Smartphones are getting bigger, faster, better – and more expensive. Anyone who can no longer afford a new cell phone that costs almost as much as a used small car is switching to completely overhauled branded devices. But what exactly does the label “refurbished” actually mean?
In the sense of the second-hand manner, more and more online retailers are following the trend of used smartphones for sale. The devices are checked and cleaned in advance, reconditioned, and sometimes repaired if a part is defective. Afterward, the refurbished cell phones are available at a bargain price, even though they are fully functional and (almost) look like new. But 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 guarantee a 24-month guarantee. The statutory return guarantee also applies. Quality control is still essential.
Refurbished smartphones: Refurbished cell phones
New smartphones are expensive, but Germans only use them for around 18 months on average. A new model then replaces the old mobile phone, although it is usually still usable. According to a Bitkom estimate, around 124 million old cell phones are slumbering in drawers & Co. in 2018.
Because of the many valuable raw materials and metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and copper they contain, old cell phones should by no means end up in the trash. Many smartphones can be brought up to date with a general overhaul. Such mobile phones, as well as tablets and other electronic devices, can be found on the market as cheap offers under the designation “refurbished”.
Refurbished offers: you should pay attention to this
1.Buying refurbished phones is all about saving money. To find out how big the savings are compared to new goods, compare the prices – here is an example: the iPhone 8with 64 GB costs around 490 euros new and just over 300 euros when refurbished. The difference is enormous.
2.Once you have chosen and ordered a cell phone, you should examine it thoroughly on the day of delivery. Check the operating system (version) and warranty. If you discover the first visual defects that were not disclosed in advance, the device must be returned immediately.
3.Refurbished cell phones are sometimes offered up to 70 percent cheaper. Be aware of this: the cheaper the price, the worse the condition. According to experts, used smartphones that are almost as good as new cannot be sold more than 20 percent cheaper. Otherwise, the dealer wouldn’t earn anything from it.
4.Original parts are not always used when replacing defective parts (including the display or the battery). It is all the more important that the provider makes as transparent as possible what he has exchanged on the cell phone in detail. The less that is disclosed, the closer you have to look.
5.One of the best-known weaknesses of refurbished cell phones is the display: Pay attention to possible pixel errors, scratches or the brightness. The home and power buttons should also be tested, and the same applies to the cable and USB connection. It is best to check the battery after 24 hours of operation.
6.Before starting up, you should reset the phone to the factory settings. This is the only way you can be sure that there is no private content from the previous owner on the smartphone – this also applies to possible programs that could spy on your smartphone. In addition, the cell phone can no longer be located by its old owner.
Warranty and guarantee for refurbished smartphones
With refurbished smartphones, the risk is significantly lower, because you don’t buy from a private person, but from a dealer. The advantage is that commercial sellers are bound by the statutory warranty. So if there are problems with the device, you can contact the dealer. The warranty is valid for 24 months unless otherwise agreed.Best Place to Buy a Used Phone or Refurbished Phone (2020) Best Buy is a great place to start. The deadline may be reduced to one year; after six months, the so-called reversal of the burden of proof occurs in any case. This means that after these six months, the customer has the burden of proof that the defect already existed at the time of purchase. A guarantee, on the other hand, is not mandatory, but many retailers voluntarily give one or two years guarantee on their refurbished smartphones.
Refurbished phones Good for you, good for the environment
Refurbished means less electronic waste and less CO2 emissions .By opting for a remanufactured cell phone, the mountain of electronic waste can be reduced, and raw materials can also be saved. A total of up to three tons of gold are hidden in 100 million old cell phones, the silver content is up to 25 tons.
The recycling and reuse of old cell phones also reduce the CO2 emissions that would have been generated in the production of new smartphones. The environment thanks you – and the user himself can have a clear conscience. Anyone who is toying with a new smartphone should therefore also take a look at refurbished cell phones. These are also often offered at attractive prices.