Seller Refurbished Phones is All the Rage in 2020

The idea of purchasing a refurbished device can fill you with up excitement or dread. It could be in excellent condition, or about to die. This idea is a misconception as refurbished devices are not the same as used ones. Here’s why buying a refurbished mobile phone in Australia is all the rage. 

“Refurbished” Isn’t the Same as “Used”

It’s a mistake to believe that “refurbished or reconditioned” and “used” mean the same thing. A reconditioned smartphone has gone through extensive reconditioning, checked for internal and external defects, and then reset to their factory settings. These phones are also often sold with warranties to reassure users of their value and condition.

Used Mobile phones, on the other hand, are generally sold as it is. Previous buyers sell these devices and you may be able to get great deals on an iPhone XS Max by buying a used one, but it won’t come with the same warranties. Buying a used one also means placing some trust in the seller and believing everything they say about the phone – such as how damaged it is (or isn’t) is accurate. 

You can certainly consider buying a used device, but they require more due diligence, and purchasing a refurbished one is safer and better.

Save Money with Refurbished Phones

One of the main benefits of purchasing a reconditioned device is that they are much cheaper than a new one. Smartphones are expensive, especially the latest ones. Why pay full price for, let’s say, an iPhone XR when you could get one for a few hundred dollars cheaper? iPhone XR 64GB, 128GB, 256GB price has dropped since the launch of the new Apple phone and you can pick one up at a bargain, especially the refurbished ones.

One reason that smartphones get reconditioned is that they are returned within the mandatory 30-day return policy window. A retailer can’t sell it as a new device because it was used, if only a little. Buying this would be the same as buying it brand new but for a much lower price.

The cost savings also come into effect if you decide to upgrade your reconditioned device later on. You know that your phone is in good quality condition. You’ll be able to sell it for more and get more resale value out of it. 

Buying Refurbished Phones is Environmentally Friendly 

Most people pick up a new device every other year or so. This is a reasonable amount of time to leave between upgrades, but what do you think happens to all those old ones? They almost always end up in landfills. When you consider how many are sold and discarded each year, that’s a lot of mess. There are plenty of systems in place to help lessen the damage, such as recycling services, but the fact remains that millions end up in landfills.

Buying reconditioned phones is great for the environment and makes an excellent choice for the conscientious customer. Buying a device that someone else doesn’t want or need keeps it out of landfills. You get to save money and make a small difference in the health and wellbeing of Mother Earth.

Newer Isn’t Always Better 

Phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung release new phones every year or so. Let’s be honest and admit that these phones have minor improvements over the previous model. Is there that much of a difference between the Samsung S9 and Samsung S10 or between Apple iPhone X and iPhone XR? Click here to find out more about the XR. You can check the specs and price for yourself at one of the largest specialty phone resellers in Australia, Phonebot, and see that there isn’t. Phonebot offers new, ex-demo, gently used, and refurbished devices at the lowest possible prices.

Obviously, you won't get that 'new phone feeling' if you go for a used device.

Smartphones have advanced quite a bit in recent years, but the advancements have leveled off now. New devices don’t have significant improvements in terms of their functionality and efficiency. Waiting a bit longer between upgrades doesn’t mean what it used to. 

You don’t always have to upgrade to the newest phone when your old one dies. You might be able to find a refurbished version of your old model. Buying that phone would save you a lot of money while giving you a device that you are comfortable and familiar with using. 

Newer models are often just fancier and better-looking versions of the old ones. It’s like driving around in a flashy and expensive car over one with less horsepower. Both vehicles are capped to the same speed limit, so there’s not much point in spending more than you have to. Why pay an arm and a leg for a smartphone when you can get one that’s just as good at a fraction of the cost?

The Red Flags of Refurbished Phones

Now you know the significant benefits of buying a reconditioned phone, you need to understand how to avoid bad refurbished phones. Don’t go out and buy any old reconditioned Samsung S10 Plus. You need to be sure that a reputable company has refurbished the phone. Think of buying it as buying a new car; it takes a little due diligence on your part. There are only a handful of pioneers in the market, and Phonebot is one of them.

Vendors should be able to convince you that the phone was refurbished properly. A great vendor will even outline the process involved so you can see it for yourself. A good vendor also offers proper warranties. A new phone always comes with a warranty so a reconditioned phone that’s good as new should also come with one.

The warranty will rarely be as good as the warranty on a new phone, but it’s good to know you have some coverage. A new phone could be covered for a full year, while a refurbished one could be covered for 90 days. Either way, no warranty means the vendor doesn’t trust the quality of their phones, and neither should you. If you're wondering and like to know more, check out our other blog where we discuss why unlocked phones are better.

Buying a refurbished phone always comes with a little risk, so be sure to do your homework first. You can read more here.