Smartphones are already part of our daily lives these days, majorly due to the increasing rise of technology. For this reason, the market options have become more diversified and with an increasingly competitive value proposition. Buying new high-end smartphones is getting more and more expensive, especially with the high rate of inflation in the country, unless you wait for special sales and promotions like Black Friday. This is why many people opt for the use of refurbished phones.

Refurbished phones can be a great option for anyone looking for significant savings—especially these days, when the price of a new phone can easily exceed $500, which is quite expensive for an average Nigerian.

Refurbished vs. second-hand phones

Although they are still often confused, there is a difference between second-hand or refurbished smartphones.

Refurbished phones are relatively new phones under warranty that the user returned to the original phone maker due to some issues. The phone might be returned because the owner wants a higher version. Not necessarily because it is bad.

These phones then undergo an exhaustive and rigorous high-tech process to ensure that the consumer receives it intact as if it were a new device.

On the other hand, second-hand or used smartphones are delivered exactly as they are, in the same condition the user left it, without any alteration or improvement. There is significantly more risk associated with these kinds of purchases. These phones are typically sold by people, not businesses, and as a result, there is no guarantee as to the condition of the phone that will arrive on your doorstep.

Buying Refurbished phones

The decision to invest in the purchase of a new device should not only consider saving your wallet but also the environment. ITherefore, in this article, we’ll share some important tips on what to consider before buying a refurbished phone:

Know what you are buying

The first thing to do before buying anything is to research it. Brainstorming before actually buying a refurbished phone is very key. It’s important to make a list of all the things you need in a new smartphone – size, memory, camera quality, phone brand, etc. and then make sure that the refurbished phone has all those things.

Another important thing to note is the battery life of the phone. Most refurbished phones offered by other retailers don’t necessarily include new batteriesA battery life of at least 90% is a very good buy.

Buy from trustworthy stores

Make sure that the store you are buying from is certified and trustworthy. Ideally, you should opt to buy from certified stores, as they are always subjected to extensive testing to ensure they are of the highest quality. It is advisable to buy one from the company that originally made the phone. Many times, a phone manufacturer will have some products that are perfectly fine that were returned by the sellers for some unknown reason. They’ll often try to resell them as refurbished phones on their official website. This is probably the easiest way to buy such phones and save money.

Make Sure You’re Protected

Avoid refurbished products that come without a warranty. Apple and Samsung guarantee their refurbished phones for a full year. Ask about the returns policy; this because if there’s a technical problem with the phone, it may take time to show up. For that reason, we recommend going with a retailer that grants you at least a month to return it.

Use reviews & ratings

Reading reviews, not only about the device but also about the stores themselves, is crucial to strengthening the feeling of trust. It is worth checking forums like nairaland, Quora to understand what other consumers say about the product and company.

Research online where it is possible to see if the company you are buying from is trustworthy, through testimonials and reviews from other consumers.

Opt for a smartphone in the best condition whenever possible

Refurbished smartphones come in various states and quality ratings. Ideally, to ensure maximum efficiency and usability, you should opt for a smartphone in the best condition whenever possible. In addition to the exterior appearance of the phone, it is very important to also test all features, including Wi-Fi connection, mobile network, fingerprint, whether the screen has the touch sensitivity, and battery condition.

Conclusion

As you can see, refurbished smartphones are a good option to consider when you need a new device. You might worry about the condition of the device or even how it compares to a new one, but the truth is that many people buy and use these devices with no problems at all, and they may be the only option for some people if new devices are more expensive than they can afford right now. Either way, giving these phones a chance is an excellent way to lower your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.