With the cost of brand name cellphones skyrocketing to $1,000 or more, many consumers have turned to refurbished mobile phones as a solution. A quick search online turns up retailers offering refurbished mobile phones in Canada, the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and the United States. How do you know that the seller you choose to do business with offers the highest quality refurbished phones? How do you tell the difference between a used phone and a refurbished one? Read on to learn the benefits of the refurbished phone market and how to distinguish a used cell from a refurbished one.
Used vs. Refurbished: What’s the Difference?
Some consumers fear purchasing a refurbished mobile phone because they confuse the term with used smartphones. Perhaps they’ve searched eBay trying to find a great deal on a luxury cellphone and come across many used handsets rated average or scratched and dented, when they want to purchase a like-new smartphone.
Used Phones
A used cellphone simply had a previous owner. No technicians worked on it to update it or upgrade it. It could show any level of wear and tear. The seller of a used phone may not have even tested it to ensure it’s in working order!
Refurbished Phones
A refurbished cellphone underwent technical inspection and upgrades, such as a new battery or screen replacement, to meet like-new condition. All of its features function and the mobile phone comes with a warranty, typically of at least one year, plus a certificate of operation.
Finding Refurbished Phones Near You
The most important factor in the purchase comes from shopping the right source. Start with a search for “refurbished mobile phones with warranty” to find sellers in your country that carry refurbished smartphones. These search results provide you with an ideal starting point for finding the elusive refurbished Google Pixel or iPhone 11 you desire.
Benefits of Buying Refurbished Mobile Phones
Let’s consider all the benefits of purchasing a refurbished cell phone instead of a new one. Five main benefits make these refurbished smartphones such a fabulous deal, including:
- Cost less than new
- High-quality devices
- Warranty included
- Unlocked cellphones
- Environmentally friendly choice.
Although it doesn’t apply in every situation, buying a refurbished smartphone can help you replace your broken cellphone with the same model, even if the manufacturer no longer makes it new.
Refurbished Mobile Phone Cost Savings
According to TechRadar, consumers can save a few hundred dollars by purchasing a like-new refurbished handset instead of a new one. The cost savings vary by manufacturer and device. The most expensive refurbished smartphones dovetail with the most expensive new devices. You’ll still spend quite a bit on a Google, Samsung, or iPhone device, but prices top out at a reasonable price point on refurbished devices.
Quality of Refurbished Cellphones
Just as sellers on auction sites label used devices according to their operations, refurbished devices undergo labeling. The biggest difference comes from the cutoff point of ratings. A refurbished device might earn a “like new,” “very good,” or “good” rating. Think of “good” as above average. Refurbished cellphone sellers don’t offer average or less-than-average handsets. To qualify for sale as a refurbished device, the phone must meet all technical criteria and exhibit only the lightest scratches or exterior wear and tear.
Warranties on Refurbished Phones
According to Consumer Reports, warranty periods vary from three months to a year for refurbished devices. The consumer watchdog publication warns shoppers against buying a refurbished device that doesn’t come with a warranty. Reputable refurbishers always provide a warranty.
Refurbished Phones Usually Come Unlocked
During the refurbishment process, most technicians unlock the cell phones. This results in the purchaser of these pre-owned phones having the option of choosing their carrier. Because the smartphone receives a new warranty from the re-seller, the buyer doesn’t have to worry about the unlocking process. Since the second-hand phone no longer has an applicable manufacturer’s warranty, and it has a new warranty, a mobile phone buyer can purchase an unlocked phone cheaply and without concern.
Environmentally Friendly
Finally, environmentalists adore buying refurbished phones because the refurbishing process helps reduce the carbon footprint of the mobile device industry. According to Techwalla, refurbishing cellphones means recycling them. This keeps the electronic devices out of landfills, reducing their local and global adverse impacts.
Shopping for a Refurbished Cellphone
You don’t just save a few hundred dollars by purchasing a genuinely refurbished smartphone. You also help the environment, while still obtaining a high-quality, unlocked handset with a warranty. Shop refurbished phones for your next mobile.
