Buying a second-hand smartphone can feel like striking a tricky balance. You want to save money – the more, the better – but you also want to make sure your new device has a lot of life left in it. There are various factors to weigh up, though. Will your smartphone still receive security updates? Do all the internal components still work? And what about a warranty? Older used phones tend to be cheaper, but the age of a smartphone impacts its longevity too. How old is too old?
The Google Pixel 6 was released in 2021 along with its Pro model, winning immediate recognition for taking camera quality to the next level. It comes powered by the Google Tensor chip, the first silicon chip built by the company, which uses machine learning to make your images more dynamic and detailed. Once you’ve snapped the perfect shot, you can sit back and admire it on the Pixel 6’s 6.4-inch full HD OLED screen.
What is a second-hand Pixel 6’s lifespan? How long will a refurbished Pixel 6 receive software updates? And does the Google Pixel 6 support wireless charging? Depending on what you want from your smartphone, there are so many factors to consider when shopping second-hand.
The Google Pixel range is Google’s own line-up of Android smartphones, and they’re well-known for above-average cameras, software and security updates. If you have your eye on a Google Pixel 6 but you’re worried it might have a limited shelf life, this article should clear a few concerns up for you. So what is a second-hand Pixel 6’s lifespan, and what should the maximum age be when choosing a used smartphone?
What Decreases The Lifespan of a Second-Hand Phone?
There are several ways to slowly but surely reduce the longevity of a smartphone. Some habits that will shorten your second-hand Pixel 6’s lifespan include:
Overcharging
Every smartphone’s battery degrades over time. Yet constantly charging your phone up to capacity and then letting the battery drop to zero accelerates the process. Generally, you want to keep your phone battery between 30% and 80%, so you may want to reconsider plugging it in overnight.
Physical damage
Drops, falls, and other accidents can lead to quick and irreversible damage to your device. It’s a good idea to invest in a strong phone case and not leave your smartphone in unstable locations.
Overheating
Excessive heat caused by high use and/or high temperatures can wreck the internal components of a smartphone.
Poor maintenance
Neglecting useful maintenance measures such as cleaning your ports, updating your software and properly charging your smartphone can lead to increased deterioration and a shortened lifespan.
One of the risks of buying a second-hand smartphone is you can’t always tell how many of these habits the previous owner had.
When is a Smartphone Too Old?
If you take care of your smartphone, its longevity becomes less about its physical age than its vulnerability to threats like malware and viruses. The software of mobile phones changes quicker than the hardware does, and it’s in the software that the latest security upgrades lie. A smartphone that’s impeccably cared for may remain in pristine physical condition but be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Apple supports its iPhones through iOS security updates for at least five years, while for Android phones, it’s a lot more variable. While updates used to run out on Android phones within a couple of years, Google, Samsung and chipset manufacturer Qualcomm have all committed to providing updates for four years on some devices.
Is a Google Pixel 6 Too Old To Buy Second Hand?
How does this affect a second-hand Pixel 6’s lifespan? As a mid-range Android Phone, the Google Pixel 6 is generally more affordable than Google’s flagship smartphones, both new and second-hand. Of course, the price is only one part of the equation. Two factors likely to be important to most smartphone shoppers are whether a Pixel 6 features wireless charging and whether a refurbished Pixel 6 still receives software updates.
It’s best to avoid buying Android phones that are too old for a couple of different reasons. One is that the battery is likely to be worn and degraded. Another is that the older a smartphone is, the less likely it is to still receive updates. The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will receive OS updates until October 2024 and security updates until October 2026. As a refurbished Pixel 6 can still receive software updates, its lifespan is assured as long as you take proper care of it.
Does a Google Pixel 6 support wireless charging? Google has offered wireless charging on all of its smartphones from the Pixel 3 onwards. The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro continue this tradition, with both smartphones recharging at up to 12W on a Qi wireless charger.
With a second-hand Google Pixel 6’s lifespan assured and the knowledge that the Pixel 6 supports wireless charging, we can conclude that it’s safe to buy a Google Pixel 6 second-hand.
And while a Google Pixel 6 is an excellent mid-range phone that offers value for money, there are advantages to buying it refurbished as well.
The Features and Benefits of a Refurbished Pixel 6
As long as you buy it refurbished, your second-hand Pixel 6’s lifespan remains protected. A refurbished Pixel 6 still receives software updates, and when you buy it through the right refurbisher, it’s guaranteed to still be in great physical condition. Here are some of the other advantages of getting your hands on a Pixel 6 in particular:
Huge savings
Whether it's Androids or iPhones, this is one of the biggest benefits of buying refurbished phones in general. You can save yourself hundreds of thousands of dollars on relatively recent phones in terrific condition.
Better for the environment
Refurbished smartphones offer a sustainable solution that means fewer phones have to be thrown away in landfills or manufactured in the first place. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid contributing to the issue of e-waste, refurbished smartphones are an excellent method of doing so.
You still get a warranty
When you buy a second-hand smartphone from a stranger, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a warranty if anything goes wrong. If you choose the right seller, though, refurbished smartphones always come with warranties.
Buy a Refurbished Pixel 6 at OzMobiles
If you want to find a second-hand Pixel 6 with a reliable lifespan, the best place to start looking is here on the OzMobiles website.
Our fully functional refurbished Google Pixel 6 phones are checked and tested to meet high standards of Australian quality, so you can be sure you’re making a safe purchase. If you’d like to explore the rest of the Google range, we have a selection of other refurbished Google Pixel phones as well.
All of our smartphones are sold with 12-month warranties and 30-day money-back guarantees, so you’re covered just in case there are any issues. Your new Google Pixel 6 is waiting for you. If you have any questions about the Pixel 6 or refurbished Android phones in general, contact the OzMobiles team.
