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Do Refurbished Phones Come With New Accessories?
The cost of buying a premium smartphone won't come in cheap. After all, mobile phone manufacturers are producing better products to cater to those who need a more powerful smartphone for their daily use. That said, there are those who are looking for cheaper alternatives that can fit their budget. Is there such an option?
Aside from buying used handheld devices, another option to consider is getting refurbished smartphones instead. Unlike before when refurbished means second class units, those mobile devices that have been refurbished these days can easily be mistaken as brand new. But why are they considered as a good option nowadays?
Used vs Refurbished Smartphones
With all the talk of used and refurbished phones, you're probably wondering how to tell these two apart. Let's find out.
Used. As the name suggests, used devices are those that are sold without being repaired or refurbished even. This means that you will get a phone that has all the signs of wear and tear. There will be scuff marks on the body, the camera lenses can have scratches, while the screen may have some cracks on it. On a good note, you'll get the cheapest price for it which can be a plus if you are simply looking for a replacement device while saving for a brand-new model.
Refurbished. These are units that have either been traded in or were returned because they have issues or the owner wants to replace it with a different model. Compared to used, these mobile phones have been tested from the inside out to determine if there are any parts that need to be repaired or replaced. Mobile phone manufacturers have their own set of testing standards to ensure that the unit will meet their standards. This is why, if you are looking for second hand phones UK, go for refurbished since they will give you better value for your money.
Perks of Buying Refurbished Phones
According to Counterpoint Research, around 10% of the total sales of smartphones that were sold last year were refurbished. This shows that there is a growing demand for this type of mobile phone these days. You might be thinking why not just buy a cheaper model that is new. Well, for many smartphone users, the lure of owning the latest model from big brands like Apple, Huawei, Samsung, and others is among their top reasons why they prefer to go refurbished.
Of course, there are other reasons why getting second hand phones UK will be advantageous for you. Here are a few that you should take note of.
Pristine Condition. One of the perks of purchasing second hand units is that they are usually in like-new or pristine condition. This means that there will be minimal to no flaws on their body and that everything, from the parts to the software, are working properly. This is better compared to buying used smartphones because the manufacturer or the third-party retailer have fixed the unit to look like it is new.
Unlocked. If you are tired of being locked in a plan with a carrier for two years, but don't want to dish out extra for an unlocked, brand-new smartphone, then a refurbished smartphone is a good choice already. This is because most of these types of mobile devices are usually unlocked. You will be able to switch carriers any time you want, and even bring your device to other countries to save on data too.
Warranty. Fortunately, second hand mobile devices usually come with a warranty. Of course, this will vary depending on where you will be buying your refurbished unit. Some may offer at least three months coverage. On a good note, there are others that are offering up to a year's worth of coverage which is the same as when you are buying a brand-new smartphone.
Do They Come with Accessories?
This depends mostly on where you will be purchasing refurbished phones. If you will be getting your refurbished device directly from the manufacturer, chances are that you will receive the accessories, from earbuds to chargers, inside the box. However, not all manufacturers will add these extra parts for refurbs.
For example, Apple is no longer including accessories not only to help reduce the cost of the unit, but also to reduce electronic wastes as well. If you are going to purchase a used one from a friend or family member, they may not include the original accessories too which is something you should consider as well.
On a good note, you can browse refurbished phone websites to see if the unit being sold comes with accessories or not so you will be able to set aside a budget for them if you don't have any compatible ones. Others may offer free accessories but not original ones which may or may not sound premium.
Tips to Consider when Shopping for Refurbished Units
Since there is a growing market for second hand phones UK, chances are that there will be multiple sellers of these units cropping up. Although this would mean more options on your part, there is also the risk of landing the wrong device too. Here's how to go shopping for one.
Do a Background Check. If you are in the market to buy a replacement device, you should first take a look at the background of the seller. Find out how long they have been in the business and ask whether they are certified resellers of refurbished mobile phones. Review the feedback that they have received from other consumers so you will get a better understanding of the quality of the products that are being sold and their interaction with their customers.
Factory Settings. You should also take a look at the device to see if it has been restored to its factory settings or not. If you come across a second hand unit that still contains files from the previous owner then it means that it wasn't correctly refurbished and must be returned. You can also check the serial number of the mobile phone to determine if it has been stolen or it was reported as missing.
Accessories. Like it was mentioned before, not all refurbished phones that are sold will come with accessories depending on where you will be buying one from. Some retailers offer free accessories but they will not be the original ones but they are still up to the standards of the manufacturer. This is something that you should take into account as well when you are off buying a second hand gadget.
Warranty Coverage. Do not forget to ask about the warranty period for the mobile phone. Always look for a retailer or manufacturer who can offer you up to a year's worth of protection because it means that they stand by their product.
Price. As with any product that you are shopping for, you should always compare prices first. Keep in mind that the rates of these refurbished units will change depending on their condition and their brand. A Grade A refurbished mobile phone will be higher since they are in like-new condition, but they will be considerably cheaper than the brand-new ones.
Battery Life. You should also ask about the status of the battery pack of the mobile phone that you will be buying. The battery life should be closer to 100% as much as possible to give you more hours of usage. If you come across a seller that offers refurbs with the battery life less than 80% then you are better off looking somewhere else.
Returns. Ask the seller what their return policy is as well. The longest that you will find in the market is up to a month or thirty days from the day of purchase so you will have ample time for a test run. If you are not satisfied with the unit, then you can return it for a replacement or for a full refund.
Wrap Up
You might be torn between getting new or refurbished phones these days. This is simple enough to remedy. If you are willing to splurge for the latest model, then do so. Take note, however, that not all of them will come with accessories, as manufacturers are starting to take note of the excess wastes that are being generated with their practice of including accessories for all their new units.
On the other hand, if you are on a budget, then why not look at second hand phones UK over here ? There are plenty of refurbished phone websites to browse such as Amazon and eBay so they are good places to start. Just make sure that you follow the buying tips mentioned above to land the best deal for your needs.
Buying refurbished mobile phones is a growing trend these days with premium smartphones becoming way too expensive for most consumers. Since they are cheaper alternatives, you should still be critical of the seller and the unit that you will be purchasing. Regardless of whether they will come with new accessories or not, with short or long warranty, it is important that you weigh your options by comparing with other sellers until you find the right unit that fits your needs and your budget too.
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