Refurbished iPhones: What are they and Where to Buy them in 2022?
Apple iPhones have been trusted by users through the years. With a sleek interface, user-friendly system, and smooth functionalities, it never disappoints. Besides the Phone, the brand itself holds colossal value. With so many advantages both new and refurbished iPhones are always warranted by users.
But of course, all of these features come at a hefty price. It is one of the biggest reasons why users shy away from purchasing one. Repurchasing a new model to keep up with the updates or just buying new in general can put a big dent in pockets.
And this very reason has created a big market for refurbished iPhones. These pre-used iPhones come cheaper than the new ones, while still working in a near-perfect condition.
Given its nature, every single reseller offers a different warranty period, prices, model, and testing policy. It can be a fairly perplexing and confusing task to decide where to buy and do you actually want to. Don’t worry we will help you out! We have prepared a guide that will answer all your questions regarding refurbished iPhones.
In this article we have covered:
- Meaning of Refurbished iPhones
- Advantages of Refurbished iPhones
- Disadvantages of Refurbished iPhones
- Refurbished iPhone Retailers
What are Refurbished iPhones?
Before investing in a refurbished iPhone, we need to understand what the term implies. A refurbished iPhone refers to an iPhone that has been restored to its brand new condition.
It is a previously owned phone that has been at work for some time. Official sellers, like Apple, clean and fix any software issue that it might have. The body might have minimal defects like scruff or scratch.
The condition of the refurbished iPhone depends on the period of usage. It is the determinant of the price as well. Returned iPhones right after unboxing tend to have a higher price due to their new and unharmed nature.
While there are refurbished iPhones that have been restored after it has been in usage for quite some time. Due to their deteriorated condition, they would have lower prices.
In spite of the conditions, a category of “manufacturer refurbished” exists who restore the iPhones professionally. The malfunctioning parts are replaced by original components and are brought up to like-new condition.
It is different from unofficial resellers who tend to use unoriginal parts.
Benefits of Getting Refurbished iPhones
Wondering why you should invest in a refurbished iPhone? Here are all the reasons why purchasing a refurbished iPhone is a good idea:
Saves money
This is one of the most important reasons that buying refurbished iPhones is the money. iPhones are on the higher end of monetary value and buying the new model constantly is not economical.
Since the refurbished iPhones are always old and used (or had at least reached a customer before), they tend to be priced lower than new models.
Investing in them ensures that you get to experience the new iOS environment at a discounted price. It is suitable for new iPhone users who want to get a taste of iOS.
Quality
In spite of being inherently ‘used’, the officially refurbished iPhones guarantee quality. The iPhones go through a wholly intricate inspection and if any fault is detected then it is resolved immediately.
Official resellers employ a team of expert refurbishers who are thorough in their jobs. Any defective part is replaced with the original parts and is made to look ‘brand new.’ This ensures that everything is in top condition.
And after the entire examination and fixation, the iPhone goes back to the official stores that further provide warranties.
This is the best part of refurbished iPhones. It guarantees quality at a discounted price.
Environmentally friendly
iPhones are made using materials that potentially harm the environment. Changing phones with every new model and discarding the last, adds to the pollution and damages the ecosystem.
By investing in refurbished iPhones that are recycled, it ensures that a little less amount of electronic waste enters the environment.
Better than ‘used’ iPhones
If you plan to buy a ‘used’ iPhone, stop and consider the differences. There’s a difference between ‘used’ iPhones and refurbished iPhones.
Used iPhones are just the ones that have been in use by someone else. They are sold again without fixing any damage: physical or otherwise. Refurbished iPhones, on the other hand, are examined and fixed before being sold off.
The cameras are checked and cleaned, screen glasses are replaced before entering the market.
So, if possible it would be better to invest in refurbished iPhones as they guarantee to last longer and give better performance.
Warranty
On top of paying less and getting quality, you would be also getting a warranty period. The official sellers of the iPhone offer a warranty period that confirms and verifies the quality of the product.
The warranty is admittedly less than the original warranty given by a new iPhone. But it is enough to give you comfort that it won’t die on you after a few months.
Cheap up-gradation
Apple releases new models of iPhones every two to three years. It is hard to keep up with the new technologies without straining your pocket.
Refurbished iPhones keep that access alive with a significant reduction in prices.
Utility
The need for refurbished models also depends on the type of usage. If you require a phone primarily for texting or calling, then refurbished models are perfect, regardless of the model.
iPhones are the perfect brand for it, given their excellent response time and user-friendly interface.
What are the disadvantages of refurbished phones?
Old model
It takes time for new models of iPhones to enter the market. They are generally backdated by a few weeks or months.
So, if you require the latest model as soon as it arrives on the market, then refurbished models might not be the best choice. The refurbished iPhones also fall behind in terms of the latest technology.
Since there is a certain gap between the release and the time one reaches the market. There are chances that the model you require is there in the market but with only a little difference in price.
No insurance
It is especially difficult to find an insurer that allows insurance on refurbished mode. There are very few and rare cases, and it almost never happens. Unless one manages to manage a deal with the seller, you would have no insurance to back it up.
Shorter warranty
Refurbished iPhones do come with a warranty that guarantees the maintenance of the iPhone’s condition. But it is very limited and only extends to 90 days maximum.
And even though the iPhones are refurbished thoroughly, there are chances that they would stop functioning.
And under that case, there won’t be a warranty nor insurance to back it up. Repairing it, by paying extra, would be the only resort.
Where can you buy refurbished iPhones?
List all the sites mentioned in this article, just rearrange them and follow the same structure.
1. Apple Shop
Apple themselves hosts a refurbished website where even ṭhe latest models make through the collections.
And the Apple shop is the most trustworthy reseller in terms of iPhones. The refurbishing is carried out thoroughly and all the damaged parts are replaced by the official replacement.
They host full calibrated models that go through a rigorous check-up. Being the official resellers they take special care in ensuring that the products are up to the mark as per the brand. So, any models purchased through the site would have a sure sense of newness and guarantee.
Models
The Apple store has perhaps the largest collection of iPhones models. At the time of writing, the latest model available in the store was the iPhone 11 Pro Max with 64 GB of storage.
The colors option range between Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Midnight Green. The model is available at just $849.00 in contrast to the hefty original price. Models at better conditions are available up to $1029.
The store also hosted older models like iPhone 8, 8 Plus, XS, XS Max, 11, and 11 Pro. Storage sizes included 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
Testing process
The test process of the Apple iPhone, on the official store, is carried out by the Apple Certified Refurbished program. The devices are thoroughly examined, repaired, and finally certified. A new battery is affixed in the iPhone along with an outer shell.
Shipping
iPhones bought through the official store are guaranteed a free single-day delivery.
Warranty
Unlike other stores, the Apple store comes with an excellent warranty period for its refurbished products. The refurbished iPhone comes with a one-year limited warranty, that can be extended by the AppleCare warranty by paying a little sum. If you are unsatisfied with the iPhone it can be returned within 14 days of purchasing.
Visit Apple’s Refurbished Store
2. Amazon
Amazon is another big player when it comes to refurbished iPhones. It offers most of the latest iPhones at very reasonable prices.
They constantly offer deals with refurbished products that bring the prices down even more. The sellers of Amazon are highly rated, who would give you the best deals with a guarantee of quality.
Iphones bought through Amazon are also backed by brand integrity and its promises. They also offer choices between open box models or refurbished models. If you require an almost new product with lower prices, then an open box would be your best bet.
Models
At the time of writing the article, Amazon has Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max with 256 GB as the latest model. Only midnight green color variation was available for the model. The other iPhone models included iPhone XR, X, and 11, 64 GB version.
Testing process
All the refurbished iPhone models sold by Amazon are tested and verified. After they pass the requisite checks they are certified to confirm its authenticity.
The packaging would be the standard box and would include all the general accessories that are available with a new iPhone. Unless stated otherwise, depending on the model, you would get a charger, cable, and documents.
Shipping
According to the residence, the shipping period varies. But most of the renewed iPhones qualify for Prime delivery.
Warranty
Amazon is generally very generous when it comes to giving out guarantees and warranties. The refurbished iPhones are no different. You would get the regular 1-year warranty through the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. This backs the surety that the iPhone would last long.
3. Mac of all trades
In spite of what the name suggests, Mac of all trade doesn’t just sell refurbished Macs. Quite contrarily, it is one of the largest sellers of refurbished iPhones.
With 20 years of trust under its belt, it is a household name when it comes to Apple products. With so many years under work, you can rest assured of the quality of the products.
Models
The site offers a large and rich library of products. With a collection even bigger than the official store it has the iPhone models 12, 12 mini, 11 pro, 11, XR, Xs, Xs Max, 8 plus, 8, 5c, and SE (2nd Gen).
The iPhones have a large variety of colors and storage availability. The colors include Silver, White, Gold, Red, Space Gray, Black, Midnight Green, Blue, and Green. Depending on the model, the storage spaces available are 64, 126, 256, and 512 GB.
Testing process
The reseller takes the iPhones through thorough testing. The testing process includes hardware testing, body checkup, and replacement of defective parts.
The website has a large range of choices sorted on the basis of the condition according to which the prices have been decided.
All the cleaning is carried out through environmentally friendly liquids. The testing and examining are even done by the Apple-certified experts.
Shipping
The shipping is absolutely free on all orders. The shipping period varies on the delivery location.
Warranty
As for the warranty period offered, it comes down to a standard 1-year warranty. If you avail of the warranty within the period, the site would either try to replace the product, try to repair the issue, or give store credit.
4. Gazelle
Gazelle has emerged as one the largest websites that hosts refurbished materials. Only launched back in 2014, it has earned the trust of thousands of users.
With its Gazelle-certified products, it is a site that offers quality material at minimal prices. It has earned quite a name in the refurbished industry.
It has become a fan favorite amongst the refurbished users with tons of positive reviews.
Models
Gazelle offers a large variety of iPhones from its collection. The latest iPhone offered by the store is the iPhone 11 Pro Max with 256 GB storage.
Other iPhones that the store has stocked up include iPhone 11, 11 pro max (64 GB), XR, XS, XS Max, 7, and 6. Most of the variants come with a 64 GB storage space, but iPhone models with 256 GB and 32 GB are also offered.
Testing process
iPhones sold by Gazelle go through a 30 point inspection. It is known as Gazelle Certification. The process ensures that the device is in a working condition, and if any defect is detected, it is immediately resolved. It is very thorough and the non-working parts are replaced with authentic products.
iPhones bought through the site have the assurance that they wouldn’t suddenly stop working.
Shipping
All the refurbished products come with free shipping and no extra costs over the product charge.
Warranty
Gazelle offers a 30 days warranty on all refurbished iPhones. If you are unsatisfied with the product then it can be returned within the time frame and the entire sum of money would be returned.
5. Cellular County
Cellular county is a reseller that offers a large assortment of iPhones. Be it models, storage space, cellular connectivity, colors or conditions; the variations are huge. The shop also offers guaranteed working products that would last a long life of usage.
Models
The shop has a large inventory of refurbished iPhones. The latest iPhone offered by the shop is the iPhone 11 Pro Max in a rose gold color. With a storage space of 64 GB, the iPhones are divided on the basis of prepaid cell phone providers.
Other models offered by the store include iPhone 11, 11 pro, 11 pro max, X, XR, XS Max, SE, SE (second generation), 8 plus, 8, 7 plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6, 5s, and 5c.
On the basis of condition the iPhones have been divided into:
- Mint- almost brand new condition, no visible signs of cosmetic blemishes
- Excellent- looks and functions like brand new, some scratches
- Good – has noticeable signs of usage, scratches are visible
- Fair- very obvious scratches and blemishes, won’t pass as new.
Testing process
iPhones under this seller, too, go through a rigorous and thorough process of quality checking. Each iPhone is tested individually for any damage and defects. Any hardware parts that might be causing a problem are replaced immediately.
Shipping
The processing time for each order is 1 to 3 days. The shipping time is calculated on the basis of resident location and shipping type.
Warranty
The reseller gives a warranty for a 30 days period. If under this warranty time the iPhone malfunctions or stops working, then it would be replaced with no additional costs.
Conclusion
Refurbished iPhones are the saviors for people who seek iPhones but shy away due to the price. And even buying them isn’t necessarily a hassle.
The aforementioned sites host the safest and most convenient iPhones at a very cheap rate. These trusted sites provide legitimate iPhones, so you can rest assured that your iPhone would not be the one stolen or lost.
Also, keep in mind certain things. However well known the site might be it is always clever to check up on the specifications mentioned so you don’t end up with some features amiss. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
FAQs
Is a refurbished iPhone still good?
Yes. Refurbished iPhones are tested thoroughly. They go through rigorous quality checks and examinations. If the resellers experience any defects it is immediately resolved and faulty parts are replaced.
But a large part of quality also depends on the type of sellers. Big resellers like Apple store, Amazon, and others have a more qualified team of examiners who check the product.
The replaced parts are affixed with official products. They also take responsibility for any defects within the warranty period.
The same quality and guarantee are amiss in other sellers. Hence it would affect longevity.
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Where is the best place to buy a refurbished iPhone?
There are many official resellers in the market that offer the best deals on refurbished iPhones. They include:
- Apple store
- Amazon
- Gazelle
- Mac of all trades
- Best buy
Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone on Amazon?
Absolutely! Amazon is the safest and most reliable place to purchase a refurbished iPhone. It guarantees quality and all the products are officially certified.
The sellers are highly reliable. But if you are unsatisfied with a product, the seller offers a 14 days return period and an entire year warranty period.
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