While shopping for a new cell phone, you've probably seen the term refurbished here and there. There's a lot of confusion surrounding what it means for a device to be refurbished, and if it's even safe to purchase one. In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about a refurbished iPhone!
What Is A Refurbished iPhone?
A refurbished product is a device, such as a cell phone, that has been taken out of its original box and sent back to its manufacturer. The manufacturer then cleans and fixes any damage or malfunctioning components of the phone, tests it to make sure it lives up to quality standards, and then resells it at a discounted price.
A phone can be sent for refurbishment for a number of reasons. Two common examples, are that it was used as a display model in stores, or had some fundamental malfunction when it was originally purchased.
Details such as these are usually why someone might assumer a refurbished is damaged or faulty in some way. At least in Apple's case, this could not be further from the truth.
Why Purchase A Refurbished iPhone?
The main attraction that comes with a refurbished iPhone is the lower price tag. If you're looking into purchasing a high quality cell phone but would like to do so on a more limited budget, a refurbished product is an excellent option.
The term refurbished does not mean that it's just a second-hand phone that's been polished to look like new. For Apple products especially, buying a refurbished phone should give you an identical user experience to a brand new iPhone.
Another good reason to purchase a refurbished iPhone is if you're looking for older cell phone models. It's pretty difficult to find older iPhone generations brand new out of the box. In fact, if you want a fully functional earlier iPhone in like-new condition, you'd probably be best off looking into refurbished products instead.
The Difference Between A Refurbished And Brand New iPhone
You might be wondering what sets a refurbished iPhone apart from a brand new one. After all, that lower price tag needs to come from somewhere. However, the more you look for that one factor that sets the two apart, the harder it is to find one.
Both a new and refurbished iPhone come with the same limited warranty and the same two-week return policy. Both also come stock with the same cables and accessories. For a time, refurbished products might have been distributed in a different box than a new iPhone, but even that seems to have been amended.
If you're still worried about the durability and lifespan of your refurbished iPhone, Apple recommends you also purchase AppleCare with your device for added insurance.
Apple's Refurbishment Process
Apple's rigorous standard for quality in all of their products has been a defining factor in their popularity for decades. They have not forsaken this ethic when it comes to their refurbished products. In fact, Apple insists that, after the refurbishment work has been completed and tested, any refurbished device they sell will be identical in quality and appearance to a brand new model.
You might be wondering how Apple refurbishes their products. If you want to know the details, check out our guide to refurbished Apple products written by a former Apple employee.
Even an Apple technician shouldn't be able to tell the difference between a refurbished product or part compared a new. All refurbished parts are stored in the same place as new ones, and are only ever used when both are completely indistinguishable.
There are parts in every refurbished iPhone that are always replaced. In fact, when Apple receives a damaged product, a majority of the phone's components are thrown out right away. Apple only refurbishes some of the most expensive parts of the iPhone, and only when they're already in promising condition. Some of the parts that Apple always replaces include the outer shell, the battery and the logic board. If you opt to purchase a refurbished product, everything you can see and touch will be brand new.
Purchasing Refurbished Devices From Other Parties
Apple is not the only company that sells refurbished iPhones. Many carriers often sell used phones at discounted prices to customers who aren't looking to pay the full retail price. While you might be able to save even further when you buy a second-hand phone from you carrier, you'll also want to exercise more caution.
While Apple offers complete assurance regarding the quality of their refurbished devices, the used phones you'd buy from a carrier might not be held to the same standard. Beware when purchasing a used phone that it might not have been given the same treatment as a refurbished iPhone purchased from the Apple website. Often, buying a used phone does not come with such comprehensive quality guarantees.
Some carriers, such as Verizon, sell products with the label “certified preowned”. This might be a safer bet than purchasing an average used cell phone, as these often come refurbished with similar guarantees to those made by Apple. For example, a certified preowned iPhone from Verizon comes with a limited warranty and approval from a factory technician that this phone is safe to purchase and sell.
Brushing Up
If you're considering buying a refurbished iPhone, there aren't many downsides. Apple's refurbished products are guaranteed to provide you with a premium user experience at a significantly lower price point. If you find the model you're looking for with a refurbished discount, it's about as safe a bet as any that you'll have a great time using it!
Would You Buy A Refurbished iPhone?
Now that you know what refurbished iPhones are, would you buy one for yourself? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for reading, and please share this article with a friend who might be interested.
Thank you for this article. It helps to alleviate my fears of buying a refurbished iPhone. Very informative.