What is a refurbished cell phone?

In recent years, the price of smartphones has seen a significant increase, leading many consumers to look for cheaper alternatives, such as purchasing second-hand devices or low-end models. However, purchasing a second-hand smartphone involves considerable risks, as it is not always possible to immediately assess whether the device has functional defects. On the other hand, opting for a low-end phone can mean giving up essential features, reduced processing speed, lower-quality cameras, and underperforming displays.

A highly recommended alternative to these cost-saving options is purchasing refurbished or certified second-hand smartphones. These types of devices have gained popularity not only in the United States and Europe, but are also seeing a steady increase in demand in India. In this article, we will explore what exactly these refurbished smartphones are, how beneficial their purchase can be in terms of cost-benefit, and what risks could be associated with this decision.

What is a second-hand phone?

A second-hand phone is a device that has previously been owned by someone else, and its usage history is often visible to the naked eye. Its aesthetic condition may be far from flawless: it may have scratches, cracks on the buttons or back cover, damaged screens, and, in general, the phone may show obvious signs of wear and tear. The condition of these devices varies depending on their previous owner's use. However, it is crucial to not only assess the physical appearance but also the functional performance of the device. Key elements such as the battery, camera, and motherboard could be worn out or have been replaced with non-original components.

In addition, used smartphones generally do not come with a warranty (and if they do, the coverage period is usually shorter) or do not come with original accessories, which increases the risk associated with their purchase.

To make an informed decision about the condition of a second-hand device, it is imperative to conduct a thorough test before proceeding with the purchase.

What is a refurbished smartphone?

A refurbished smartphone refers to any device that has been returned to the manufacturer by its previous owner and has been prepared for reuse. These include smartphones returned under exchange programs. Both those that were used for only a few hours or days and did not satisfy the user, and gadgets that received any damage.

In the case of an officially refurbished smartphone, it goes through a cleaning process and rigorous testing, correcting any defects found. If there are visible signs of wear, the phone's casing is typically completely replaced. It is common to find a new battery in these devices, and in the case of iPhones, a new screen as well. In essence, you get a smartphone that is virtually indistinguishable from a new one.

Which is better: second-hand or refurbished?

The decision between opting for second-hand or refurbished smartphones is based on the specific needs of the user. Second-hand devices are usually cheaper but are often in worse condition than refurbished ones.

Purchasing used smartphones, especially in large volumes, requires a thorough evaluation to ensure their functionality. In contrast, refurbished smartphones tend to be in superior condition and come with longer warranties.

Are all refurbished smartphones the same?

In short, NO, they are not. Each refurbished smartphone is given a rating that reflects its current condition. Unfortunately, there are no independent standards for these ratings; each store or seller may apply their own rating system, and in some cases, there may not even be a formal rating. It would be wise to check the rating scale before proceeding with your purchase.

On large online sales platforms, ratings typically follow an A to D, with general interpretations such as the following:

• A: Perfect condition, essentially like a new device. These are commonly smartphones returned within 30 days.
• B: Near perfect, may have a scratch or minor signs of wear. It's possible that the battery lasts half an hour less than it should.
• C: Has some minor visible defects. The phone clearly shows signs of use.
• D: Has some kind of malfunction or shows significant wear. For example, the front camera may not work, or some other feature may be disrupted. Not recommended for purchase.

In addition, there is a classification based on who has refurbished the device, with only two main categories:

• Manufacturer Refurbished: These devices have been checked and repaired by the manufacturer itself, ensuring a high level of quality and the authenticity of the parts. It is considered a much more reliable option. Companies like Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Dell or Apple do not need to sell refurbished smartphones "just to sell" - their business is already doing well. If they say that the device is ready to work, there is no reason to doubt it. The warranty for these devices is usually 12 months.
• Third-party or seller refurbished: Smartphones have been refurbished by companies or individuals other than the original manufacturer, which can result in variability in the quality of the repair and in the authenticity of the parts used. That is, it has been repaired by the store or a private technician who has put it up for sale on Amazon, Newegg, Walmart, eBay, Flipkart, etc. Obviously, it is in their interest to sell it. Quality control is not that high. Damage assessments may be underestimated.

What needs to be checked during refurbishment?

The standard testing process for a returned smartphone includes checking the battery status (does it charge properly? does it hold a charge?), as well as the functionality of the buttons and cameras. The seller also evaluates the audio quality, touch response of the screen, and the ability of the device to connect to Wi-Fi and Telephone networks (3G/4G/5G). In compliance with the Data Protection Law, it is mandatory to delete all information from the internal storage.

In cases where the smartphone has suffered water damage and has a flawless exterior appearance but with defective internal components, it may be necessary to replace all internal parts. In these situations, the red sticker on the sensor indicating water damage is usually not changed, resulting in a fully functional device, but with a red internal sensor. It is important to have knowledge about it to avoid future warranty issues.

A normal refurbished smartphone should be thoroughly tested and cleaned, both externally and internally, as much as possible. Any components that might not work should be repaired or replaced. Most often, this is a faulty LCD matrix or a cracked case.

Sometimes these devices also receive a new battery, although this is less common, even for older smartphone models.

Consumer rights when buying a refurbished smartphone

When purchasing a refurbished smartphone, you have the same consumer rights as when buying a new one. The product must meet appropriate quality standards, be able to perform its functions and correspond exactly to the description provided. If a problem is found that was not listed in the description at the time of purchase, you have the right to request a full refund. However, if the defect was clearly mentioned (for example, "showing signs of wear" and you find scratches), the seller may refuse to accept the return. In addition, a cable or charger is always included with the refurbished device. However, the provision of other accessories, including the instruction manual, is not guaranteed. If headphones were included with the original device and the description of the refurbished smartphone or tablet does not mention them, you should assume that they will not be included.

Main rules when buying a refurbished smartphone

The main problem with any refurbished smartphone is that you will never know why it was returned. So, when buying them, it is important to follow some important rules:

• Choose those smartphones that have been refurbished by the manufacturer or a reputable retailer. They usually test and repair the gadgets thoroughly, ensuring that the phone is in good working order.
• Pay attention to the warranty period. Some manufacturers offer a full warranty on refurbished phones, while many third-party companies do not.
• Read the "fine" print. In some cases, smartphones are not fully refurbished and retain certain defects that are specified in the accompanying documentation.
• Consider the age of the device. The older the smartphone model, the more worn out its components are, and the more problems could arise in the future.
• If the price is too good, there is reason to be suspicious. No company works to its own detriment. So if the price of a smartphone seems too low, it probably isn't as good as you think.

Where to buy refurbished smartphones?

• eBay: To date, eBay has been one of the main sources for purchasing "old gadgets." Although it is not clear why, many European users have a special fondness for this platform. It offers the most convenient filter for old devices, allowing you to specify desired recovery type - either "Manufacturer Refurbished" or "Seller Refurbished". With more than ten thousand offers, you can even find phones from decades past.
• Amazon: Since September 2017, it competes directly with eBay thanks to the launch of Amazon Renewed, a section dedicated to high-quality refurbished devices that come with a 90-day warranty. This section is not limited to smartphones alone, it covers a wide range of electronic products with savings of up to 40%.
• Newegg y B&H: Leaders in the American electronics market. Although they do not have a wide variety of offers, their prices can be more competitive. Newegg sells directly and through third parties, while B&H focuses exclusively on its own brand products, guaranteeing quality, although its offer is more focused on all types of cameras.
• BackMarket: Specialized in the sale of refurbished electronics, it offers a minimum six-month warranty on all devices. Discounts range from 40% to 70%, depending on the condition of the device. They use a rating scale from "Shiny" to "Stallone" to describe the condition of the product, allowing buyers to choose according to their preference and budget. The higher the level you order, the more you pay. For sellers it is also very convenient: they do not have to spent money on advertising. They simply classify the refurbished devices, and buyers choose what they like best.
• Apple: Through its official site it offers a section of refurbished products that includes iPhones, iPads, smartwatches, laptops, etc., with a one-year warranty and the promise of being "exactly like new". Discounts here are modest, around 20%.
• Samsung: Since 2016, it has been selling refurbished devices directly in the US with discounts that can reach 70%, although these are usually tied to mobile operators.
• Walmart: It offers a variety of refurbished devices, mostly repaired by the seller, with most smartphones unlocked, which sets them apart from Samsung and Amazon's offerings.
• Lenovo: In its US market, Lenovo sells refurbished products with significant discounts of 40-80%, mostly laptops repaired by the company itself.
• Dell: It has created a store dedicated exclusively to refurbished products, offering almost its entire product range with a 100-day warranty.
• Swappa: Large and quality-conscious online bulletin board where the warranty can vary from one to two months. Swappa verifies each seller, requiring photos and the IMEI of smartphones to prevent stolen products, and only accepts payments through PayPal. It is particularly popular among repair technicians for its ease of use and low commissions but is not recommended for novice users due to the need for direct communication with sellers to verify details such as battery status or device authenticity.

When is it more advantageous to buy refurbished smartphones?

Refurbished smartphones are most advantageous to buy 1-3 months after the release of a specific model. During this time, buyers usually return the device that has not satisfied them for some reason, and manufacturers have time to repair it (if necessary) and put it on sale again. It is important to note that this time of use is not enough for its components to wear out significantly.

It should not be forgotten that the smartphone has become the most popular gift for Christmas, Birthdays and New Year. But many people still prefer money, so they often return gifted devices to stores, and the stores consequently put them on sale again. For these reasons and according to our experience, another good time to buy a refurbished device is January. At this time of year, it is very likely that you can get a practically new smartphone at a considerable discount.

Conclusion

Buying a refurbished smartphone is a great way to save money or get a higher-end device. However, for your purchase to be truly successful, prefer manufacturer-refurbished smartphones and buy them only from large, trusted platforms that value their reputation. This way, you can be sure that the smartphone has been thoroughly tested and, if necessary, repaired.

In short, opting for a second-hand or refurbished phone can be a smart economic decision, but it requires careful research and evaluation to ensure that you get a device that meets your expectations in terms of quality, functionality and safety.