Refurbished Smartphone Guide
Buying a refurbished phone is a great idea so as not to overpay. By choosing a refurbished smartphone, you can enjoy great, branded equipment from Apple or Samsung at a good price. But what does it actually involve? In this practical guide, we will present everything you need to know about refurbished smartphones.
We will start by explaining the differences between buying a used and refurbished phone. We will also tell you about the differences in the phone class, technical specifications and our warranty. Finally, we will show you how to check a refurbished phone after purchase.
Refurbished Phones vs Used Smartphones: What's the Difference?
Let's start by presenting the difference between so-called "second-hand" devices. When deciding to buy equipment that you are not the first owner, you may come across the terms "refurbished" and "used". Although both types of devices have been used by customers before, there are significant differences between them that are worth knowing before making a purchase decision.
Used smartphones (second-hand) are phones sold directly by previous owners, usually without any refurbishment or testing process. Their technical condition and appearance depend on previous use, which means a higher risk of hidden defects. Used phones are cheaper than refurbished ones, but they are usually not covered by a warranty, which may involve additional repair costs. You can find used phones in Poland on websites such as Allegro and OLX and in second-hand electronics stores. Buying a regular used phone at an online auction is risky, because you do not know whether it will work in practice. Such a smartphone is also not tested and may have defects that the seller has not deliberately disclosed or is unaware of.
Refurbished phones, on the other hand, are devices that have undergone a comprehensive renovation process, including diagnostics, repair, replacement of damaged parts and aesthetic defects, as well as testing of all functions. They are sold by manufacturers or authorized sellers, which ensures that they meet specific quality standards, and in our store you even receive a guarantee for them. At Cykero, refurbished phones are assessed and given class A, B or C, so you know exactly what degree of aesthetic damage distinguishes the specific device you are buying. Thanks to this process, they offer greater certainty as to the technical condition and longer life. In addition, we use only original manufacturer parts for renovation, not cheap substitutes, to ensure the highest possible failure-free operation. Refurbished phones do not have to be more expensive than regular used phones, so combined with a guarantee and fast delivery, they are a great proposition if you want to save money and want to make an ecologically conscious choice.
Choosing a refurbished phone: what to check
Smartphone manufacturers regularly introduce new models to the market, which means that choosing one is not necessarily easy. There is no single phone that is perfect for all tasks, and smartphones differ from each other not only in price and components.
When looking for a refurbished phone, it is worth starting with a brand that is often associated with an operating system. Choose an Apple smartphone if you care about unique design, solid components and the iOS operating system, especially if you already have other devices and accessories in this ecosystem, such as a Mac computer or AirPods headphones. On the other hand, if you prefer Android phones and are looking for powerful equipment, it is worth choosing Samsung or Xiaomi phones. Samsungs often stand out with a great screen, a powerful processor and a richer system of external accessories.
Then check the smartphone model and familiarize yourself with its technical specifications. In the case of refurbished phones, you are not limited to the latest models available in stores. If you happen to like older equipment, manufactured in recent years, you may have access to it. It is only worth making sure that such a phone is still supported by updates and has the current, or one of the latest versions of the iOS or Android operating system.
As we have already mentioned, at Cykero we use the A, B or C smartphone refurbishment quality gradation. For example, A-class phones have hairline scratches on the display, which also has no chips or blemishes. On the other hand, smartphones that we have rated as C-class may have more scratches, including deep ones. Regardless of this aesthetic assessment, however, all phones are 100% functional and working. Choose a phone according to your expectations regarding appearance, also comparing them with the price. If minor blemishes are not a problem for you, and you care about the low price, we encourage you to choose a phone with a C rating. However, if you can only tolerate light scratches and want your phone to look almost like new, you should choose A-class.
The last factor should be the choice of one of the color versions, because smartphones are usually available in several housing colors, or in versions with other minor differences. It is also worth checking the available accessories in the refurbished version (e.g. Apple Watch for iPhone) to choose accessories for the phone in one shipment.
How to Check a Refurbished Phone After Purchase
So you’ve already chosen and purchased a refurbished phone? After purchasing a refurbished phone, there are a few steps you should take to make sure that the device is in full working order. First, carefully inspect the phone for any external damage, such as scratches or dents. Then, test all the basic functions: check the touchscreen, camera, speakers, microphone, and charging and headphone ports. It’s also important to monitor the battery life for a few days to make sure it’s in good condition.
If possible, install performance testing apps that will help identify potential hardware issues. Finally, make sure your phone is factory reset and does not contain any previous user data. If you notice any issues, contact your vendor under warranty for assistance or a replacement. Remember that at Cykero we offer a warranty on refurbished devices, so you can sleep peacefully. It is worth noting that our return rate does not exceed 2%, which means that the vast majority of customers are happy with the devices they receive.
To sum up
Buying a refurbished phone is therefore a good choice, considering the benefits such as lower price, warranty, home delivery and care for the environment. Choosing a refurbished phone can therefore be a great solution for people who are looking for an advanced device at an affordable price, while caring about the environment. The key to a successful purchase lies in a thorough understanding of the refurbishment process, consciously choosing a reputable seller and checking the technical condition of the device. Check out the Apple, Samsung and other brands of phones and accessories available in our store and see what other refurbished equipment you can buy from us.
