So you’re thinking of buying a new phone, or maybe a tablet and you’re not sure whether to grab that cheap one you’ve seen on Facebook or look for a refurbished one? Well, find out the key differences between refurbished tech and secondhand tech and why we think refurbished is the better option!
What’s the difference between refurbished and secondhand?
On the face of it all, refurbished and secondhand tech are the same; they have both been used and not bought brand new. However, the key difference is the quality, security and assurance you get when buying a refurbished device. That’s because refurbished devices are thoroughly tested for faults, repaired, cleaned, and wiped of any data – meaning you’re buying a ‘like new’ device at a fraction of the cost.
Pros & Cons
There are pros and cons to both sides. Second-hand devices are a little riskier to buy than refurbished tech. These are usually sold by individuals, not businesses, and as a result, there is no guarantee that the phone is in the condition you thought it was.
Refurbished |
Second-hand |
|
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | Yes | No |
| Tested & Repaired | Yes | No |
| Cheapest | Sometimes | Yes |
| Wiped and Reset | Yes | Sometimes |
Our best-selling refurbished devices
Manufacturer Refurbished vs. Seller Refurbished
Every retailer and business has different standards for their refurbished devices. Devices refurbished directly by the manufacturer e.g. Apple or Samsung will have stricter requirements than other retailers. However, you’ll often pay more for a manufacturer refurbished device than a retailer refurbished device – for pretty much the same product. Here at The iOutlet, refurbished tech is our bread and butter, we have a detailed rating system that describes each device’s condition, from near-perfect “Like New” to the more haggard “C” grade. You’ll get devices for a bigger discount than you do from the manufacturer, but with many similar benefits (including a guaranteed 12-month warranty on your device).
More customer support!
Something you won’t find with a regular secondhand device is first-class customer support. If you aren’t sure which device is right for you then a little help from experts can go a long way. From iPhones to MacBooks our refurbishing experts can help you decide which device is right, we even have dedicated blogs to help you choose! The care doesn’t stop there, if you have any issues with your device or need more information you can contact the team to get the support or advice you need.
So which is right for you?
Well, that’s entirely up to you, but in most cases when buying a used device, refurbished is the way to go. Not only can you be sure it’s in perfect working order, but you have the assurance of a 12-month warranty and excellent customer support.
The experts at The iOutlet have all your refurbished shopping needs covered. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest, deals and more.
