Whether you view it as a positive or a negative thing – mobile phones have become a central part of our everyday lives and when properly utilised can be a vital tool in making things such as banking, work and everyday tasks easier, quicker and more enjoyable.
With that being said as technology advances so does the demand for the latest tech and newest features with most people spending hundreds a year tied into costly contracts on top of paying high upfront handset fees.
This is why used, second hand and refurbished iPhones have become increasingly popular and are considered a great way to save money without compromising on style or functionality.
What is a ‘refurbished phone’?
A ‘refurbished phone’ is generally a handset that has been previously owned and returned to the manufacturer due to a fault. They are then repaired, checked, tested and sold as a refurbished phone. However not all refurbished devices have had a fault, some of them have merely been returned by customers who have changed their minds during the 30 day cooling off period.
Tests on the handset will typically cover everything from battery charge, buttons, camera, audio, screen responsiveness, ports, connectivity to 4G, Wi-Fi and of course condition of the chassis and screen.
In line with the Data Protection Act they will also ensure that the handset has been securely wiped of any data so it will be like starting with a brand new phone.
Benefits of buying a refurbished iPhone
iPhones are undeniably one of the best and biggest smartphone brands on the market but with this must have piece of tech comes a hefty price tag! Here are some of the benefits of buying a refurbished iPhone;
Like new, only much cheaper – Most refurbished devices have barely been used which means you can get a pristine phone at a fraction of the original retail cost.
Warranty – Depending on the source, most reputable sellers provide at least a 6 or 12 month warranty which will cover you for a long list of faults should they occur within the time frame.
Professionally Checked – A common misconception with refurbished phones is that they are somehow lower quality. Once the faulty part has been professionally repaired or replaced then the handset can be just like new.
Bag a Bargain – The biggest reason to buy a refurbished iPhone – the price! If you don’t want to compromise on style or function and still want the latest tech without the high price tag then this could be the way to go!
SIM Only Savings – Monthly contracts on an iPhone can vary massively from around £30 a month to £80 a month or more and contracts tend to start at a minimum of 2 years. That’s 24 months of the same big monthly payment which quickly adds up to several hundred pounds. With a refurbished phone you pay once for the handset you want and are free to take advantage of the great SIM only and Pay As You Go deals on the market.
What is the best time to purchase a refurbished iPhone?
If time isn’t an issue then it can be worthwhile waiting to strategically plan the time of year in which you buy your refurbished iPhone.
In September and October new models are released and there not only tend to be an influx of second hand phones on the market but at this point previous models also reduce in price.
If you want the very latest model then you may have to be patient as it is unlikely that there will be an abundance in the refurbished market until at least a few months after its release.