More and more users are looking to buy a refurbished cell phone due to the high prices of newer devices. This type of mobile is a good option if you have a tight budget, as a high-end refurbished cell phone can be worth from 30 to 70% cheaper in relation to the price of the same device new.
However, there are several aspects that should be taken into account when purchasing refurbished technology. In this article we will see some tips and recommendations that will be useful if you are thinking of buying a refurbished smartphone.
What is a refurbished mobile?
It is a device that has been returned to the store or brand, most of the time, due to some damage. However, these devices are checked and repaired, in order to be sold at a cheaper price than usual.
Sometimes it is not even the device itself that is defective, but it may be the packaging that is in bad condition. Even reasons like that can be enough for the product to be returned to the brand and then sold as reconditioned.
In this way, you can acquire a new phone but at a cheaper price. Even if the device had a hardware-related malfunction, it can be repaired without problems, making it as good as new.
In addition, refurbished phones can also be those devices that were returned by buyers who for a personal reason were not satisfied. Sometimes, refurbished phones can also be those that were from a showroom. This is usually indicated, so that whoever buys it is aware that the device has had a wear and tear for being on a large part of the time.
That is why when it comes to reconditioned devices should indicate different grades, for example A, B or C, to specify the state of it; or the seller should indicate what was the problem with the device and how it has been solved. This way the customer can understand what they are buying.
Many sellers catalog their products as follows:
* Grade A: The device looks like new, no physical damage is visible.
* Grade B: The device has some minor cosmetic damage, such as small marks or light scratches.
* Grade C: The device shows sign of wear and tear and marks of use, or some very visible damage
Things to consider before buying a refurbished smartphone
The first thing to take into account is the date of manufacture, because based on that we will know if the hardware is already obsolete or not; or if it is about to become obsolete. If the hardware is already old, it cannot be replaced, therefore the device would offer us a very short useful life.
That is why it is important to do some research before you buy. If the device is more than 3 years old, it is not advisable to buy it. The same goes for the operating system.
The warranty
If you are thinking of buying a refurbished smartphone, it is very important to make sure of its warranty. All new products usually come with a two or three-year warranty, but this is not the case with refurbished cell phones. These do not offer the same warranties, but that does not mean that they offer bad conditions.
Most of the times refurbished phones offer one-year warranties, although the warranty period can often be agreed between the seller and the buyer. It can be up to 3 years, depending on the condition and model of the device and the place of purchase. However, this type of purchase does not allow you to claim product replacement.
Is it worth buying a refurbished phone?
Sometimes the difference in money between a new cell phone and a refurbished one may not be much, but many times it can be a really substantial difference.
It is always important to weigh up whether the difference in money is worth the warranties you lose. There are cases in which the big difference is worth the risk, and others in which the difference in money is so little that it is preferable to save a little more and buy a new model.
