Finding quality refurbished phones isn’t always easy. There are so many factors to consider when looking for the right device, like what features you want, the condition, and even additional accessories available.
It’s also important to think about the model and brand you want. The problem isn’t the lack of devices available when looking for quality refurbished phones, but having so many amazing options. If you head into a shop or look online for a second-hand device, seeing the range of devices can be overwhelming.
If you’re loyal to Apple, there are plenty of refurbished iPhone models available. Apple releases various models in every series to cover different price ranges and needs. Similarly, there are so many manufacturers if you’re looking for an Android device. From Google to Samsung, Oppo and Huawei, there’s a device for all uses and budgets.
Our guide will cover everything you need to know when looking for quality refurbished phones. From information on the refurbishment process to finding the best phone sellers, tips on getting the best deals, evaluating the quality of a device, and avoiding scammers.
How To Find The Best Refurbished Phone Seller
When shopping for a refurbished phone, the seller is an important factor. There are a few things you should check when looking at sellers, including their refurbishment process, if they grade the condition of their devices, and customer support. These tips will help you avoid any dodgy sellers or scammers:
Refurbishment Process
A huge green flag is if a refurbished phone seller is crystal clear about their refurbishment process and shows confidence in it. You want to look for a seller that offers extensive testing as part of their process, and only uses genuine parts for any repairs or replacements.
Quality Assurance
When searching for the best refurbished phone sellers, always keep an eye out for quality assurance. A reputable seller should always be willing to support their products and provide a warranty and guarantee.
For example, OzMobiles offers a 12-month free warranty for all their products, battery life guarantee, and risk-free return period if there are any issues or a customer changes their mind.
It’s also essential to check for any certifications that indicate the phone has gone through thorough testing and inspection processes. A reputable refurbished phone seller should hold a certification from an organisation and be transparent about their refurbishment process.
Service and Support
A crucial aspect to consider when deciding on a refurbished phone seller is their customer support and service. Go with a seller that offers responsive customer service, through support channels like phone, email, or live chat.
Also, it’s worth checking if the seller offers repair services or technical support. A reputable seller should always be willing to offer support and a warranty. A key sign that you’ll get a good refurbished device is if the seller is willing to stand behind the product, and offer reliable customer support.
Reputation
When looking for the best refurbished phone sellers, we recommend looking at their reputation. There are a few ways you can find this, the best one is checking out customer reviews on Google or sites like Product Review.
Customer reviews will give you a good idea of how trustworthy a seller is, the condition they received their phone, and if they had any issues. We recommend only going with sellers that have at least 4–5 stars.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
A reputable seller will always be willing to answer any questions about the device you’re interested in. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you have any questions about the condition of the phone or the refurbishment process, send it to them.
If a seller refuses to answer any questions or send further information or photos about the device, it’s a sign they could be dodgy or trying to hide something.
How To Spot Quality In Refurbished Phones
Spotting quality in refurbished phones is a skill, but it’s one that you can learn with the following tips. Aside from checking for obvious signs of wear and tear, like scratches, dents, or scuffs, here is everything else you should check.
Visual Inspection
The first step when buying any refurbished device is conducting a visual inspection. Examine the phone carefully, check the screens, edges, and back panel of the device to ensure it is in good cosmetic condition. If you’re shopping online, you can ask the seller to send over photos or videos.
Minor cosmetic imperfections are to be expected if you’re getting a refurbished device, but any excessive damage is a red flag and could even impact the phone’s inner-technology.
Functionality Test
After visually inspecting a phone, conducting a functionality test is essential. Check basic features, like screen responsiveness, buttons, and all the ports (like charging and headphone jack).
Ensure the touchscreen is responsive and working correctly, test the speakers are clear, and check for connectivity, too. You want to ensure the phone’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular reception are fully functional.
Battery Life and Health
The battery health of a refurbished phone is important to check. Over time, the health of a device’s battery naturally lessens over time. This can impact the battery’s life, making the phone die quicker, and require more charging sessions.
Most iPhone and Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy range, have diagnostic tools built-in to check the battery health and capacity. Before buying a refurbished phone, check for any signs of battery degradation. The optimal battery health for a refurbished device is at least 80%.
Software Check
It’s important to always assess the software and performance of a refurbished device. Check the operating system running on the device and if it needs any updates.
Open and try apps and intense games to check if they run smoothly without any crashes or errors. Also, if possible, run a benchmarking test to assess the phone’s processing power and performance compared to its specifications. There are various diagnostic apps available on the Play and iOS App Store that allows for this.
Other Tips For Getting The Best Deal For Your Refurbished Phone
When you’re looking to get a refurbished phone, there are a few strategies you can implement to get the best deal. From comparing prices to negotiating, these tips will assist you to get the best prices and make a well-informed decision.
Compare Prices
When looking for good deals on refurbished devices, we recommend shopping around and comparing prices. It’s rare that you’ll find the best deal on the first phone you see. Take your time to check out the different websites and stores.
Look for Discounts & Promotions
Many retailers will offer special deals on refurbished devices, which is a great chance for getting a phone at a cheaper price. Regularly check out manufacturer websites and refurbished phone stores for any discounts and promotions.
Negotiate
If you’ve got great bargaining skills, we recommend negotiating, too. For example, ask if they’ll give a discount if you also buy the phone with accessories, like a case and screen protector. There’s no harm in negotiating, and the best result is that you walk out of the purchase with a better deal!
Buy Top-Quality Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
For refurbished phones from reputable sellers in Australia, you can trust the OzMobiles team. OzMobiles 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).
If you’re looking for the best refurbished phone sellers, it’s hard to beat the OzMobiles guarantee on devices. The devices come with a free 12-month warranty, battery life guarantee, and a 30-day risk-free return policy if there’s an issue or if you change your mind.
At OzMobiles, the team is transparent with its grading system and the refurbishment process is done locally in Australia. All the phones sold go through a comprehensive 72-point quality check, ensuring that they’re 100% fully functional with every component tested.
If you have any questions about refurbished devices, feel free to reach out to the OzMobiles team. Our team is happy to answer any queries and help you find the right device.
