Many of us want to buy a flagship phone, but not everyone can afford it. Here come the refurbished phones that come at a cheaper price but allow a user to get a flagship-level phone. However, one might wonder what refurbished phones are and whether they should really buy one. Well! I will show you some of the pros and cons of refurbished mobiles to help you make your buying decision.
What is a Refurbished Mobile Phone
A refurbished phone is a mobile that has been returned to the manufacturer due to any defect or malfunction. The manufacturer then repairs the phone or replaces the defective parts and makes its condition like a new one. However, it has been repaired or a part has been replaced, so one cannot say it’s a new phone. It is then tested and sold to the customers.
Types of Refurbished Phones
There are two main types of refurbished phones, manufacturer-refurbished and seller-refurbished. As explained above, the manufacturer’s refurbished phone is the one returned to and repaired by the manufacturer. However, the seller’s refurbished phone is a mobile that’s been reconditioned or repaired by the seller or a third party. This type of refurbished phone is generally less expensive and has higher chances of defects compared to the manufacturer’s refurbished phones.
Now, let’s see their pros and cons.
Pros
Low Price
This benefit needs no introduction, as the refurbished phones have lower prices than new mobiles. It is because the manufacturer had it repaired, and it’s no more a new phone. On average, a person may get a refurbished phone at 20% to 40% lower price.
Better Condition Than Used Phone
On average, a refurbished phone is in better condition than the other used phones available in the market. This is because it’s mostly refurbished by the manufacturer and passed through different tests. Also, the body of most refurbished phones is just like new because they are less used or their body is replaced by the manufacturer.
Chance to Buy a Better Phone
Well! If a person has a specific budget, choosing a refurbished phone will allow the person to get a better model than the new phone in his/her budget. It is among the top reasons why some people prefer to buy a refurbished phone.
Cons
Everything has its pros as well as its cons, so here are the cons of refurbished phones.
Old Model
While a refurbished phone may have better specs and features at a given price than the new phone, it will most probably be an older model. There aren’t many disadvantages of a slightly older device, but it may lack software updates like the new one or advanced features.
Chances of Problems
Yes, the refurbished phones, especially the seller’s refurbished phones, do have a chance of problems. It is because they have been repaired, and some might work for a very long time without any issues, while others may get defective sooner. So, it’s a risk that people take to get a better phone at a lower price.
Short or No Warranty
In Pakistan, the manufacturer-refurbished phones are fewer than the seller-refurbished phones. So, it is hard to get a warranty with it. Most sellers provide a 7-day check warranty, which has its own pros and cons.
Might Have a Shorter Battery Life
As the refurbished phones are generally the old models, some of them have below-par battery life. But it doesn’t mean all the refurbished phones have shorter battery life. Imagine if a phone was returned to the manufacturer due to a battery fault; the manufacturer had most probably replaced the defective battery with a new one and made it available for sale. In this case, you will get a phone with a new battery.
PTA Approval Status
All refurbished phones might not have been approved by the PTA, so it’s important to check the PTA approval status online before buying any refurbished phone.
These were some pros and cons of the refurbished phones. You should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of refurbished phones before buying one. Moreover, you have to check the condition of the phone carefully to avoid any fraud.
Would you buy a new phone or a refurbished phone? Tell us in the comment section below.
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