Refurbished smartphone — what is it?

There's a common misconception that refurbished phones are worn-out devices that have endured a rough past and are now being resold to cause frustration. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, any device labeled as "refurbished" simply means that it was taken out of its box after purchase and then returned for various reasons. These reasons can range from technical malfunctions and cosmetic flaws to the exchange of an old phone for a new one through a trade-in program. Sometimes, it's as simple as the buyer not liking the device's color or realizing it's not the right fit after a few days of use. In the United States, post-holiday periods often see an influx of returned electronics, often due to unwanted gifts or lack of need. If a return occurs within the warranty period, the buyer can receive a refund or a replacement. In the case of trade-in programs, the old device can be swapped for a discount on a new one.

Subsequently, the smartphone is handed over to experts who meticulously examine it, conduct thorough diagnostics, and perform necessary repairs if any issues are detected. Any existing data on the device is wiped, ensuring no traces of previous usage like photos or contact information remain. Many refurbished devices even undergo enhancements such as new packaging, updated components like batteries, displays, and casings. These revamped gadgets then reappear in stores, marked as "Refurbished" and with a notably lower price. Frequently, such products are backed by an official warranty, allowing for cost-free repairs at service centers or the option of returning them if any problems arise post-purchase.

Refurbished iPhones

Apple can be regarded as a model in the refurbished electronics market, effectively offering "non-new" smartphones that benefit both the company and consumers. Apple has maintained its leading position in this market for years. For instance, in 2022, Apple's share reached 49%, as reported by Counterpoint Research. This means that almost half of all refurbished smartphones sold at the year's end are iPhones. This preference is justified as Apple adheres to stringent standards, ensuring that refurbished iPhones are indistinguishable from new ones and certainly no inferior. The devices exhibit no external disparities, thanks to the replacement of the old casing with a new one. Moreover, the battery and other components are also replaced when necessary. Through two rounds of testing, refurbished iPhones rarely possess defects or flaws.

Apple packs refurbished devices in white boxes without an image of the iPhone — in fact, this is what distinguishes them from new products. In the box you will find the whole set. True, recently it has been quite modest for the “apple” company, but you can expect to receive a charging cable, paper clip and documentation. Refurbished products are covered by a full 12-month warranty and are sold on the official Apple website and in partner stores.

Apple packs refurbished smartphones in white boxes without pictures.
Apple Smartphones

Manufacturer Refurbished and Seller Refurbished

Everything looks pretty good, right? But in all of the above lies one important nuance — who exactly was involved in the restoration of the smartphone:

Manufacturer Refurbished. This term means that the gadget has been restored by the manufacturer. Apple, known for delivering premium quality at a discounted rate, operates under the same principle. Regrettably, not all companies follow suit. In the refurbished smartphone market, Apple and Samsung dominate this practice, with Samsung typically refurbishing only their high-end flagship models due to their substantial value. On the other hand, Apple, despite having a limited range of devices, offers refurbished versions for almost all their models, as their emphasis lies in maintaining quality and reputation. The advantage of Manufacturer Refurbished is evident; manufacturers prioritize quality and reputation, leading them to approach restoration diligently and responsibly.

Manufacturers carefully test refurbished smartphones before selling them.

Seller Refurbished. These are devices that have been restored by the seller, whether it's a store or an individual technician. In this scenario, profit takes precedence, leading to lower standards and quality control compared to manufacturer refurbishments. Variability in resources can be substantial. You might end up with a device that hasn't been adequately tested and might even have non-original components following repairs. Nonetheless, this doesn't rule out the possibility of purchasing Seller Refurbished devices entirely. Prominent retailers also value their reputation and thus approach this process more conscientiously than less established sellers. Some large online stores even provide assessments of the device's condition, categorizing them as A for nearly new items returned within 30 days of purchase and C for devices showing signs of wear with minor defects. However, in such cases, you have to trust the seller's description since you won't be able to inspect the internal state of the product.

Popular smartphones

Refurbished Smartphones vs New: pros and cons

Of course, the main reason for buying a refurbished smartphone is its price: you can save about 15 — 20%, and sometimes even more. For comparison, you want an iPhone 14, but you only have enough money for the previous generation model — iPhone 13. A refurbished smartphone can be a solution without compromises: no need to take a loan, borrow money from relatives or switch to saving mode for the sake of buying, and no one you know will ever distinguish a restored iPhone from a new one. Another plus is the reduction of electronic waste and concern for the environment. Just think: if manufacturers didn’t give gadgets a second life, and people didn’t buy them, all these devices would most likely just go to landfill.

Buying a refurbished device helps reduce e-waste.

However, risk is inherent in the process. Refurbished devices always come with an element of uncertainty since you remain unaware of the reasons behind the initial owner's rejection. The causes could range from mere personal preferences in design to potential damage or malfunction. If the refurbishing process was carried out carelessly or inadequately, any latent defects might gradually surface over time.

Another crucial factor to consider is the technology's aging process, particularly the discontinuation of official support for older models. Manufacturers regularly introduce new operating system versions, but not all devices receive these updates. As a result, outdated gadgets miss out on new and exciting features. Moreover, over time, devices experience performance decline; they operate slower and their batteries provide reduced autonomy compared to their original state. Hence, if you opt for a refurbished smartphone released several years ago, be prepared for the possibility that its system is either already outdated or will soon become so.

Finally, no one has canceled the usual human factor. There are people who simply cannot use things that have previously been in the wrong hands. If you are one of them, it is better not to step over yourself, so as not to regret it when it is already too late.

Smartphones with capacious batteries

How to distinguish a new smartphone from a refurbished one

In the case of Manufacturer Refurbished phones, those restored by the original manufacturer, it's difficult to spot any differences compared to new devices, especially in terms of appearance. Significant corporations are transparent about the device's true condition. As mentioned earlier, Apple, for instance, provides refurbished iPhones in distinct packaging labeled accordingly, and without images of the device.

Furthermore, it's advisable to verify the IMEI. Ensure that the number on the device corresponds to the one on the packaging – they should match. Numerous online services offer details about the device's technical specifications, warranty status, and whether it's flagged as stolen based on the IMEI. If a technical support website fails to recognize the provided IMEI, it's a red flag. This situation could indicate an attempt to sell you a counterfeit.

What to look for before buying

The most important thing is to inspect the gadget from all sides: there should be no dust and debris in the connectors, and scratches, dents and scuffs on the case. Unless, of course, the seller warns about this in advance. Take your time, look at everything in detail, turn on the phone and check the system.

A quality refurbished smartphone looks like a new one.

Another clear indicator to consider is the price. Keep in mind the old adage – there's no such thing as a free lunch. If a seller offers you a former flagship model like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra at the cost of a basic Chinese budget phone, something is certainly amiss. The more significant the price gap from the official retail price, the more likely the smartphone has underlying issues. Manufacturer-refurbished devices, which undergo thorough testing and closely resemble new ones, typically carry a discount ranging from 10% to 20%. Therefore, if you're expecting to purchase a recent iPhone in impeccable condition with an official warranty for half the price, unfortunately, such a deal is unlikely to be genuine.

Pay attention to the “age” of the product: if the model debuted 3 — 5 years ago, it is already considered obsolete. Of course, the old Nokia is also suitable for undemanding users, which is cheap and, most importantly, it receives calls regularly. But if you need a modern gadget that keeps up with the times, it’s better to choose a model that has been released for a year or a maximum of a year and a half.

If you buy a phone from a seller, and not in an official store, it’s better to read reviews about it, then check the warranty information (complete, incomplete or not at all) and carefully read the documentation. It happens that "pitfalls" are hidden under small print, which not many people pay attention to. And then it turns out that the smartphone was drowned, broken or survived a lot of interesting things. It seems that the seller does not hide this, but at the same time he does not say anything.

In conclusion, opting for a refurbished smartphone can be a smart decision for budget-conscious buyers who are comfortable with previously owned technology. However, it's vital to approach such a purchase cautiously. Avoid placing trust in questionable sellers and steer clear of dubious offers. It's advisable to acquire these devices from reputable sources, such as official stores or directly from manufacturers, to ensure a secure and satisfactory experience and avoid potential pitfalls.