The iPhone is one of the popular devices to have. They are exceptionally durable and easy to repair. Its smooth running operating system and easy to use function are commendable. The way it updates the apps and provides all the necessities of a mobile phone user is impressive.
All admire iPhone professional or non-professional, young, or old iPhone. But because of its high price, not everyone can afford it. When it comes to a refurbished iPhone, you can always save up to 50% (based on the retailer). If you want to have an iPhone but don’t have enough money, you can buy a refurbished iPhone at a lower price. Though it won’t give you the new phone vibe, you won’t be disappointed. And there always remains a chance for being scammed to be safe, read this article thoroughly.
What Is a Refurbished iPhone:
Refurbished iPhone has healthy market demand. It provides a suitable device at a lower cost. In case you are picking one from a local branch, you can get more discounts. But getting deals mean a trade-off. That’s so learning about the refurbished iPhone will be helpful.
The refurbished iPhone is an iPhone that has been repaired and tested before trading. It might not come with the original packaging. But all the issue is taken care. Usually, the phone was used beforehand for a little while. If you are fortunate, you may get a brand new one. Sometimes there remains some cue of cosmetic damages. Even so, don’t worry because it will not interrupt your utilization. Apart from that, you can also get a warranty for the remaining fault in the device. Before the final deal, it is wise to go through the contract.
You can learn more about refurbished iPhones in the parts ahead.
Here is some feature to look for before buying a refurbished iPhone:
Reputable Retailer:
Recently, people are getting more used to online shopping. Through the digital platform, you can buy or sell both new and old products. All of them are not reliable. If you don’t want to lose your money, it would be better to check their reliability beforehand. Going through their details or information provided, you can guess their identity.
If you are careful, you can identify forgery from their tone of behavior. But all these things are not always useful. You can still find a trustworthy list of the popular refurbished iPhone to use and taste the original iPhone feel. So, the better decision is to either buy from the original producer (Apple) or reputable providers or online sites that you can trust blindly.
2. Refurbished vs. Used:
People who are not aware always mix these two refurbished and used are not the same. Refurbished phones go through the inspection of expert technicians. Defected components are replaced and polished to get a newer package.
These types of phones are also tested before going for resale. It usually comes with a 12-month warranty. If you don’t damage it intentionally, you can get a replacement or service warranty.
Contrarily, used phones are sold as it is by their owner. You may not be aware of the problems remaining in the handset. Also, there is no warranty. But you may get it at a much lower price.
3. Warranty:
Reputed retailers will provide you the high quality refurbished phone. Still, there may remain some problems. Make sure to have your security if you don’t want to cry later on. The same goes for other retailers also. Based on the device model, refurbished grade, and others, you might get a different warranty length. Trustworthy retailers don’t compromise with the warranty. In case the device doesn’t work as you expected, you can get a refund through this. But individual sellers may not provide this security.
4. Model:
Apple incorporation is updating their devices on a short term gap. To retain the customer’s interest, they are always working on adding new features. For that, a lot of refurbished phone remains. It may be good news for buyers who want to pay less. But IT also means backdated software. Apple supports its devices longer than any other manufacturer. But getting an older model might not help security or software updates. That’s why you should choose a recent one with better condition and check if all the features are available or not.
5. Legitimacy:
Make sure The phone is not stolen. It will prevent you from activating the phone. Check before it’s too late. Using the unique IMEI number, you can check the legitimacy. Ask the seller or follow these easy steps:
a. Go to the Settings app.
b. Select General
c. Tap About
d. Scroll down, and you will see the 15 digit IMEI number.
e. Visit the website CTIA stolen phone checker and enter the number in the given field.
f. Check the box. I’m not a robot, then click Submit.
g. The website returns a green or red notice. The green message indicates not reported stolen or lost where Red information means otherwise.
If the report shows red notice, it would be better to buy from elsewhere.
6. Battery Life:
Battery capacity degrades over time. As the battery life goes down, it lowers the charging time. The battery may also affect performance. If you are buying one used for over a year, make sure to get a replaced battery. You can check the battery life following these steps:
a. Go to the Settings app.
b. Select Battery
c. Tap on Battery Health
d. The percentage displayed beside Maximum Capacity shows battery life. The closer it is to 100%, the better is the quality.
7. Grading:
There is no universal grading system for grading the refurbished phone. Based on the condition, the reseller tends to categorize them into four ranges. Have a look at the grading:
a) Grade A:
It is almost new in looks and performance. It may have been returned within the trial period. There won’t be any sign of previous use.
b) Grade B:
These may display a minimal amount of scuffing but not any significant blemishes. It is more budget-friendly.
c) Grade C:
If you have little money to spare, you can go for this one. It shows signs of being used up to 5 blemishes.
d) Grade D:
The lowest quality refurbished iPhone. These are well used second-hand phones. It may have been damaged somehow.
8. Others:
As you are buying a refurbished device, you have to check on many things. Other than the items discussed above, check these also for better decision:
i. Includes charging cable
ii. Confirm the phone isn’t carrier-locked
iii. Choose the right storage capacity.
iv. Look for hardware damages.
v. Assess the price
vi. Inspect the features
vii. Return policy
viii. Shipping policy
ix. Payment methods
x. No water damage experience
xi. Quality control
It is not obligatory to have an iPhone. If you are not a fan of Apple devices, you can always go to another company. There are many smartphones available at reasonable prices. But if you want an iPhone without spending a lot of money, wait for the next edition.
Bottom Lines
Apple updates its model regularly. So waiting for the update will get you a new refurbished phone with your desired price. Here and now, you know what to look for before buying a refurbished iPhone. Remember the pros and cons, and you won’t be scammed.
