What to Know Before Buying a Refurbished Smartphone or Laptop

Thinking about buying a "refurbished" smartphone or laptop? It's a smart move if you're looking to save money and reduce electronic waste. But, just like any big purchase, there are some things you should know before diving in.

See also - Best laptops with CD and DVD drives

What Does "Refurbished" Really Mean?

When we talk about "refurbished" devices, we're referring to pre-owned gadgets that have been returned due to a defect, a change of mind, or just general trade-ins. These devices are then repaired (if necessary), thoroughly tested, cleaned, and repackaged for resale at a lower price. Think of it as getting a second-hand device with a little extra TLC.

The Pros of Buying Refurbished

Cost Savings

One of the biggest perks is the price. Refurbished devices are significantly cheaper than their brand-new counterparts. For example, at the time of writing this, a brand new iPhone 15 Pro 256GB costs $1,099.00, whereas a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro with similar specs is just $679.

Similarly, a brand new ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (14” Intel) Laptop costs $1,207.01, while a refurbished ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 from Lenovo Outlet is just $817.19.

Environmentally Friendly

Opting for refurbished helps reduce e-waste, making it a greener choice. Purchasing a refurbished phone instead of a new one saves, on average, 45 kilograms of CO2 emissions and 34 to 40 kg of raw materials, according to Back Market.

Quality Assurance

Reputable refurbishers put these devices through rigorous testing to ensure they work like new, sometimes even offering warranties. Not Every Refurbished Phone is the Same - Apple and Samsung, for example, offer refurbished phones that are restored with the same replacement parts used in new models and come with a new battery, outer shell, and a 1-year warranty.

See also - Best Laptops for Seniors

The Cons to Consider

Shorter Warranty

Refurbished devices often come with shorter warranties compared to new ones. Make sure you understand the warranty terms. While a new device might come with a one-year or longer warranty, refurbished devices might only offer a 90-day warranty or a similar limited period

Potential for Older Models

If you're looking for the latest features, refurbished devices might not always meet your needs as they tend to be older models.

Battery Life

For smartphones and laptops, battery life might not be as optimal as a brand-new device unless the battery has been replaced. Batteries degrade over time, and a refurbished device could have a battery that has already gone through many charge cycles. This can result in shorter battery life and reduced overall performance.

See also - Why Won't My Samsung or Android Phone Charge?

Key Things to Check Before Buying

Source Matters

Always buy from reputable sellers. This could be the manufacturer’s official site, well-known retailers, or certified refurbishers. Avoid unknown third-party sellers. Buying from reputable sources ensures that the device has gone through proper refurbishment processes and quality checks.

See also- Best Refurbished Phones

Here are some trusted and reputable sources for buying refurbished smartphones and laptops:

Manufacturers

1. Microsoft Certified Refurbished: Microsoft sells refurbished Surface devices and other laptops. These products are thoroughly inspected and come with a warranty​.

2. Dell Outlet: Dell’s official outlet provides a range of refurbished laptops, including popular models like the Dell XPS and Alienware series. They come with a warranty and are certified to meet quality standards​.

3. Apple Certified Refurbished: Apple’s refurbished store offers a variety of refurbished products including iPhones and MacBooks. These items are thoroughly tested, certified, and come with a one-year warranty​.

4. Lenovo Outlet: Lenovo offers refurbished laptops, including ThinkPad and Yoga series. These laptops are inspected, tested, and certified by Lenovo, and come with warranties​.

5. Samsung Certified Re-Newed: Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program offers refurbished smartphones with a brand new battery, updated software, and a one-year warranty

6. HP Renew Program (Does not sell directly to the end-users)

Retailers and Marketplaces

1. Amazon Renewed: Amazon offers a wide range of refurbished gadgets through its Amazon Renewed program. Products are inspected and certified to work and look like new, and they come with a 90-day guarantee.

2. Best Buy: Best Buy sells refurbished electronics including smartphones and laptops. They often come with a warranty and a return policy, ensuring peace of mind for buyers​.

3. Back Market: Specializing in refurbished electronics, Back Market offers smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. They provide a one-year warranty and have strict quality control processes to ensure products meet high standards​.

4. Newegg: Known for its extensive range of tech products, Newegg also offers refurbished electronics. They provide a detailed refurbishment process, and many products come with a one-year warranty​.

5. Gazelle: Gazelle is a reputable platform for buying refurbished smartphones and MacBooks. They have a thorough inspection process and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee​.

6. SWAPPA: SWAPPA is a user-to-user marketplace for buying and selling refurbished smartphones, laptops, and other electronics. Each listing is reviewed by SWAPPA staff to ensure quality and prevent scams.

7. Walmart Restored: Walmart’s refurbished program includes a wide range of electronics. Products are inspected and restored by professionals, and they offer a return policy for added security​.

8. Decluttr: Decluttr offers refurbished smartphones and laptops with a 12-month warranty. They undergo multiple quality checks and are graded based on their condition​.

Carriers

1. AT&T: AT&T offers a selection of certified pre-owned smartphones, including various brands and models. These devices are inspected and refurbished to meet high standards and come with a warranty.

2. Verizon: Verizon sells certified pre-owned devices that have been thoroughly tested and refurbished. These devices come with a warranty and support from Verizon.

Warranty and Return Policy

Ensure there's a solid warranty and a clear return policy. This gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong. A good warranty means that the seller stands behind the quality of their refurbished product. For example, Apple Certified Refurbished products come with a one-year limited warranty, and you can extend this with the AppleCare Protection Plan for up to three years.

Check the return policy details, such as the return window, conditions for returns, and any restocking fees.

See also - How to Fix Mobile Network Not Available on Android

Condition Grades

Understand the grading system (like New, Excellent, Good, or Fair) to know exactly what you're getting. Refurbished devices are often categorized based on their physical and functional condition. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these grades typically mean:

• New: The device is in perfect condition with no signs of use. It may come with the original packaging and all accessories.
• Excellent: The device is almost like new with very minimal signs of wear. Any imperfections are usually cosmetic and not noticeable unless closely inspected.
• Good: The device shows some signs of use such as minor scratches or dents, but it functions perfectly. These imperfections are generally cosmetic and do not affect performance.
• Fair: The device has noticeable signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or other marks. However, it is still fully functional.

Battery Health

Check if the battery has been replaced or at least what its current health status is. Knowing the battery health helps you gauge how long the device will last on a single charge and its overall longevity. Reputable sellers often replace the battery in their refurbished products to ensure better performance.

If the battery hasn’t been replaced, ask for the current health status, which is usually expressed as a percentage of the battery’s original capacity. A battery health below 80% might indicate that the battery will need to be replaced soon.

See also - Is your iPhone battery draining fast?

Compatibility

Make sure the device is compatible with your needs (e.g., smartphone carrier compatibility, laptop software requirements). For smartphones, check if the device is unlocked or if it works with your specific carrier. Some phones might be locked to a particular network, which can limit your options. For laptops, ensure the hardware meets the software requirements you need, whether it's for operating systems, specific applications, or peripherals.

Included Accessories

Confirm what accessories are included. Some refurbished devices might not come with all the original accessories. For instance, a refurbished smartphone might not include earphones or a charging cable, while a laptop might be missing peripherals like a power adapter or external mouse.

Reputable sellers will list the included accessories clearly in the product description. If the listing doesn’t specify, it’s a good idea to ask the seller directly.

See also - How to Fix Not Registered on Network Error on Android

Tips for Smartphones

• Check for Carrier Lock: Ensure the phone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.
• Inspect for Physical Damage: Look for any signs of wear and tear, especially on the screen and body.
• Software Updates: Make sure the phone can receive the latest software updates.

Tips for Laptops

• Check Specs: Ensure the laptop’s specs (processor, RAM, storage) meet your needs.
• Test Ports and Keyboard: Make sure all ports and the keyboard are fully functional.
• Operating System: Confirm that the laptop comes with a legitimate operating system license.

Tips for a Smooth Purchase

• Read Reviews: Look up reviews of both the device model and the seller.
• Compare Prices: Shop around to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Inspect on Arrival: Check the device thoroughly upon arrival for any defects or issues.
• Update Software: Make sure the device’s software is up to date to ensure optimal performance.

Common Myths About Refurbished Devices

• Myth 1: Refurbished Means Low Quality. Reality check—refurbished devices can be high quality, especially from reputable sources.
• Myth 2: Refurbished Devices Have No Warranty. While the warranty might be shorter, reputable sellers usually offer some form of warranty.
• Myth 3: Refurbished Devices Are Outdated. Not necessarily! You can find relatively recent models that have been refurbished.