Buying a refurbished phone has a lot of advantages, particularly for your wallet. Why keep paying full price for the latest technology when you could buy a quality refurbished one for a fraction of the cost? You can get some great deals on all the best brands, including iPhones. Before you spring for a refurbished iPhone, though, there are a few things to keep in mind. To make sure you get the best deal, here are the 4 points to keep in mind.
Cost
Are you really saving money on your refurbished phone? Take some time to shop around. Any refurbished phone will probably appear inexpensive when compared to a brand-new unit of the same make and model. If you grab the first one you see, though, you could be missing out on an even better deal. Some vendors artificially inflate the price of the phones they sell, knowing that most people will only be comparing the refurbished phone with a brand new version. Take the time to look for other deals. Checking online vendors will give you an idea of what you should expect to pay.
Functionality
While it’s tempting to insist on the latest model phone, ask yourself if you really need it. You might be able to find the functionality you need in an older model. Why pay for an iPhone 11 when an iPhone 7 will do? On the other hand, buying an older phone could be a false economy if it doesn’t do everything you want. In particular, it’s worth spending a little more to get the most recent release if you’re planning to use your phone to take a lot of photographs — better cameras are often one of the big improvements from upgrade to upgrade. Think carefully about all the ways you’ll want to use your phone and choose your new model accordingly.
Reliability
Saving money on your new device is all well and good — but can you rely on a refurbished unit to keep working when you need it to? A phone that stops functioning properly at inconvenient times is worse than no phone at all. Fortunately, refurbished devices are often as reliable as new ones. In the vast majority of cases, phones that are turned over to be refurbished are already in excellent working order. The owner simply wants an iPhone 7 instead of an iPhone 6 or requires functionality the phone doesn’t have. The phones don’t need to be repaired, just re-set, tested and perhaps given some minor cosmetic fixes.
A good supplier ensures that the devices they sell have been completely overhauled and subjected to rigorous testing. Devices should also come with a solid guarantee and plenty of customer support, allowing you to get help if you have any technical problems with your nearly new phone.
Small print
Not all vendors are completely up front about potential problems with the devices they sell. Before you buy, check the fine print. Sometimes faults and defects are buried under other information so that the phone will look more saleable. Always buy your phones and other refurbished electronics from a vendor who is completely transparent about any faults that a device may have. Making careful choices could prevent a few nasty surprises later on.
If you’re considering a refurbished iPhone, look for a reputable supplier. Many high-street vendors have refurbished phones available but it’s often more convenient to look online. You’re more likely to find the model you want at the right price.
