Busting 6 Common Myths About Refurbished Phones

Refurbished phones are a great way to save money on your next purchase. Like new smartphones and tablets, refurbished phones are much cheaper than brand-new ones. So why do so many people think refurbished phones aren’t worthwhile? Here are the 6 Common Myths About Refurbished Phones

Myth 1: Refurbished phones are not safe

Our verdict: False

Refurbished phones are just as safe as new models. You can get refurbished phones for less money and still have them for a long time, sometimes even the same amount of time as new models.

iPhones will receive iOS updates 5-6 years from the release date, while Android models will be updated for 2-4 years after launch, depending on the manufacturer. Samsung has recently promised four years of OS support for its Galaxy lineup, beginning with models released in 2021.

Whenever you buy a Refurbished phone, ensure you know what type of updates the phone will receive from the manufacturer. Ask them or look at their website for the details.

Myth 2: A refurbished phone is like a used phone.

Our verdict: False

A used phone and a refurbished phone differ significantly. While they have some similarities, there are some significant discrepancies as well.

Quality

• Refurbished phone: Sold by a reseller, retailer, or manufacturer, which means the phone has been graded, professionally repaired if necessary, and tested to ensure it is fully functional.
• Used phone: The sold phone might not be in complete condition or have faults.

Warranty

• Refurbished phone: You can buy a phone with a 12-month warranty to give you peace of mind if it malfunctions over time.
• Used phone: The warranty on your used phone may have expired, which means when you sell/give it away, the new owner has to purchase a replacement for themselves.

After-sale support

• Refurbished phone: If you are unhappy with your purchase, there are options for a return policy and a full refund. A refurbished phone is proud to offer refurbished phones with a new warranty that includes return policies, money-back guarantees, and proof of purchase.
• Used phone: Buying on a peer-to-peer marketplace can be risky because there is no customer service, regulation, or satisfaction guarantee.

Myth 3: Refurbished phones don’t live up to the standards of a new phone

Our verdict: False

Various studies have shown that the functionality of a refurbished phone is as good as that of a new one in terms of battery life and app launch speed, with a marginally slower but barely noticeable difference. The battery health of refurbished phones is at least 80% of their original capacity. Before they are available, refurbished phones undergo a rigorous testing process to check for any issues or faulty parts. 

Myth 4: Refurbished phones have been used and may have been stolen.

Our verdict: False

Another common misconception about refurbished phones is that the phone sold is not an original unit and may have been stolen. This is not true for refurbished phones. These are legally purchased from their previous owner, an insurance company, or a retailer. 

When these units are purchased, their IMEI numbers are checked against the blacklist database to ensure they haven’t been reported as lost or stolen. Genuine parts ensure compatibility and functionality when a phone requires some refurbishment.

Myth 5: You don’t know what quality refurbished phone you will receive

Our verdict: False

Refurbished phones are graded according to their condition. The condition of each phone is listed to indicate the physical appearance and feel of the device so that buyers know what to expect when they buy a refurbished phone. Retailers grade refurbished phones based on their condition to ensure buyers know what they are getting. 

Myth 6: Refurbished phones are a bit expensive

Our verdict: False

Refurbished phones offer a more considerable price reduction than new phones. The quality of refurbished phones is comparable to that of new ones, so you don’t have to be wary.

Purchasing a refurbished phone saves money and keeps valuable components and materials in circulation. Furthermore, you can sell your old phone and earn some extra cash to assist you in purchasing your new phone.

Final Words

We hope this article has helped you restate some misconceptions about refurbished phones. It is easy to see why they have a bad reputation, but when you look at the evidence and consider all possible explanations, it should be easy to see why they have fallen out of favour. The bottom line is that if you go into your purchase with an open mind and make an educated decision, you can enjoy a great device at a fraction of its retail cost.