Why to Buy a refurbished iPhone

Undoubtedly some of the best smartphones available on the market today are Apple’s iPhones. Even though they are made up of the same fragile screen that makes most of the smartphones; they are despite that; quite durable and easily repairable. The iPhone is quite popular and is long-lasting. It also comes at a huge price especially when it is a new release. This is why it is not a surprise that it is quite a healthy market for refurbished iPhones.

Millions of customers round out their smartphone life cycle whenever Apple releases a new line of iPhones, by upgrading it to the latest model and get rid of their old iPhones. We have guides on both how to sell your iPhone and how to sell your smartphone, but which one are you trying to buy specifically?

You can still take the risk and buy directly from the other individual, however, it is less risky to purchase a refurbished device that comes with a warranty. In this way, even if something goes wrong, you can still get a refund or a replacement. There has been a detailed article on refurbished electronics but today we will examine how to buy a refurbished iPhone.

What is a refurbished iPhone?

It is quite crucial to take your time and recognize what you are buying because the term refurbished covers a lot of different scenarios. An iPhone that the manufacturer has repaired and tested where it was necessary is called a refurbished iPhone. It might have some traces of cosmetic damage, should come with a warranty, however, it may not have the original accessories or packaging. Some refurbished iPhones will be returned by the device owners just because there was a simple fault or they decided they did not want them. Other devices will be used and then sold by the owner may be because to increase funds for a newer model.

A grading system is there mainly to help buyers understand the difference. The exact meanings might differ from manufacturer to manufacturer or even trader to trader, hence read the listings cautiously. Below are some amazing generally accepted definitions:  

• Grade A —the iPhone should look like new as it is in near-mint condition.
• Grade B — Minor cosmetic damage, such as light scratches, or small chips.
• Grade C — Looks used, with clear signs of wear.

Best places to buy

At a wide variety of retailers and carriers, you can find deals on refurbished iPhones. There are many online services as well that purchase used iPhones and repair them for resale. In some countries, you can also purchase refurbished iPhones from Apple including the U.S.

Below are some of the options with our reviews on their pros and cons.

1. Buying a refurbished iPhone from Apple

The best place to buy your refurbished iPhone is through Apple. Each handset works fine and is fully tested. They come with a new battery and outer shell in a white compact box. You also get Apple support and a 12-month warranty which is quite amazing if you run into any issues. You can also go to the Apple Store.

The shortcoming to buy from Apple is that the discounts are quite low. Compared to a new device you may be only saving $50.

2. Buying a refurbished iPhone from a big retailer

There is a wide variety of refurbished iPhones available at big stores like Walmart and Best Buy and they also offer bigger discounts than the manufacturers. The iPhones are entirely tested and generally come with a charger and cable, however, there is no battery or outer shell replacement like Apple offers, hence, expect scratches and signs that the device was used.

The third party provides a 12-month warranty. You can also get further discounts sometimes for picking up your iPhone from a local branch. If you need to return it for any reason that may also prove handy, but make sure to check the terms of the warranty if you can take it back to the store or not if there is an issue with it.

3. Buying a refurbished iphone from an online service

The discounts here would certainly be bigger than what the big box retailers and manufacturers can offer. All iPhones are shipped and the services lack locations you can visit.

They are all entirely tested and offer many details on the condition of the device that you are purchasing, however, the particulars of the terms are different.

4. Buying a refurbished iphone from your carrier

For their refurbished wares, carriers tend to prefer the term “certified pre-owned”, however, they all amount to the same thing. They test the iPhones fully and repair them whenever necessary. There can be signs of wear and tear and you will get a charger with everyone.

Unless you go for an older device, the discounts aren’t generally that good. There might be specific discount offers and incentives for existing customers and you can pick up and return devices in-store. Warranties are there for 90 days.

5. Buy a refurbished iphone from a third-party repair shop

There are thousands of independent and franchised phone repair shops all around the country. As part of their essential business, almost all of them count on used phone sales. Call your local phone repair store and ask about buying a refurbished iPhone, if you are looking to support a small business. The best shops will provide a return period on your device and a solid warranty on your new device.