Benefits Of Investing In Refurbished Mobile Phones

By Author: Angelika Muderris
Total Articles: 13
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If you want the top-of-the-line smartphone with all the latest features, then you should be prepared to spend a lot. The latest mobile phones don’t come cheap as they are built to be the best in the market with the latest components slapped in their frames to boost performance and function to rival that of personal computers. But these days, not everyone is ready to spend a lot on a mobile device which is why many are looking for cheaper alternatives. A good option here is buying refurbished smartphones instead.

Understanding What Refurbished Smartphones Are?

Refurbished smartphones were once seen as inferior products. But times have changed and now, refurbished gadgets can already compete with their brand-new counterparts. Some have assumed that refurbished means used gadgets, but this is not always so. There are three possible scenarios for a mobile phone to be refurbished.

* It can be a faulty unit returned by a customer that the manufacturer has repaired before selling as a refurb.
* It can be a unit that has been traded in by the buyer in exchange for a new smartphone.
* The ...
... mobile phone was returned a few days after purchase because the customer changed their mind.

Not all smartphone manufacturers will be selling refurbished mobile phones though, but this will not be a big deal since there are third-party retailers where you can get other brands. These certified retailers of refurbished devices typically follow a standard testing to ensure that all units that they put up on sale are up to the standards of the manufacturers.

The manufacturer or certified retailer will inspect the unit from the outer parts to its inner components to determine what the issues are. Any components that have been malfunctioning will be repaired or replaced before the unit is put up for sale.

Why is Investing on Refurbished Phones Better?

Although refurbished smartphones are seen as cheaper alternatives to expensive premium phones, are they really worth getting? If you are new to switching to a refurbished device, you are probably afraid of spending money on such a gadget. There are several reasons why investing on it will be a good idea. Here’s what you need to know.

* Affordable.
This is the primary benefit of purchasing refurbished mobile phones. When compared to their new version, you will save up to 20% at least depending on the condition of the device. For those who are on a tight budget, switching to this type of smartphone will not only let you save more, but you can also use the extra cash for more important matters at home.

* Like-New Condition.
Like it was mentioned before, some refurbished mobile devices were units that were returned to the manufacturer because they prefer a different model. This means that there is a good chance that you will be able to snag a refurbished device that is in pristine condition for a very cheap price. Now that is a win-win situation!
In most cases, manufacturers or certified resellers ensure that all refurbs that they put up on sale are in mint condition. Always read the description of the unit that is being sold to determine what to expect when you purchase the refurbished gadget.

* Quality Check.
The best refurbished phones UK are those that have been thoroughly checked, tested, and repaired by certified technicians to ensure that they pass the manufacturer’s standards. Once they have passed inspection and are deemed ready for sale, they will then be restored to factory settings then sold at discounted rates.

* Warranty.
Most smartphone users prefer to buy new mobile devices because they are after the warranty. Fortunately, refurbished mobile phones nowadays do come with a warranty that can cover up to 12 months just like in the case of new smartphones. This means that you can bring the refurbished unit to the manufacturer to have it checked or even replaced without you paying anything out of your pockets.

* Safer to the Environment.
Another reason why investing on refurbished smartphones is better compared to buying new is the fact that it is better for the environment. Let’s admit that we are contributing to the amount of electronic wastes in landfills because we simply dispose of our old but working units whenever we want to replace them.
The dangerous part here is that smartphones have chemical components, such as the battery, which can leak into the earth or waterways which can be dangerous for us and other living things. With e-waste becoming a major problem, nowadays, sticking with refurbished units can help keep them in circulation longer thus lessening the number of electronics that we throw away.

Buying Guide for Refurbished Smartphones

What’s great about buying refurbished as opposed to purchasing a new smartphone is that the former will not cost that much. Yes, you can get up to 10% discount from the manufacturer since the refurbished unit cannot be sold at the same price as a brand-new one because they are no longer in their sealed boxes. You can get more if you buy from third-party retailers too!

The internet is the best place to find great deals for refurbished mobile phones. However, there are a few buying tips that you should follow so that the item you will get will fit your budget and your needs. Here’s what you should know.

* Only Buy from Reputable Sellers.
Aside from purchasing directly from the manufacturer, your safest bet is to look for certified sellers of refurbished mobile gadgets. These are the ones that have already established themselves in the industry and are protecting their name too by selling only like-new refurbished gadgets.
They are the ones who can afford to provide you with up to a year’s worth of coverage for warranty which is important when you go shopping for a cheaper smartphone.

* Inspect the Unit.
Relying on the seller’s description of the refurbished unit is not recommended. It would be better if you are able to physically inspect the device or at least discuss your concerns with the seller. Ask for photos when transacting online, or visit the physical store when you are able. Check the display, the buttons, the battery, and accessories to see if they are working as they should.

* Choose Unlocked.
The problem about buying a brand-new mobile phone is that it is usually locked to a specific carrier. This means that you will not be able to use a different carrier any time you want. Fortunately, most refurbished mobile phones are typically sold as unlocked. This is important since your mobile use will not be constrained to a specific carrier. If you are unhappy with your current data plan, you can have the freedom to move to a different mobile phone carrier without worrying about paying anything.

* Warranty.
Warranty should also be one of the factors that you need to take into account when shopping for refurbished items because this is for your protection. Make sure that the length of the warranty should be for one year which is the same as that when you buy a new unit. This way, you can bring the unit to the seller for repairs without paying anything for the entire year provided that you meet their requirements.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Refurbished iPhone UK?

Apple iPhones are among the top choices when it comes to mobile phones, but as we all know, they don’t come cheap. This is because you are not just paying for the features and functions, but you are also paying for the brand name. Budget is always a concern for those who want to go for an iPhone, but should this be a problem? Not if you go for a refurbished version.

A refurbished iPhone will be in the same condition as that of its brand-new counterpart provided that you purchase one from a reputable seller. If you are looking for the best place to buy one, QwikFone is a good place to start. This company offers refurbished iPhones that are in like-new and unlocked condition at competitive prices. Not only that, but they will come with free accessories and a warranty that lasts up to a year.
If you are considering another Apple product to be your replacement phone, but don’t want to spend a lot for one, then go for a refurbished version instead.

Wrap Up
In these times when it is difficult to earn money due to the ongoing health crisis, buying a new mobile device seems to be a luxury that many cannot afford. That said, there is a more affordable alternative available which is refurbished mobile phones. These smartphones may not be in their original sealed boxes, but they are usually in mint condition when they are sold to meet the standards of the manufacturers.

Regardless of whether you are looking for Apple, OnePlus, Samsung, or other brands, now that there are certified sellers of refurbished mobile devices both online and in brick-and-mortar stores that you can choose as an alternative. You only need to do your research on certified sellers as well as compare prices to ensure that you are getting the best deal out there for your budget and your smartphone needs.

Angelika Muderris is a passionate writer who heads the operations at QwikFone , A UK-based company for refurbished phones.