The idea of buying used or refurbished mobile phones can excite you with the possibilities of value. But it can also leave you puzzled with visions of old or obsolete equipment. The latter is usually a misconception because refurbished phones may be the latest models that may have barely been used, or used much less intensively.
Refurbished or second-hand
It is important to differentiate between the terms "refurbished" and "used", which are sometimes used interchangeably, but are not at all the same.
Refurbished phones have usually undergone a professional reconditioning process, either by the manufacturer or by a qualified retailer. These phones are checked for defects and cosmetic damage. They are also reset to the factory default state. Refurbished phones may even come with an offer of a limited warranty against defects to encourage confidence in buyers who may be reluctant to purchase a refurbished product.
In contrast, a used phone generally refers to a phone that has been resold as is, perhaps by its previous owner. Buying a second-hand phone can offer the possibility of a fantastic deal. But it also carries additional risks. These devices do not come with new warranties that refurbished phones may come with. There is also a certain amount of trust that you place in the seller that they have told you everything you need to know about the phone. Such as any past damage that has been repaired, changes that void the manufacturer's warranties. As well as scratches or other damage that may not be visible in photos when you buy online.
Used phones are worth looking at, but you should plan on doing more due diligence and being more careful when shopping.
Reducing expenses with refurbished and used phones
The main benefit of considering refurbished or used mobile phones is cost reduction. Nowadays, it is common practice for all telephone operators to guarantee their products with a 30-day return policy, no questions asked. And by law, it cannot be classified as a new phone if it is returned for any reason within that time. Returns of this type are often the result of buyer's remorse and represent an excellent opportunity for the savvy consumer to save a lot of money while getting a great device.
Environmental benefits of refurbished and second-hand phones
Nowadays, it has become common to buy a new mobile phone every two years and in some cases every year. But what happens to all these surplus mobile phones? Invariably, they or some of them go to landfill. When the number of mobile phones is as high as once a year, the journey to the landfill accelerates and the amount that goes to the landfill increases. While companies are increasingly aware of the planet-damaging nature of millions of their products that end up in landfills and often offer mobile phone recycling options, this alone cannot solve the problem.
This alone cannot solve the problem. However, buying a refurbished phone can have a hugely beneficial effect on the environment. A refurbished mobile phone may be right for you. And if you believe in the power of small decisions that have an impact on the planet as a whole. Because buying a refurbished mobile phone keeps it out of the landfill longer.
This environmentally friendly decision, combined with the considerable savings, makes the choice of a refurbished phone even more compelling.Buying a refurbished phone can, however, have an extremely beneficial effect on the environment. A refurbished mobile phone may be right for you, if you believe in the power of small decisions that impact the planet as a whole, because buying a refurbished mobile phone keeps it out of the landfill longer. This environmentally friendly decision, combined with the considerable savings, makes the choice of a refurbished phone even more compelling.
However, buying a refurbished phone can have an extremely beneficial effect on the environment. A refurbished mobile phone may be right for you if you believe in the power of small decisions that have an impact on the planet as a whole. Because buying a refurbished mobile phone keeps it out of the landfill longer. This environmentally friendly decision, combined with the considerable cost savings, makes choosing a refurbished phone even more compelling.
Manufacturers regularly release new phone models. And usually we expect these new models to bring improvements over previous models. This is not always the case, and sometimes the new models have flaws or changes that you just don't like at all.
As the phone market has matured, progress has stabilised in many ways. Newer devices don't always bring big improvements in speed or functionality.
If your favourite phone dies, and you need to get a new one, it doesn't have to be the latest model if such an "upgrade" is not what you want to do right away. Look for your favourite model among the refurbished or used phones for sale. You'll probably save a lot of money. And you'll get back the comfortably familiar model you've grown to love over time.
Refurbished phones are great options for those who are adapting to new technology is often more of a headache than a benefit. You get a 'new' phone that is identical to the one you know well. And at the same time delaying the learning of new features by newer mobile phones.
When should you not buy a second-hand phone?
If you want to replace your mobile phone every year or two because you want the new features and technology to come out on the latest phones, then buying refurbished is probably not for you. There is also something satisfying about having a sparkling new device with the latest technology, which will allow you to be the first to unbox, use and show off.
Another reason to choose a refurbished device may not be suitable is the full manufacturer's warranty behind your new device. And whether it is worth the price to you. A refurbished mobile phone is usually returned to a manufacturer within 30 days of use, due to a change of mind, a change in circumstances or a complete malfunction of the device. As mentioned, however, refurbished mobile phones may provide limited guarantees that the phone will be restored. The quality of the restoration may depend on who is refurbishing it and why the phone was returned.
If this uncertainty is simply not something you want to worry about, or if you absolutely need your phone to function without potential quality variables that a used or refurbished phone might introduce, the risk may not be worth it to you.
Red flags to look for when buying refurbished mobile phones
Start by looking at who the phone was refurbished by. Is it a reputable company? Do they have a track record in sound? Have other customers been satisfied or dissatisfied with their refurbished products?
The seller you buy from should be able to convince you why the discount you receive from a used mobile phone is still with solid quality that will last you into the future. If they don't disclose their professional phone restoration process, you should look elsewhere.
You should also look at the warranties offered by the refurbishment service provider. New phones always come with warranties, so they should be professionally refurbished, although the warranties on a refurbished mobile phone are likely to be more limited and of shorter duration. But make sure you are covered for a reasonable period of time. For example, new phones may have a one-year warranty, while refurbished phones are only guaranteed for 90 days. If there is no warranty offered, it is a sign that the refurbishing supplier has no confidence in their refurbishment work. So you shouldn't trust the phone or the supplier either. Ask about the warranty and make sure you know what you are getting into.
