Many of us spend copious amounts of time staring at our phones. Whether it's for work or leisure, smartphones have become a vital part of our ever-changing daily lives. With so many options to choose from, purchasing a new smartphone can be an overwhelming task. In this article, we will discuss how refurbished phones have gained popularity over the last few years.
What are refurbished phones?
Refurbished phones are an appealing option for many customers, as customers can purchase contemporary smartphone models at a significantly lower price. These types of phones are usually second-hand, meaning that they have had a previous owner. The main difference between refurbished phones and second-hand phones is that the former is sold by a wider network, manufacturer, or even a retailer. These institutions will make sure that certain tests and quality standards are applied to the device. In turn, this ensures that the refurbished phone will be of the highest quality.
Why are phones being refurbished?
More often than not, phones become refurbished because a customer wants to sell old phones for cash or is not satisfied with their purchase. This may be because they do not like the operating system or because the phone was not the right style for them. If these phones are exchanged within a certain period, they are allowed to be resold under the title of 'Refurbished.' As such, the phones go through a rigorous testing process to ensure that the phone was not damaged or tampered with by the former owner.
What are the quality grades for refurbished phones?
Before refurbished phones can be sold to the wider market, they must be graded on their quality. Described below is a brief description of these grades:
- • Grade A: This signifies a pristine phone. There are no overt damages, such as scratches, cracks, or scuff marks. Plus, this type of phone is usually paired with its original box and accessories.
- • Grade B: These phones usually come with a few scratches or imperfections, but nothing extreme. The phone should be functioning perfectly and have no internal issues.
- • Grade C: This grade usually refers to phones that are well used but are still functioning at full capacity. Thus, there may be some cosmetic imperfections on the phone's outer surface.
What should I look out for when buying a refurbished phone?
Although a majority of refurbished phones are highly regulated and can only be purchased through certified retailers, you should always make sure that your new phone is entirely legitimate.
When purchasing a refurbished phone, it is integral that it does not have any trace of the previous owner. This includes their contacts, photos, and private details. Most manufacturers will restore a refurbished phone to factory settings, meaning that the phone will be entirely wiped. If your refurbished phone still has another person's information, it may show signs of misuse or poor practice.
A refurbished phone should always come with a warranty to protect the phone from any accidental issues or damage. These phones often have previous owners, meaning that they could be vulnerable to damage or issues in the long run. Thus, purchasing a refurbished phone with a warranty allows you to be protected from any further issues.
What are the benefits of purchasing a refurbished phone?
One of the main benefits of purchasing a refurbished phone is that they are much cheaper than a brand new phone. This means that you can purchase a near-perfect phone for a much lower price, and still reap all of the benefits of owning a brand new phone. Additionally, some of the latest models have been refurbished, offering you the chance to get your perfect phone without the hefty price tag.
Following on from this, refurbished phones are an incredible way to help the environment. Did you know that consumer electronics make up 50 million tonnes of e-waste per year? This astonishing statistic means that a lot of our old electronics are contributing the looming climate crisis our world is facing right now. So, by purchasing a refurbished phone, you can put a stop to increasing e-waste and help to reduce rising CO2 levels.
If you are purchasing a refurbished phone through a certified seller, you are protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Therefore, if the phone is not up to scratch, you can make a claim and return the phone to the original seller. As a result, you can ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
At Reboxed, we are determined to eliminate the rising levels of e-waste and offer our customers the latest refurbished phones at a great price. We also go one step further and plant five trees for every phone we manage to rehome. This helps us to cut carbon emissions and achieve our goal of becoming entirely carbon neutral. Have a look at our website for further details and to discover our expansive range of refurbished phones.