New cell phones come out like Call of Duty games. Many manufacturers release a new phone every year, making small tweaks on the previous version to entice consumers to upgrade. Rather than getting stuck in the never-ending cycle of tech trends, consider refurbished cell phones. If you’re wary about previously-owned phones, we’ll set the record straight on what to know before buying a refurbished cell phone.
What Is a Refurbished Phone?
Repurposing used materials isn’t anything new, especially with electronic devices. Refurbished cell phones are out-of-commission devices that get a “spa treatment.” A manufacturer or third party freshens up the phone to make it as good—if not better—than it was. Refurbishing cell phones can include fixing a broken phone that no one ever used or updating an older model with heavy usage.
Don’t Fall for Synonyms
Numerous companies use synonyms of a word to muddy the water of their product description, especially the word “refurbished.” You’ll see terms like “as is,” “like new,” and “barely used” when shopping for reconditioned cell phones.
All words have a specific meaning. If you see “as is” and are sorely disappointed with how a product performs, you did not do enough research.
Moral of the story: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
A, B, C Is as Easy as 1,2,3
Since the conditions of refurbished cell phones vary dramatically, a grading scale can put everything in its figurative box.
The grading scale has three letters; “A” is the best, “B” is adequate, and “C” is the worst. This grading scale determines a device’s pricing and gives you an idea of what to expect.
Grade A
This phone likely has slight visible defects. Getting an “A” grade cell phone can be a steal if you find one that’s significantly less expensive than a new model.
Grade B
A “B” phone may not be picture-perfect, but it should be reliable. A “like new” phone will fall into this category.
Grade C
An “as is” phone will usually be in the “C” range. There may be noticeable flaws, and the phone’s software will return to factory settings. You can expect a functional phone, but that could be its limit.
Perfect Combination of Quality and Cost
The quality guarantee of refurbished cell phones sets them apart from used models. You can be certain that a refurbished phone will perform just as well as a brand-new one.
Refurbished phones from Wisetek Market go through a quality assurance process. Before listing, we fix all damage on the inside to meet industry standards. Learning what to know before buying a refurbished cell phone should help you scope out a ringer that meets all your needs. We’re confident that you’ll find your ideal refurbished phone!