Around the world, more and more consumers are looking to purchase second-hand devices both for financial and environmental reasons. As a growing part of the resale market, refurbished phones are becoming more prevalent as a fantastic option for your next phone.
If you are curious about purchasing one of these pre-owned devices that have been repaired for resale, read on for five things to know about buying a refurbished iPhone.
1. Refurbished iPhones are tested for quality.
The most important thing to know about refurbished iPhones is that they are high-quality. As long as you are purchasing it from a reputable refurbished electronics dealer (more on that below!), then the iPhone you will receive will be close to brand-new.
In order to determine their condition (and price), the refurbishment team will put the device through a range of tests and examinations. By doing this, they can evaluate the hardware and physical condition of the device (such as scratches). Furthermore, they will examine the speed and capability of the RAM and how quickly apps respond. Together, all these tests demonstrate what repairs and enhancements need to be made. You could also visit techable.com to get refurbished Apple products
This testing and repair process is what differentiates a refurbished iPhone from one that is classified as used, as the latter hasn’t been certified to be in full working order. Unliked used iPhones, refurbished units can compete with brand new phones in terms of quality and reliability. The only way they differ is in terms of price, a refurbished model will unquestionably cost less than its brand new equivalent.
2. Refurbished iPhones are graded.
To differentiate between the quality of various devices, refurbished electronics dealers use grading systems. Different dealers use different methods with some preferring letters and numbers, while others employ other categories. However, no matter what system is used, it is in your best interest to purchase the highest grade possible. The higher the grade you choose, the closer to brand-new your refurbished iPhone will be. Here is a general idea of how these grades break down:
- Grade A: As nearly new as it gets with negligible signs of wear (if any).
- Grade B: Perhaps a couple of chips or scratches, but nothing too serious.
- Grade C: It will look like it has been used with more than a few blemishes, but still function correctly.
- Grade D: This grade of the phone will be broken in some way and will look (and act) as though it has been well used.
Additionally, make sure that the iPhone you choose is unlocked so that you aren’t tied to a specific network. By purchasing an unlocked phone, you can select which carrier you use. Keep in mind that all Teckzu phones are sold unlocked.
3. Buying a refurbished iPhone is good for the environment.
As individuals around the world become more concerned with how their consumption habits affect the environment, more are looking to purchase second hand electronic devices. By buying a refurbished phone, you are participating in electronic recycling. The alternative is that all old electronic devices are disposed of, potentially ending up in a landfill.
The process of making a new iPhone requires manufacturers to utilize more of the earth’s limited resources, including vast quantities of water and conflict minerals. In fact, studies show that making a new phone requires as much energy as recharging and operating an old smartphone for ten years. As a consumer, the best way to reduce environmental damage is to purchase less new stuff. Therefore, by opting for a refurbished phone, you are choosing to make a more positive impact on the planet through your consumption habits.
4. Consider refurbished accessories as well.
If you are purchasing a refurbished iPhone, then there is a good chance that you will be looking for refurbished mobile accessories as well. Depending on the grade of the refurbished iPhone that you have chosen, you may or may not receive other original accessories, such as headphones, a charging cable or a charger.
For this reason, you want to confirm with the seller what mobile accessories are included in the package and then add on whatever else you think you will need. Just as with refurbished iPhones, refurbished mobile accessories are a fantastic way to get items at a lower price.
Furthermore, when buying a refurbished iPhone, it is unlikely that you will get the original packaging, as these phones usually are packaged in plain boxes. Luckily, there are plenty of other benefits to buying this type of phone, so there is a good chance that the packaging won’t bother you.
5. There are two sources to buy your refurbished iPhone from.
To ensure you aren’t getting scammed when purchasing a refurbished iPhone, you want to ensure that you are getting it from a reputable source. Generally, two sources are deemed trustworthy: the manufacturer and refurbished resellers.
As the manufacturer of iPhones, Apple sells a variety of certified pre-owned phones. After being tested and upgraded to excellent conditions, Apple puts these phones back on the market for a reduced price. Additionally, by purchasing a refurbished iPhone from Apple, you will be provided with up to one year of warranty coverage.
Alternatively, you can also obtain one from a company such as Teckzu, who pride themselves on selling the highest quality refurbished phones possible. What is more, phones from reputable resellers are usually much more affordable than those sold directly by the manufacturer. To ensure that a reseller is trustworthy, have a look through their customer reviews as you will be able to tell what their standards are – both in terms of product and customer service. Moreover, if you purchase your refurbished device from a reputable dealer, it will also come with a warranty.
Generally, it is not advised that you purchase a refurbished phone from other online auction sites as you have no manner of ensuring the quality of the phone or whether it had been stolen. Therefore, you are better purchasing one directly from the manufacturer or a reputable reseller.
Have you ever purchased a refurbished iPhone? Or any other refurbished mobile accessories? What are your tips and tricks for ensuring they are high-quality? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant experiences in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Mirza Saqib Habib is the Business Manager at Dubai-based Teckzu, the perfect one-stop-shop to discover, browse, and buy new and refurbished electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and accessories. Mirza comes from a strong E-commerce background with over 6 years of regional experience. He has helped kick-start many startups in the past and is passionate about using technology to facilitate seamless digital user experience.