What is a Refurbished Phone?

Buying a used cell phone doesn't necessarily mean purchasing an old clunker from a friend, or even buying an unreliable mobile that may not last more than a few months. In fact many used phones are now being sold as "factory refurbished" directly from the original manufacturers, some even provide full warranties and all of their original included accessories and user manuals. If you want to save money a refurbish device could be the way to go as long as you know what you're getting from the "type of refurb" you're purchasing.

Standard Refurbs

Standard refurbished phones are devices that are restored as close to their original "like new" status as possible by companies outside of the major manufacturer. Oftentimes an electronics company will buy these devices, open them up and inspect their inner workings. They clean up the devices as much as possible, ensuring that it's ready for resale.

Factory Refurbs

The second type of refurbished phone is called "Factory Refurbished" these devices are used cell phones that are sent back to the original manufacturer such as "Nokia" or "Sony Ericsson" among others. The factories then inspect the inside and outside of the devices, correct any problems the units may have and clean them up for resale.

Benefits of Buying Factory Refurbished

Factory refurbished phones typically offer a 90-day warranty, or in some cases a full 1-year manufacturer's warranty. These devices also tend to be more in compliance with the company's own production standards and are inspected directly by the manufacturer's own certified engineers.

Dangers of Buying Standard Refurbished Devices

Standard refurbished devices, unlike factory refurbishes, may not be inspected by certified inspectors. The quality is also not guaranteed by the manufacturer in most instances. Warranties are also usually much shorter or non-existent, although warranty times vary based on the seller of the refurbished units. Non-factory refurbs may also be lacking proper maintenance since the repair center may not be following strict manufacturer guidelines for repairs and inspections.

Refurbished Pricing For Factory and Standard Devices

Surprisingly both types of refurbished devices tend to sell for around the same pricing. Essentially you'll be better off buying a factory refurbished device if it is available since you'll receive more benefits, including a strictly compliant device and a longer warranty.