Buying a Refurbished Phone – What you Should Know
Smartphones are getting bigger, faster, better – and more expensive. Anyone who can’t afford a new cell phone (that costs almost as much as a small used car) is switching to completely overhauled devices. Refurbished cell phones are significantly cheaper than new smartphones, but what exactly does the label “refurbished” mean?

What Exactly Does Refurbished Mean?
Do consumers really benefit from the significantly lower prices, or do they take a risk with the purchase? After all, shops like Amazon advertise that the devices can be replaced or reimbursed within a year should possible defects become noticeable. Other providers even offer a 24-month guarantee. The statutory return guarantee also applies.
Mainly, there are three types of reconditioned mobile phones. The first type are the cells that have been returned due to a defect or change of mind. Then there are the ones used by carriers as store displays or the last types are the ones that the manufacturer has used for performance tests.
A refurbished mobile phone is not a second-hand phone. That is something very important to keep in mind. These phones undergo checks and repairs – if necessary, they pass the mandatory operational checks again. The second-hand ones have been returned and put on sale without going back to that verification circuit.
Is a Refurbished Phone a Good Idea?
A study predicts that the world will sell 332.9 million used phones in 2023. The rise in mobile phone prices is driving the sale of ‘recycled’ devices. Refurbished mobile phones are devices returned by the buyer, revised, and put back on sale with full guarantees. A good company ensures that the mobile phone is in good condition before buying and selling it.Buying a refurbished mobile phone doesn’t have to be a bad idea. In most cases, it means acquiring a device that is like new but at a price that is 20% to 30% lower. It may go wrong, but it’s only as risky as buying a phone that has never left its packaging. To minimize risks, we advise you to following the recommendations below.
Tips for Buying a Refurbished Phone
1- Get a Warranty
If you buy your phone from a reputable place, it comes with a warranty. The guarantee that you find with most reconditioned phones varies from six months to one year, depending on the model, condition, and website you purchase it from. Many of these websites determine the warranty with numbers or letters according to their physical appearance. Phones with physical defects will be cheaper, and damage-free phones will be more expensive. Here’s a little illustration of how this grading works.
- Grade A: Like new, the terminal has no visible physical damage.
- Grade B: The phone has minor cosmetic damage, such as light scratches or small marks.
- Grade C: Aesthetically there are marks of use, signs of wear, or some clearly visible flaw.
2- Make Sure There is a Return Policy
A return policy is a must if you’re considering getting a refurbished phone. Although trusted sources would run these sets through several quality checks, it’s, after all, not exactly new. There might be something you missed at first and later regret when you find out about it. Once you have decided on and ordered a cell phone, you should examine it thoroughly on delivery. Check the operating system (version) and warranty. Once you discover the first visual defects they didn’t disclose in advance, you must be able to return the device immediately.
3- Buy From a Trusted Source
It is always a good idea to buy the device from a reputable store. A trusted source would transparently give you all the information about the condition, the reason for the return, and the operating system. The more information you get about the mobile phone, the more security you will have as a buyer.
You should also check the price of the phone if you buy it new. Mobile phones drop in price shortly after going on the market. Therefore, before buying a reconditioned phone, the interested party must ensure that the savings are really significant enough.
4- Confirm the Phone Still Gets Security Updates
Security updates are extremely important if you’re buying an older model. You can save even more money by buying a smartphone from the previous year. However, your smartphone may not get security updates if it’s too old, so make sure you have that checked. All models that have just hit the market automatically cost more – even the refurbished cell phones. If you’re looking for a previous model, you pay a lot less. By comparison, the new cell phone costs around $750, while it costs around $550 when used.
With security in perspective, you should reset the phone to the factory settings before using it. It’s the only way to ensure that there is no private content of the previous owner on the smartphone – this also applies to possible programs that could spy on your smartphone. This will also prevent the old owner from locating the cell phone.
Refurbished Phones Are Here to Stay
A study by IDC – International Data Corporation – suggests that the business of used mobile phones – whether reconditioned or second-hand – will continue to grow significantly in the coming years. The IDC report pointed out that 206.7 million units were sold last year. I.E., 17.6% more than the 175.8 million in 2019. It is estimated that in 2023, it will reach 332.9 million units sold.
Take Away
If saving money is your priority, why not sell your existing phone to buy a refurbished newer model? A report in this case from Counterpoint points out that the market for refurbished mobile phones is growing much faster than that of new smart devices. The savings and the security of obtaining a product with all the guarantees are the factors most valued by buyers when deciding on one of these refurbished smartphones.
Are you part of the change? Let’s be the change. Sell your old or broken phone for recycling at Gizmogo today!
Gizmogo Group Limited
Gizmogo’s mission has been simple – make it easy for you to sell your used gadgets at the highest price with the fastest payment possible. Our team members believe your once cherished device sitting in your drawer has more value in being re-purposed and given a new life. We take your device and give it to someone who will enjoy it the same way you once did. That’s why Gizmogo strives to create a seamless customer experience that enables people to see the full potential and value of their devices. Our goal is to extend the life-cycle of technology while reducing the impact on our environment and passing the value onto our customers!
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Frequently Asked Questions
I don't see my device on your list; how can I place my order?
If your device is not listed, place your order as an Unknown Device. Please review our list of accepted electronics to ensure your device falls into one of the classifications. Following our fee-free shipping, we will evaluate your device and send you a quote. If you choose not to sell, your device will be returned to you free of charge!
Do you accept old and damaged devices?
Yes! We accept a vast amount of different electronic devices regardless of condition. To find out how much your damaged device is worth, locate your device on our website, select your model, and indicate the condition to receive an instant quote. If it has any value, we will compensate you accordingly. Otherwise, we would recycle it responsibly for you
You evaluated my device, and the payment amount differs from the quote I received when I first placed my order; what happened?
There are a few reasons why the quoted payment can change following our evaluation:
- You did not accurately select the condition of the device (most common).
- The device has defects that are not indicated on your order.
- You chose the wrong device or device model when completing your order.
Our customer service team is happy to answer any additional questions about changes to your quote
My device has had a case and screen protector since I originally purchased it, and you're trying to tell me it has screen scratches. Can you explain?
Our grading standard is different from what people usually would think. Our professional technicians base their evaluation on the quality of factors such as the
- Screen
- Frame
- Backside
- USB Charging Port
It is common for people to believe their phone is ‘like new,’ only to have a slightly different definition of the term compared to the industry standards.
My laptop isn't on your list; how can I determine its worth?
If you don’t see your device on our list, email us at support@gizmogo.com for your free quote. Include the device brand, model, and serial number in your message. We will have our technician deliver an estimate within 24 hours.
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