The main difference between a new and a refurbished product is its price (up to 90% cheaper). Refurbished Apple products are 100% functional, and all components work like new. A refurbished device was either pre-owned or used as a display item.
All products that Apple refurbishes are classified as Excellent. Apple refurbished items are worth it because they are almost indistinguishable from brand-new ones. The quality standards are the same as for the new products.
One of the main concerns is the condition of the phone. While refurbished phones are inspected, tested, and repaired, they may still have some cosmetic defects. Additionally, refurbished phones may not come with all the original accessories or packaging. Another concern is the availability of refurbished phones.
Because refurbished phones have been thoroughly tested and restored to full working order, they are usually as good as new. However, a refurbished handset probably won't arrive in its original packaging and might not come with all the usual accessories, like chargers and headphones.
Regardless of the terms, it's safe to assume that buying refurbished products is the best alternative since you know they have been restored to complete working condition, and you are usually offered a new warranty in consequence.
There is a warranty period – Most retailers will provide a warranty period in case you come across any problems with the phone. They last just as long – Most refurbished phones will last for upwards of three years, especially if they're newer.
A refurbished device was either pre-owned or used as a display item. However, refurbished products go through the same testing process as new devices do, so any defect is found and repaired, and any faulty part is replaced. They work as well as new products but have a discounted price because of their refurb tag.
Refurbished phones aren't necessarily slower than new phones. Their performance depends on factors such as the age of the device, the model, and the quality of the refurbishment process. A well-refurbished phone should perform like its new counterpart, especially if it's a recent model.
Refurbished Macs purchased from third-party resellers will include more limited warranties and are not be eligible to receive one year of free support from Apple. Refurbished machines from third-party sites may come at a much lower cost, but the savings may not be worth it should a major problem surface down the road.
While it is safe to buy a refurbished phone, you need to ensure you're buying from a trusted seller. Other things to check is whether there is a warranty and what it covers, quality ratings, and make sure you carefully read any documents before making your purchase.
Here's what you get. You will receive a refurbished device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell.
The battery health
If needed, the battery is replaced. This means that the battery health of a refurbished iPhone is always somewhere between 85 and 100%. This is similar to the battery health of a new iPhone. If the battery health is higher than 80%, your device works just like you're used to.
However, the truth is that the battery life of a refurbished iPhone can be just as good as that of a brand new iPhone. In fact, many refurbished iPhones come with brand new batteries, so you can expect the same level of performance as you would from a brand new phone.
In the majority of cases when buying a second-hand product, refurbished is the way to go. The device will have been returned to a close-to-original condition and will be cheaper than a new model too. Certified Refurbished products go a step further, adding a manufacturer's warranty into the mix.
Make Sure You're Protected
Avoid refurbished products that come without a warranty. Apple and Samsung guarantee their refurbished phones for a full year. At Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, the warranty is good for only 90 days. It's worth checking your credit card company's policies, too.
Are Refurbished Phones Good? Yes — a refurbished phone can be just as good as a brand new, out-of-the-box device, as long as you purchase from the right retailer and do your homework.
Refurbished iPhones undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process that includes not only cosmetic refurbishment but also functional restoration. During this process, the device is disassembled, and any faulty or damaged parts are identified and replaced with new or refurbished parts.
Refurbished products also lower the strain on the environment for raw materials. Instead of needing a full new set of parts, refurbished products replace the faulty parts, reducing the need for parts and materials. From production to disposal, refurbished products reduce the strain on the environment.
There's a simple reason to buy refurbished tech instead of a brand-new device—to save money. It's also nice to avoid sending another gadget to the landfill. An added bonus: If you go for a refurbished product, it won't be subject to shipping delays, as a brand-new device might.
Excellent (Grade A): the best cosmetic quality for a refurbished item. The product's appearance is like new, and there are no scratches on the screen. Good (Grade B): the devices present obvious signs of use with light signs of wear but no scratches on the screen.
By their nature, refurbished devices are cheaper than brand new, since they aren't unused handsets. However, the refurbishment does make them as close to being new as possible. Of course, there are pros and cons of buying refurbished iPhones, and pricing can well be one of those negatives.
Refurbished phones are devices that were used for some period of time before being returned to the vendor or manufacturer. The company typically performs diagnostic testing, makes repairs, cleans the phone and repackages it for sale at a discount.
Samsung users can download the Phone INFO+ app to check the refurbishment status of their device. This is a paid app, which isn't ideal, but it gets the job done. Launch the app and tap the hamburger menu on the left. Select 'Refurbishment Check' and the app will let you know if your device is refurbished or brand new.