If your smartphone is a couple of years old, you may be looking to replace it. But with the cost of new phones climbing, especially top-of-the-range flagship devices, getting a new smartphone can be an expensive purchase! If you’re on a budget, buying a refurbished cellphone could be the ideal way to save money when replacing your old smartphone. But is buying a ‘nearly new’ smartphone a ‘no-brainer’ bargain or a bad idea? Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What is a refurbished phone?
Seeing the word ‘refurbished’ in an ad for a smartphone can mean a lot of things. Some refurbished items are effectively new but were returned by the buyer within the return period in working order while others may be repaired devices that were returned to the retailer as faulty. Retailers and resellers may also advertise a device as ‘reconditioned’. In this case, the phone has also been repaired, but then thoroughly tested, repackaged and possibly even upgraded for resale.
What condition are refurbished smartphones in?
It should be clear from the description in the advert of a refurbished phone exactly what condition it’s in. Phones are usually given a grade ranging from A (no scratches, usually unused) to C (signs of wear and tear). If you’re willing to buy a phone with a few small bumps and scratches.
Are refurbished smartphones worth buying?
Buying a refurbished or reconditioned smartphone will allow you to stretch your budget a little bit further and invest in a higher spec device for as much as 50% off the price of the same device bought new. Typically, refurbished smartphones are sold at 25 – 30% less than the new models, making refurbished devices a great choice for anyone looking to get a little bit more for their money.
Things to look out for when buying refurbished electronics
While most refurbished electronics go through testing and quality assurance, it is still important to proceed with caution and ask questions before buying any device. Ask about the history of the device and why it is being sold as refurbished or reconditioned. Test the device yourself and if you’re interested in buying it, make sure you understand the warranties and returns policy.
If the item has been checked after repairs, find out which repairs were done and whether you are able to return the item should you find faults down the road. When buying any item, it’s important to do your research before committing and buy from a reputable refurbisher with a decent returns policy.
Where can I buy a refurbished smartphone?
You can buy a refurbished cellphone from a wide range of reputable resellers and retailers online. Shopping with an authorised refurbished reseller usually means your device comes with a 12-month warranty and can be insured with proof of purchase.
Buying a used phone from its previous owner isn’t the same as buying a refurbished cellphone from a reputable seller as it won’t have had the same tests and repairs as a refurbished device, there’s no guarantee it will be in a good condition and you may struggle to insure it.
Can I buy other refurbished tech?
Smartphones aren’t the only gadgets that are available as refurbished. You can also get your hands on refurbished TVs, laptops and even headphones for a fraction of the original cost. PriceCheck has a wide selection of refurbished tech and retailers sell nearly new gadgets.
If you’re interested in buying a pre-loved smartphone but would prefer to shop with a well-known dealer, you can shop a range of refurbished smartphone devices online with PriceCheck.
