From the year on which the first iPhone was released to now, Apple has managed to deliver top-tier smartphones every year. Apart from manufacturing great and reliable devices, the brand is responsible for setting numerous trends across the smartphone industry. Even though some claim that iPhone screens are quite fragile, they can be repaired hassle-free. Overall, iPhones are quite durable and most users don’t switch before 2-3 years (at least). But it’s the price tag that bugs most shoppers, which is why there’s a dynamic market for refurbished iPhones.
Whenever Apple introduces a new series of iPhones, millions of iPhone users upgrade to the newest model. Are you one of them and looking for a refurbished iPhone for sale on the internet? This blog contains the complete information you need to know before you go buying refurbished iPhones.
You can also purchase a second-hand device from another individual directly, but as refurbished iPhones do come with a warranty, you might want to give it some thought. Because, if a feature stops working or you discover some faults after using it for a week or a month, you might need a refund or get it replaced. Let’s find out how to buy a genuine refurbished iPhone from an online mobile shop.
What is a refurbished iPhone?
Even though the term ‘refurbished’ refers to a certain kind of second-hand smartphones, there are some particulars included under the term. In simple terms, a refurbished iPhone is a device that has been tested and repaired (where necessary) by the manufacturer or seller. The best sellers will positively sell a refurbished smartphone with a define warranty. You might or might not get the original box and accessories and it might have few signs of usage.
Some devices ended up as refurbished because of minor manufacturing defects while others were used for a few months before the user sold it.
As each handset comes in a different condition, a grading system is used to denote the overall condition of a handset. The exact definition of a Grade may vary slightly from seller to seller. Anyway, this the popular grading system for refurbished phones in general:
- Grade A – Near mind condition.
- Grade B – Few signs of physical damages, so you can expect mild scratches.
- Grade C – Has prominent signs of wear.
Where can I find a refurbished iPhone for sale?
Refurbished iPhones are sold by a wide variety of giant offline retailers, online dealers, and network carriers. You can also buy refurbished iPhones directly from Apple stores. The pros and cons of buying a refurbished Apple device from each kind of establishment is described in the following paragraphs.
1. Apple stores
It’s self-explanatory that the best quality refurbished iPhone can be bought from Apple itself. Apple utilizes its proficiency to test every handset before listing it for sale. If you want the best refurbished device, buy from Apple. You also get a 12-month warranty and you’ve got Apple support in case there are issues. Apart from Apple stores, Apple-certified stores also sells official refurbished phones. But due to the negligible price difference between an Apple-refurbished iPhone and a brand new iPhone, most buyers won’t consider it a good deal.
2. Giant offline retailers
Giant retailers like Walmart and Best Buy trades a wide range of refurbished devices and offer a better discount than Apple. They also thoroughly test and repair the devices they sell but don’t expect a battery or framework replacement on these devices. You’d probably get the generic 12-month warranty but the provider could be third-party. You can buy the refurbished iPhone from a local store to get the maximum discount.
3. Network carriers
Network carriers also sell refurbished smartphones. But instead of refurbished, network carriers use the term, ‘certified preowned’ for their refurbished devices. The devices go through a testing procedure and all devices come with a charger. The discount is higher on the older devices and you could get a handsome discount if you’re an existing customer. The key drawback of buying a refurbished iPhone from O2 or Vodafone is the limited 90-day warranty.
4. Online services
Online refurbished smartphone dealers buy the handsets from the public, does the required repairs, and lists on their website. Online refurbished sellers offer higher discounts than the manufacturers and big box retailers. These dealers offer a warranty period of 6 months or 12 months. The only drawback is online refurbished iPhone sellers don’t have a physical establishment.
5. Third-party repair shop
A third-party repair shop can provide you iPhones at best rates. And there are numerous independent and franchised phone repair shops everywhere. Apart from repairing jobs, they’re pretty much dependent on refurbished device sales. The best third-party repair shop does offer a considerable warranty and a return period on every purchase. Even though a third-party repair shop can offer you the best deal, you’re most likely to find Grade C devices.
