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When I was a lot younger than I am now, I had to have a brand new mobile phone whenever one came out that I thought would make me stand out.
There were the days where smaller was better and the most that they could do was call, text, and play a game of snake
As I’ve got older my interest in technology is still there, but a brand new phone every year isn’t so important and in fact, I’ll be buying a refurbished phone when my iPhone 7 (I bought this directly from Apple when it came out) decides it has had its day.
So why have I decided to go refurbished rather than brand new?
Cost
This one is obvious, the cost of buying a refurbished phone is less than buying a new and because I’m prepared to wait, I could be potentially saving myself hundreds of pounds.
Luckily I have been saving money into my sinking fund pot, for when the time comes that I do eventually need a new phone.
Operating system security updates
The iPhone 7 came out in September 2016 and I brought mine not long after that and it is still receiving updates today, some 4+ years later.
Ios is now on its 14th iteration, which was quite a big update bringing a number of new features that probably Android had had for a while.
Security is hugely important to me as we use these devices for pretty much everything we do now from banking to organising our life (when we can) so knowing that I’m receiving updates for years to come is hugely important to me and it’s likely that reading online it will the iPhone 7 will stop receiving security updates in September 2021.
Unfortunately, this is the reason that I can’t jump ship to Android, though I have had one and wouldn’t consider myself a fanboy to any operating system, though saying that I have recently read that Samsung will be supporting their 2019/20 devices for three major Android updates, so roughly three years.
Where can you buy refurbished phones?
Buying a refurbished phone doesn’t have to be that daunting as there are a number of reputable places that you can buy them from.
Manufacturer
Both Apple and Samsung sell refurbished phones.
The benefit of buying from them is that you know that it has been certified by them so will meet their expected quality standards and if you are not happy with your purchase you can send it back without issue.
Your network provider
Your network provider has realised that not everyone wants to spend a small fortune on a tariff just to get the latest incremental phone and now offer you the chance to buy refurbished phones directly from them.
The disadvantage of buying a refurbished phone from them is that they are generally more expensive than anywhere else and more often than not they will want to tie you into a 24-month contract, which can be still quite expensive.
Third party sellers
There are a number of reputable sellers of refurbished phones all offering you a great selection of phones to choose from including other brands such as OnePlus and Huawei.
Handtec*, MusicMagpie and The Big Phone Store are probably the best known in the market and one of these companies is where I will be getting my refurbished phone from when the time comes.
Are refurbished phones any good?
No matter where you get your refurbished mobile phone from the company selling it is likely to have graded it depending on its condition.
As an example, Handtec grade their phones, good, Excellent, Pristine and Pristine Pack (which is essentially like new with accessories)
Music Magpie grade theirs good, very good and pristine.
My Own Experience
I recently bought a refurbished pristine, unlocked iPhone 11 Pro from MusicMagpie as it was at the time the cheapest of the companies mentioned above.
When it came I was more than happy, it looked brand new, but unfortunately, it was sent to me locked to another network, I sent it back and they were not able to provide me with the phone that I ordered, but the refund process happened quite quickly.
I decided that I probably didn’t need a pristine phone as one that was very good would do the job as it was going to be put into a cover anyway and that would save me a few £s too.
I bought this from The Big Phone Store and like MusicMagpie, delivery was quick and the phone looks great, so I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from either of these companies again.
Can you buy a phone cheaper used rather than refurbished?
Yes.
You probably could get them cheaper from online marketplaces like eBay, but then you have to consider what condition you are getting the device in.
While I understand that they offer some level of security, I’d rather deal with a company that sold me the phone rather than having to go to the seller in the first instance and then use a dispute resolution service.
Do refurbished phones come with a warranty?
If you’re buying a refurbished phone you are obviously going to be concerned that after a few months it is going to stop working.
Both of the companies that I have mentioned above, offer 12-month warranties on the handsets that they sell, which covers technical defects and those faults caused relating to the workmanship and materials used.
Like with new phones, if after you receive your phone you are not happy with it for any reason you are able to send it back within 14 days.
What will you do with your old phone?
According to research brits have 55,000,000 mobile phones lying about not doing anything.
When it comes to buying a refurbished phone, I will more than likely sell it to one of the many phone purchasing websites. It might not be worth much by then but at least it won’t be lying stuck in a draw not doing anything.
Pros of buying a refurbished phone
Cost
Refurbished phones offer good savings as you are not buying brand new.
Security and updates
As you are probably upgrading from an older model, depending on the manufacturer, you are future-proofing.
Good for the environment
As a new phone isn’t being built and shipped to the seller then ultimately you via the delivery driver you are minimizing carbon emissions.
While newer devices are being sold solely with only a charging cable, with the environment being touted as a major factor in that decision, many will often still buy the accessories that they haven’t been provided, so are the manufacturers of new devices really doing their bit for the environment?
They have been checked
Phones will have been checked by the seller to make sure that it is in full working order and if you are still not satisfied you’ll have your 14-day cooling-off period to fall back on.
Cons of buying a refurbished phone
Often doesn’t come with accessories
This is becoming less and less of a problem as manufacturers start only providing you with the phone and a charging cable and are increasingly doing away with headphone jacks.
It’s not new
This probably isn’t even a concern if you are considering buying a refurbished phone, but if you enjoy the experience of opening new devices then you should stay clear.
So there you have some reasons for buying a refurbished phone
Have I convinced you that buying a refurbished phone is the way to go when your old phone no longer does what is needed of it?
Refurbished phones are not the poor relation to their newer counterparts but in fact a sound financial decision.
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