There is less and less left to know the official details of the iPhone 16, the next generation of the iPhone that will hit the market in a few months. Logically, many users will take advantage of the launch of the device to renew your mobilewhich means that the refurbished and second-hand mobile market will be filled with iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and previous models in very good condition and compatible with iOS 18, the next version of the iPhone operating system.
When buying a mobile phone there are several alternatives: we can choose to buy the new device or opt for save money by purchasing a second-hand or refurbished unit. Refurbished cell phones have an important advantage over second-hand cell phones: they have been tested by professionals to ensure their correct functioning and are offered for sale directly by stores, not by individuals.
What is the difference between a second-hand mobile phone and a refurbished one?
Although in both cases we are talking about used mobile phones, there are some differences that should be taken into account. When we buy a second-hand mobile We generally do it through a private (although we can also do it through a second-hand product store). If it is a recent mobile phone it may still have a warranty, but if it is an iPhone from several years ago we will not have any type of warranty.
On the other hand, if we buy a refurbished mobile phone or refurbishedthe company that sells it offers us a warranty period, which is important to protect us in case the device has some type of problem that the company had not previously detected. Therefore, peace of mind is one of the main advantages of buying a refurbished mobile phone.
At this point, you may be wondering Where do refurbished cell phones come from?. This may vary depending on the store where we buy it, but cell phones refurbished They generally come from customer returns, are repaired products or are display units. Sometimes it may be a device that is missing an accessory or whose packaging is slightly damaged.
Regardless of its origin, the company that puts it on sale is responsible for making sure that the iPhone works correctly and evaluating the particular condition of each device to determine its price, which will vary depending on the condition of the mobile. Of course, the device is cleaned thoroughly before putting it up for sale.
What you should take into account when buying a refurbished mobile
In general, one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a refurbished mobile phone is make sure it is a trustworthy store. Just as we would do if we bought a new mobile phone, it is important to check that it is a trusted platform to avoid problems during or after the purchase.
Definitely, Another of the most important points is the guarantee. In Spain, when we buy a new mobile phone we have a three-year mandatory warranty. In the case of a refurbished mobile phone purchased in a store, we would also have a three-year warranty, unless a shorter period is agreed upon when making the purchase. That is, depending on where we buy the mobile phone, the warranty period may vary.
In general, the most normal thing is that the warranty period is not less than three months and It is generally at least a year. In any case, we must make sure that it is clearly specified on the product sheet or on the company’s website to be clear before purchasing.
Screenshot of the Mercado Libre website. In the description section it is indicated that the device is not new and they explain the importance of reading the product description
On the other hand, It is essential to read the product date carefully to know the status of the mobile. When we buy a new mobile phone they are all the same, but the same does not happen when we buy a reconditioned mobile phone: some models may be like new, while others will have small scratches or cosmetic damage that will not affect their operation.
It is advisable to check what accessories are included in the box. Although in many cases it includes the original accessories, this is not always the case. Therefore, we must read the product description carefully, since the sheet always indicates which accessories are included (for example, the power adapter or charging cable). The box is usually not the official one, although again this is something that depends on the store.
Where you can buy a refurbished iPhone
Product page on Mercado Libre for the refurbished iPhone 13 in blue
Taking into account the interest generated by refurbished mobile phones, There are more and more stores that sell mobile phones refurbished. It is best to visit one of the stores where you usually buy and check if they have a section for refurbished products, since most likely they do.
To name a few examples, Amazon, Mercado Libre, PcComponentes, eBay, MediaMarkt or El Corte Inglés These are just some of the stores that have a refurbished cell phone section. And not only that, since we can also buy refurbished iPhones through Apple’s own official website. On the other hand, there are also stores that are dedicated solely and exclusively to the sale of refurbished devices, such as Back Market.
Cover image | Iván Linares (Xataka)
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