be close to the one of a brand-new phone retailer. It is a factor to consider if you are a huge tech fan!
2. Refurbished phones have shorter warranties
Another disadvantage to keep in mind when buying a refurbished phone is that, although it may offer warranties, they are usually shorter than the ones that come with brand-new phones! The coverage for refurbished phones usually amounts to shorter periods; with a maximum of 12 months and most retailers offering only a 90-day warranty!
3. Refurbished phones may have scratches and scuff marks depending on their grade.
Buying a second-hand device means getting the defects that come with it! They can be both internal with possible phone bugs or even external with sometimes scratches and minor dents in the casing. However, not to worry because everything will likely be listed in the description and be differentiated in terms of grading. If you are looking for a refurbished phone that has looks that are similar to a brand-new one, you will be able to select the proper quality grading but be aware that it will be reflected in the price; the closer to brand-new, the more you will pay!
4. Refurbished phones may have a shorter battery life
When investing in a refurbished phone, know that you are usually not investing in a highly functional battery! Because they are secondhand devices that have a past life, it shows in the quality of their batteries, so it may have a shorter battery life compared to a brand-new phone. This is because the battery may have already been used and degraded to some extent, especially if the phone is not refurbished to a high standard. This could lead to the phone needing to be charged more frequently, which could be inconvenient for some users!
A final word for our readers:
We're Arma Karma, a forward-thinking insurance company that aims to give coverage to all! We offer a variety of insurance policies: from you're fave tech items to your go-to accessories, we’ve got you covered! So, if you feel like taking an extra step towards safety by insuring your phone, get a quote. It takes less than a minute and can save you from worrying about your phone!
