Save Money

Buying a refurbished smartphone can save you 30-50% compared to purchasing a brand new phone. Since refurbished phones have been previously owned and returned, retailers can offer major discounts on these gently used devices. 

The savings don't stop at the initial purchase price either. With a refurbished phone, you avoid paying sales tax in many states. You also skip out on activation fees from carriers since the phone is already activated. In total, a refurbished smartphone purchase can save you hundreds of dollars upfront.

If you want the latest model but don't want to pay full price, a refurb is the way to go. You get almost all the benefits of a new phone without the premium cost. The money you save upfront can pay for phone accessories, apps, or even your monthly cellular plan.

Going with a refurbished device is ideal if you want to stick to a budget. You still get a fully functional smartphone with the original manufacturer warranty at a fraction of the sticker price.

Same Quality as New

Refurbished smartphones go through rigorous inspection, cleaning, and testing to ensure they meet the original manufacturer's quality standards. They are professionally repaired by qualified technicians who replace any faulty parts and get the phone working like new again. 

The refurbishing process checks all core functions - screen, battery, camera, microphone, speakers, buttons, etc. Once certified to be in full working order, the phone looks and operates just like one fresh out of the box. You can expect flawless performance on par with a brand new device.

Many reputable retailers even provide enhanced warranties on refurbished phones to guarantee the quality. So you can purchase a refurb with confidence knowing it has been vetted to meet high standards before being resold. The savings come from the fact that it's a pre-owned device, not because it's defective in any way.

Warranty

When you purchase a refurbished smartphone, it will come with some form of warranty. This gives you peace of mind that the phone has been tested and ensured to be in good working condition. Many refurbished phones come with a 90-day warranty, while some retailers offer warranties of up to 1 year. This protects you in case any issues come up shortly after receiving your refurbished device. With a warranty, you can get a replacement phone or get the original one repaired. This way, you don't have to worry about getting stuck with a faulty device. The warranty period may be shorter than for a brand new phone, but it still offers protection for defects and early operational issues. So you can buy refurbished with more confidence, knowing you have the backup of a warranty.

Eco-Friendly

Opting for a refurbished smartphone is good for the environment. When you buy refurbished, you help extend the lifecycle of existing electronics instead of creating demand for brand new devices. 

New smartphone production requires raw materials that must be mined and extracted. Manufacturing also consumes energy and creates pollution. Choosing refurbished reduces environmental impacts by reusing existing materials rather than constantly producing new phones. This prevents e-waste from old models ending up in landfills.

Buying refurbished aligns with principles of sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint. You still get a fully functional device without promoting continued resource extraction and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing new products. It's a win-win - you save money while helping preserve the environment. Going green feels good!

Latest Models

Refurbished phones can provide you with the latest smartphone models at a discounted price. Since new flagship phones are released every year, stores often deeply discount last year's models when selling them refurbished. This allows you to get a phone with top-of-the-line features and specs, without paying full price. For example, you may be able to find a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 for hundreds less than a brand new S23. The phone hardware and software is the same, it was just released in the previous year. Retailers that specialize in refurbished devices stay up-to-date on the latest releases so they can offer deals on those models. Just because a phone is refurbished doesn't mean it's out of date. Oftentimes it simply means you can save money on recently launched devices.

Carrier Unlocked

One of the best perks of buying a refurbished smartphone is that they are usually carrier unlocked. This means the phone is not tied to any specific carrier or network. An unlocked phone gives you the freedom to easily switch between different phone carriers or use local SIM cards when traveling internationally. 

With a new phone purchased directly from a carrier, it is typically locked to that carrier's network initially. To unlock it for use on other networks requires going through an unlocking process that can be complicated. However, most refurbished phones are already unlocked so you can use whatever carrier you want right away. No need to deal with any unlocking hassle.

Being carrier unlocked gives you the flexibility to find the best deals on phone plans and switch carriers any time without replacing your device. It's a major advantage that refurbished phones have over new carrier-locked models. The freedom of an unlocked phone is worth considering when buying refurbished.

Accessories Included

One of the perks of buying a refurbished smartphone is that it may come with accessories that you'd have to purchase separately if you bought a brand new phone. Many refurbished phones come with chargers, cables, earbuds, cases or screen protectors. This allows you to start using your phone right away without having to spend extra on accessories. 

The included accessories depend on the retailer. Some common extras you may get with a refurbished phone include:

• Wall charger  
• USB charging cable
• Earphones or headphones
• Protective case 
• Screen protector
• Extra SIM card
• Manuals and documentation

Having these accessories bundled with your refurbished smartphone adds value and convenience. It's one less thing to think about when setting up your new phone. And you get to save money since the accessories are typically included at no additional cost. Just be sure to check exactly what accessories are included before purchasing a refurbished phone so you know what to expect. But overall, the inclusion of accessories is a nice perk that enhances the affordability and ease of buying refurbished.

Easy Returns

One advantage of buying a refurbished smartphone is that many retailers accept returns if you're not completely satisfied. This provides peace of mind in case you run into any issues with the device. The return policies on refurbished phones are often similar to policies for new phones. For example, Amazon Renewed phones can be returned within 90 days for a full refund. Refurbished phones purchased directly from Apple also come with a 14 day return policy, the same as new iPhones. Buying refurbished from big retailers like these makes returns hassle-free if needed. You get the same return protections you'd expect when buying a new phone. So don't hesitate to return a refurbished phone if it's defective or you simply change your mind - retailers make the process just as easy as with new smartphones.