If you think smartphones are getting too expensive, you’re not alone. In 2021, a Canstar Blue survey revealed that 39% of Australians who had bought a phone in the last two years felt the same.
You may have your eye on an iPhone – as an upgrade from your current model, as a gift for your kids or even because it’s useful for your work, but keep finding most shop prices are out of your budget. Maybe you’re looking for an opportunity to buy iPhones online while saving yourself some cash.
And if you’ve been looking at second hand iPhones for a while, you’ve probably come across the word “refurbished”. It might sound like a fancy word for re-used or recycled, but a refurbished phone is the most secure and reliable way of buying a second-hand phone online.
Second hand iPhones are a fantastic way to score a popular iPhone model without paying retail store prices. When you buy refurbished, you don’t have to settle for several years old phones, either. You can save hundreds of dollars on models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max or other refurbished iPhones for sale.
If you’re still wondering if refurbished smartphones are for you, this article looks at some of the pros and cons of choosing to buy iPhones online refurbished.
What Does a Refurbished iPhone Mean?
There’s a little more to a refurbished phone than just being pre-owned. Refurbished phones are sold through both third-party retailers and sometimes smartphone companies themselves.
Refurbished iPhones are put through multiple testing stages to ensure their features and functions still work. The previous owner’s data is erased, features like the camera and mic are tested to ensure they still operate perfectly well, and phones are restored to a condition as close to new as possible.
However, refurbished phones are often graded differently based on factors like how used they are. A lot of the time, they’re pretty close to as good as new, apart from maybe a few scratches or scuffs.
Refurbished phones have also been sold through reputable retailers like OzMobiles, which offer warranties. The peace of mind that you’re covered by a warranty if you don’t get what you paid for or if anything goes wrong makes refurbished iPhones a safer bet.
Refurbished iPhones are also a trustworthy way to save money when you buy iPhones online. But that’s not the only benefit. If you want to buy iPhones online, there are plenty of other reasons to buy refurbished ones.
Benefits of Refurbished iPhones
Why should you buy refurbished when looking for second hand iPhones? There are several benefits to refurbished smartphones, and they go beyond the financial (although that’s part of it). The main ones include
A refurbished phone is always cheaper
While the exact price varies based on the mobile phone brand, model, the condition it’s in and other factors, one thing remains constant: a refurbished phone is always cheaper.
When you buy your iPhones online refurbished, you can save hundreds of dollars or even up to a grand or more. Buying refurbished is always cheaper than heading to a retail store and splashing out on something new.
The condition is usually better than a regularly used smartphone
When you buy a used phone online from an individual or an online marketplace, there’s no telling what kind of quality you’ll get. You’re not even assured that the phone will work properly. With refurbished phones, the retailer has put them through a strict testing process to ensure they comply with Australian standards.
You get a warranty
If the lack of a warranty has been one of the major factors putting you off buying used iPhones, refurbished iPhones are the answer. With OzMobiles, you get a 12-month warranty, and any other decent retailer will provide you with a warranty too.
It’s better for the environment
If caring for the planet, living sustainably and reducing your carbon footprint are important to you, a refurbished iPhone is an excellent choice.
Discarded smartphones are among the causes of e-waste (electronic waste), an increasing problem in Australia. Australians produce more than 140,000 tonnes of e-waste per year, and e-waste is responsible for 70% of the toxic chemicals, such as lead and mercury, found in the landfill.
Buying a refurbished iPhone means one less phone ending in a landfill and one less phone that needs to be produced. It contributes to an economy based on recycling and the sustainable use of resources.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Refurbished iPhones?
Are there reasons a refurbished phone might not be right for you? While refurbished iPhones are a great deal with very few drawbacks, a few factors may make you hesitate. You can make up your own mind by looking at these potential disadvantages and pitfalls.
You may not get software updates
The older the phone you have, the more likely it is that you won’t be able to receive security and software updates. However, there are a couple of reasons this probably won’t be a problem for you when purchasing iPhones through OzMobiles. For one thing, Apple tends to support their devices for a long time, and Apple devices, old and new, tend to integrate seamlessly with iOS. At OzMobiles, we offer a lot of new devices, too, so you’re more likely to find a device that’s still security-supported.
The battery might be worn out
If you’re buying an older phone second-hand, there’s always the chance you’ll end up with one with a worn-out battery. Luckily when you buy from OzMobiles, you know you’re purchasing a device that’s tested to ensure battery life is at 80% at least.
There might be some minor imperfections
A refurbished phone may come with superficial blemishes such as chips or dents. While refurbished phone sellers try to remove as many of these blemishes as they can and give the phone as “new” a look as possible, it still may not look 100%.
You can buy a lot of new phones at very low prices
It’s possible to head to your local shopping centre and find a great bargain on a shiny new phone. However, buying refurbished is the one way to get recent, highly sought-after model phones for hundreds of dollars less.
Where to Buy Refurbished iPhones for Sale
If you’re looking for refurbished iPhones for sale, OzMobiles is the perfect place to find them.
We’re an Australian-owned and operated company that specialises in sending second hand iPhones around the country with free, fast shipping. We carefully test all of our devices at our Melbourne headquarters using a 72-point process to ensure they meet Australian standards. This includes battery life, which we ensure is at least 80%.
Our devices come with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. We have a price-beat guarantee: find a better deal online, and we’ll beat that price by $10 (terms and conditions apply). You can even pay in instalments through ZipPay, AfterPay or PayPal Pay in 4.
Check out our full range of refurbished iPhones for sale, and get in touch if you have any questions.
