What is a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phone is a smartphone that has been restored to full working condition after either being pre-owned, returned or used as a display model.
These devices are wiped of any prior data and go through testing to determine if any parts need replacing. This can include replacing parts such as the battery, screen or charging port. There should be little evidence the phone has been used, aside from minor cosmetic imperfections.
Most refurbished phones come with warranties and guarantees. This means you’re usually covered for manufacturing faults up to a certain point.
You can usually save quite a bit of money by opting for a refurbished phone, depending on the phone’s age and where you’re sourcing it from.
Are refurbished phones good?
Buying a refurbished phone is a great way to save money and can be more sustainable than buying brand new. But are refurbished phones any good? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits to buying a refurbished mobile.
Affordability
Purchasing a refurbished phone will always be cheaper than a brand new version of the same model.
Buyers can expect a discount of up to 70% less than the retail price at launch, even for models just a year or two old. However, the amount you can save on the original price of a phone will vary based on a few factors.
- Device brand and model
- How old the device is
- What condition the device is in
- Where you are purchasing the device from.
Tried and tested
Refurbished phones from reputable sellers and telcos must go through multiple stages of testing and may receive replacement parts if necessary. Telcos and retailers will also ensure the phone you’re buying isn’t stolen and that the device has been reset back to factory settings.
Environmental impact
According to the World Health Organisation, electronic waste, also known as E-waste, is the fastest growing form of solid waste in the world. Buying a refurbished phone extends the lifespan of a device, keeping it out of landfill for a little bit longer. Eco-conscious customers may prefer to give a still-working device a new life, rather than it going to landfill.
Do refurbished phones come with a warranty?
Refurbished phones usually come with a warranty, often up to 12 months. So you can expect the phone to function normally and if it doesn’t, you may be eligible for a replacement. It’s important to read the warranty’s fine print to understand what it covers.
What are the downsides to getting a refurbished phone?
While there are many benefits to getting a refurbished phone, there are downsides as well.
Shortened battery life
Refurbished phones might not have the same battery life as a new one if the battery has not been replaced. The seller should advise you if this is the case.
Limited speed and features
Older phones may be slower due to having an older processor. The processor dictates the performance of a phone, such as how quickly it functions and runs applications.
Refurbished phones may also miss out on some of the features available in newer phones, such as better cameras or 5G connectivity.
Longevity
When phones get to a certain age, they’re no longer compatible with the newest software updates. Missing out on software updates can mean you don’t get the latest security updates and can cause issues downloading or updating some apps.
You may be better off investing in technology that you know will last, rather than going through cheaper phones more frequently.
Physical appearance
A refurbished phone may not be as pristine as a new device, and it may have some minor imperfections such as scratches or dents. These blemishes should not affect the function of the device.
Is there a difference between used and refurbished phones?
The main difference between used and refurbished phones is that there is no guarantee that a ‘used’ phone is going to be fully functional.
Used phones are more of a gamble because there may be no warranty and obtaining a refund for a malfunctioning phone could be difficult. In comparison, a refurbished phone will come with a warranty and has generally been repaired and tested to ensure it’s in working order.
What should I look out for when buying a refurbished phone?
While it’s usually safe to buy a refurbished phone, you should do your best to ensure the product you are buying is real, safe and good quality. Here are a few things to check when shopping around for a refurbished phone.
- Trusted seller: Instead of buying from an individual refurbished seller, it may be worthwhile looking into an established reseller or telco that offers refurbished devices. You can typically see reviews about bigger sellers too, which can give you the best chance at receiving a quality product.
- Warranty: Check to see the warranties that the seller offers. Look for the length of the warranty and what is actually covered.
- Returns: It’s important to see if the seller offers any returns or refunds if you change your mind or the product doesn’t live up to your expectations.
Once you receive the phone, check it thoroughly for any issues so you can report them immediately to the seller.
Where are the best places to buy refurbished phones in Australia?
There are plenty of established refurbishment companies and well-known brands who sell refurbished devices. These include:
- JB Hi-Fi
- Boost Mobile
- OzMobiles
- Reebelo
- Frank Mobile
- Amaysim
Should I buy a refurbished phone?
Whether you should buy a refurbished phone comes down to whether you’re willing to get slightly older tech to save some money. Ideally, there’s not going to be anything wrong with a refurbished phone, aside from some minor scratches or dents.
If you’re worried about software or security updates, you might be better off with a new phone. Unfortunately, there will come a point where the refurbished phone’s software will no longer be compatible with operating system updates. However, the same also applies with new smartphones — you’ll just get a longer window before software updates cease.
It’s also worth considering whether you’d prefer to buy a new, but cheaper, smartphone. If your heart isn’t set on one of the fancier phone models, such as Samsung or iPhone, there are plenty more affordable options that will also do the job!
FAQs about refurbished phones
iPhones have a simple process to find out whether the phone has been refurbished. Go to Settings > General > About > Model Number.
If the first letter of the model number is M, it’s a new device, meaning it hasn’t been refurbished. If the first letter is F, the phone has been refurbished. If the first letter is N, the phone was a replacement for a faulty iPhone, and if the model number begins with a P it means the device has a special engraving on it.
To see if your Android phone has been refurbished, you can check the phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#. The number will appear on your screen. Go to Settings > About Phone and cross-check this with the number listed here — if they don't match, the phone may be refurbished.
Retailers typically sell refurbished phones without a SIM card. You can either use a SIM you already have or sign up to a SIM-only postpaid or prepaid phone plan. However, if you’re buying a refurbished phone as a phone-on-a-plan, this will most likely include a SIM card.
If you’re after a new mobile plan to go with your refurbished phone, you can compare a wide range of SIM-only plans with our free phone plan comparison.
