What are Refurbished Phones? Which Should You Buy? Pros & Cons

For your upcoming phone upgrade, do you really need brand-new hardware? If not, you can purchase some refurbished flagship models from years past for prices comparable to mid-range or budget phones. Not only will you receive a phone that performs better than many new models in that price range, but it will also be in like-new condition with all of the box packaging and the seller’s warranty.

Refurbished phones meaning

You’ve probably seen listings for reconditioned phones on Kenyan e-commerce. Why refurbished phones are so inexpensive is a question that the majority of people frequently ask. What are refurbished phones, what are their benefits and drawbacks, should you buy them, and other inquiries will also come to mind.

There are a few things you need to know before you go out and buy a refurbished phone. We will discuss every aspect of this subject. So let’s get started without further ado!

What are refurbished phones?

Many of you may not be familiar with the term “refurbished phones.” Refurbish, according to Google, means to renovate and redecorate something. Refurbished phones typically involve fixing previously broken gadgets.

A refurbished phone is a device that has been used previously but was returned to the manufacturer by the customer due to a flaw or problem. A refurbished phone may be referred to as a pre-owned phone, but it is distinct from the user devices you can purchase on online marketplaces like Jiji Kenya.

Frequently, after purchasing a new device, a person discovers a flaw or problem with it, such as a dead battery, a touch screen issue, a broken camera or speaker, etc. The customer can return the phone to the manufacturer and receive a brand-new phone in exchange if it is covered by a replacement warranty. Following that, the company will fix the item and resell it. This kind of gadget is known as a refurbished phone.

Be aware that the manufacturer performs numerous tests on refurbished phones to determine whether all issues have been successfully fixed before reselling. The device is returned to the market with the label “refurbished” once its flawless operation has been confirmed. But this time, both the price and length of the warranty are significantly lower than they were for the new device.

Why are refurbished phones are cheap?

It’s not necessarily inexpensive just because it’s been refurbished. The cost of the device will largely depend on the year it was released as well as how well the restoration was done. In some cases, used phones are only marginally more affordable than brand-new models. It really doesn’t make sense in this situation not to purchase a new phone.

The question of why a recently released device is being sold for such a low price makes sense if the price seems too good to be true. It’s a good idea to do some research on the cost of the phone you’re interested in purchasing and to keep an eye on the discount it receives during sales. If the refurbished phone is still a good deal and the seller is reliable, it’s worth a shot.

What is the difference between new and refurbished phones?

A refurbished phone is technically a used item, but it is not just passed from one person to another. Phones that have undergone refurbishment have either come from the manufacturer directly or from an authorized reseller. In either case, it is repaired to almost-new level quality, with all nicks and scratches removed and any broken parts from the past replaced. Is it impenetrable? Of course not, which is why you should keep in mind a few of the crucial ideas we covered above before you go out and purchase your first used phone.

Do refurbished phones have a warranty?

You may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty if the manufacturer has refurbished the phone. All trustworthy sellers do provide warranties, but that only makes sense if the seller has a good track record. If you plan to purchase a refurbished phone online, be sure to look at the seller’s ratings and reviews of the goods offered. Depending on a number of factors, warranties can last anywhere from three months to a year. Checking the phone’s money-back guarantee is a great idea in case there is an immediate problem.

Types of refurbished phones

Depending on the quality of the phone, refurbished items are categorized into various grades named A, B, C, and D. Here we have explained the meaning of all these grades used in grouping them.

Refurbished Grade A (Superb condition) – The item is in like-new condition with no signs of wear. The previous owner used these phones very infrequently.
Grade B products that have been refurbished are in very good condition, but they do have a few minor scratches.
Refurbished Grade C (Good condition) products have been extensively used by their prior owners, and the signs of usage are quite obvious.
Grade D products in refurbished condition (Okay condition) are of very low quality. They are not dependable over longer time frames. Generally speaking, grade D refurbished phones are not recommended.

Should you buy refurbished phones?

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new phone, you probably wonder whether you should choose a refurbished model or not. Well, that entirely depends on your preferences. You should take advantage of a good deal if it is being offered by an authorized seller. We’ve listed a few justifications for buying or not buying refurbished phones below to assist you in making the best choice.

Reasons to buy (Pros)

A refurbished phone can be purchased for less money than it would normally cost. This has a significant financial impact.
Purchasing a refurbished phone with a warranty makes it feel like you’re getting a brand-new phone.
Most reputable sellers also give you the option to return used phones. The knowledge that you can return a defective item with ease gives you peace of mind.
New phones and refurbished phones are identical. They undergo numerous tests, so the likelihood of receiving a defective product is extremely low.
Over used phones, refurbished phones are a better option.

Reasons to not buy (Cons)

Refurbished phones are advertised as like-new, but they aren’t since they have already been used. If you don’t feel comfortable with this, you now have a good excuse for not purchasing a refurbished phone.
Refurbished goods are typically packaged simply.
Every refurbished phone does not need to come with extras like a charger or earbuds.
If you purchase it from a retailer, the retailer, not the manufacturer, will provide the warranty for the product.
Additionally, the warranty period can change depending on a number of factors, and it is typically shorter than what you get with new phones.

Buying tips for refurbished phones

The seller has a significant influence on the quality of the refurbished phone. You shouldn’t purchase a refurbished item from another user on a forum or on a website for used goods like Jiji Kenya because you’ll likely receive a used phone with no warranty.

Most major Kenyan cities have specific stores where you can buy refurbished products, and some businesses even have their own showrooms where you can buy professionally restored refurbished phones. Refurbished goods are now sold on well-known e-commerce sites in Kenya.

These options are more likely to fulfill the promise of professional restoration. Make sure to purchase refurbished phones only either from the original manufacturer or an authorized reseller.

Here are some buying tips that you should keep in your mind before buying a refurbished phone:

Only purchase refurbished items from reputable websites, sellers, and official stores.
Verify the seller’s return policy if one exists. Test the refurbished phone thoroughly and send it back if anything is wrong.
Purchase refurbished items with a warranty of at least six months. Verify who is providing the warrant—the company or the seller.
Make sure you know what extras—such as a charger and earbuds—will come with the refurbished phone.
Verify the launch date of the refurbished phone. Buy only recently refurbished phones.
You should carefully review the website’s terms and conditions and privacy statement before making a purchase of a refurbished phone there.

Tips for quality assurance testing

Do quality assurance testing as soon as you get your refurbished phone to make sure everything is in order. The following are a few items you should check:
Verify the packaging to ensure that your used phone comes in a sealed box, just like a brand-new item. Never accept a phone without the box that it came in.
Check your phone for scratches and scuffs by carefully inspecting the touch screen and the back to see if there are any major to minor blemishes. You can overlook minor blemishes because the phone is refurbished, but check to see if the hardware has been physically harmed.
Verify that the phone has been factory reset. If the setup screen appears when the phone first boots, everything is in order. If it loads to a home screen, it has already been used and configured.
Inquire as to whether the phone is running the original OS from the manufacturer or a custom ROM. It’s a good idea to double-check that when you first turn on the phone. Check to see if the device has been rooted or jailbroken as well. For more information, read our guides on jailbreaking the iPhone and rooting the Android.
Examine the camera’s quality. One of the more common reasons why people discard their older phones is camera malfunction. Simply turn on the camera and take a few pictures with both the front and back cameras to test it out.
If the phone was originally purchased outside of India, there is a chance that it may have a region lock on it that prevents the use of Indian SIMs. It’s a good idea to put your SIM card into the phone and see if the network is being connected.
Make a call and play some audio on the device to test the speakers. This may seem obvious but do it anyway. It is better to be certain upfront than to discover much later that you require those features.
Make sure you purchase authentic accessories. Refurbished phones with their original packaging and accessories are frequently sold for a premium. Do check if the charger cable and your phones are indeed original or if are you paying that premium for cheap third-party accessories.

Refurbished Phones Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a refurbished and a second-hand phone?

The previous owner of refurbished phones has returned them to the manufacturer due to a minor issue. They are returned to the refurbished market after being repaired and tested. Conversely, used phones that are sold by their owner(s) directly are known as second-hand phones.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished phone?

Yes, buying a refurbished phone is safe, but you should do some research to ensure its safety and quality. Additionally, make sure you only purchase them from reputable websites, authorized resellers, or the original manufacturer.

How do I find out if an iPhone is refurbished?

In your, iPhone opens the Settings app and go to General settings> About. Here you will see the Model Number of your Apple iPhone. If it starts with F, it means that it has been refurbished by Apple or a carrier.

Conclusion

So, the topic at hand was used phones. Check out our online e-commerce refurbished phones category and browse our huge collection of refurbished mobile phones. if you’re looking to purchase a new smartphone, you can still browse our category and make a choice at Rapidtech Digital Solutions.

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