Refurbished phones are a great option to get the device you want at a cheaper price. Not only does it save you money, but it’s also better for the environment, as the device isn’t going to waste—it’s being reused, recycled, and resold.
However, we understand reservations about refurbished devices and questions like ‘How old is too old for a refurbished phone?’ The answer will depend on the user, what features they’re looking for, and how long they’re planning to use the phone.
It’s also important to factor in the smartphone's make and model. Depending on the manufacturer, some will support the device with software and security updates for as long as a full 7 years—like with Google’s Pixel devices.
So, if you were to get a refurbished older Pixel device, it could still be receiving the same support and updates as a newer model. Meanwhile, manufacturers like Samsung only promise five years of support and updates for their devices.
In our guide, we’ll be covering what causes a phone to age, how to check a phone’s age, and the standard refurbishing process. That way, when you’re on the lookout for your next device, you’re making an informed purchase.
What Are The Things That Cause A Phone To Age
Smartphones are built to age through normal use and over time. Battery health will decline, the phone’s components will become outdated, and manufacturers will only support the operating system for a few years.
That being said, some things can cause a phone to age prematurely or beyond repair. The following list covers all the common actions that can cause phone parts to age faster than normal.
- Using a mobile phone in extreme temperatures for too long can cause damage to the battery and other hardware.
- Not updating the operating system/firmware can cause phones to slow down or open to security concerns.
- Dropping or physically damaging a device can cause scratches and dents and potentially harm any technology components.
- Running unsafe software/apps that are not verified by the App Store can potentially damage your device.
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Running unofficial operating software can also potentially age your device.
If you’re purchasing a refurbished device, regardless of the age of the model, the above shouldn’t be an issue. As part of the refurbishing process, any damaged or faulty components are replaced.
How To Know When A Phone Is Too Old
When purchasing a refurbished device, it’s good to know the telltale signs if a device is too old. In the following list, we’ve described the different factors to consider when looking at a device to gauge its age, and whether it’s too old for a refurbished device.
Battery health
Smartphone batteries are made to die over time—it’s inevitable. As smartphones age, the chemicals in the battery will begin to degrade and hold less charge, leading to worsening battery health.
So, if you find a device is rapidly going through its battery life, it’s a sign the phone is too old. Thankfully, unlike some other tell-tale signs on this list, battery health is a fixable problem.
If you’re reluctant about getting an older refurbished phone, the refurbished industry standard is to only sell devices with at least 80% battery health. If the battery health is below this value or abnormalities are detected, the component is replaced with a new, genuine one during the refurbishment process.
Unresponsive screen
Over time, a phone’s screen can age due to normal wear-and-tear or lack of screen protector use. Old phone models also have worse screens compared to newer devices, which use new technology like the latest Gorilla Glass screens.
So, if you ever notice an unresponsive or slow screen, it’s a sign that the device may be too old. Sometimes, this might just be due to a software issue, or it can be fixed if it is caused by physical damage, such as scratches.
Slow performance
If a device is performing slowly, despite being updated to the latest operating system, and/or apps are crashing—it’s a key sign that the phone is too old. It’s an indicator that the device’s specifications aren’t good enough for current apps.
Phone heating up
When looking to buy an old refurbished device or upgrade your phone, heating up is an important factor to look out for. While it’s normal for a phone to warm up a little during normal use, it could be a sign the device is past its prime if it’s getting extremely hot during normal tasks like browsing or messaging.
Manufacturer device support
Most mobile phone manufacturers stop supporting older devices as they move towards newer, advanced models. This is a standard in the industry, with most companies, like Samsung and their Galaxy device range, supporting their devices for five years with operating system upgrades and security patches.
If you notice that your manufacturer is no longer supporting your device or isn’t updating the phone you’re interested in, it’s a sign that it may be too old.
Can’t access newer networks
If the device can’t access newer networks, like 4G or 5G, it’s a sign that the phone is too old. Newer phones are compatible with high-speed service networks, which you don’t want to miss out on for optimal performance.
Checking a phone’s age
One of the quickest ways to tell a phone’s age is by checking the year the model came out. It’ll give you a good indicator of where the technology is at and what to expect regarding software compatibility.
It’s also important to check whether the manufacturer still supports the phone. There are a few ways to do this, for example, by checking on the manufacturer’s website, or there are community lists available for ‘obsolete’ devices.
For factors like battery health and performance, it’s possible to run tests on the device through third-party apps to check the overall condition. If you’re unsure, any reputable refurbished phone seller should be happy to help and be transparent about the condition of the components.
How The Refurbishing Process Works
The exact refurbishing process for a device will depend on the company or person conducting and selling the devices. A key sign for a trustworthy and reputable refurbished phone seller is if they’re transparent about the process.
Ideally, the refurbishing process for a device should extensively test all the components and repair or replace any faulty or old parts with newer, genuine ones. The phones should also be graded depending on their condition, for instance, ‘like-new’ if there’s no cosmetic wear and they’re fully functional.
For a general idea of the refurbishing process, at OzMobiles, our team puts every device through a comprehensive 72-point quality check. Every phone is thoroughly inspected, and every component is checked to ensure there are no faults.
Any defective hardware parts are replaced or fixed, and the phone is also placed through testing to ensure optimal performance. The device is also graded depending on its condition, and any cosmetic wear is noted.
This refurbishment process is done in Australia, at our Melbourne headquarters, using industry-standard Blancco testing software and genuine parts, so if you’re worried about old parts, like an aged battery making a phone ‘too old’, it won’t be a concern with OzMobiles devices.
Buy The Latest Refurbished Smartphones at OzMobiles
For the latest refurbished iPhone and Android devices from a reputable seller in Australia, you can trust the OzMobiles team. The team prides itself on offering great prices on second-hand devices, and if you find a better deal somewhere else—our team will beat the price by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
As part of the refurbishment process here at OzMobiles, regardless of the age of the phone, we run it through a comprehensive refurbishment process—extensively checking every component. So, you can rest assured every part of the device is 100% fully functional, and close to new condition.
All devices at OzMobiles also come with a free 12-month warranty, along with a battery life guarantee. There is also a 30-day risk-free return policy if there’s an issue, or you change your mind.
If you have any questions about refurbished devices, if a device is too old or about our refurbishing process, feel free to reach out to our team. We’d be happy to answer any queries or questions you have and help you find the right phone.
