Smartphones have snaked their way into almost every moment of our everyday life. If a couple of years ago you were looking for adequate protection for the ever so popular iPhone 7, these days it’s all about iPhone 12, known as the world’s most powerful device right now.
The smartphone market is expanding fast and replacing feature phones quickly. More people are buying smartphones and the number of options is increasing as well as their prices. If you feel like an expensive smartphone is out of your budget, don’t fret. You can find a good quality budget mobile phone that will provide a decent smartphone experience.
Are Budget and Refurbished Mobile Phones Worth It?
The actual day-to-day reality of cheap mobile phones and refurbished phones is that they are perfectly fine to use. There is a phone for every budget, but are these phones worth buying? The answer for most people is going to be yes as we are not at the point where even mid-range hardware is great for general users.
So, if you don’t have a specific application, you can use them for social media, YouTube, emails, taking photos and all the things we generally use our smartphones for, from ordering food to buying movie tickets, making payments, as well as shopping, banking and more.
The cheap mobile phone market is not something to avoid as a rule. Technology is developing and changing, but you can still find a budget mobile phone and keep up with new technology without feeling left behind. Make a list of features you are looking for and compare different phones to see which one meets your needs and preferences.
While looking at all the options available on the market, you may be surprised to see that refurbished smartphones are becoming more popular these days. They are used phones, inspected and repaired to meet certain requirements. Buying a refurbished phone can be a good solution if you want something that would ordinarily be out of your budget and can be a great deal as long as you know what to look for.
Why and How to Choose an Affordable Refurbished Mobile Phone?
Refurbished phones can work and look as good as a new phone. They have undergone a thorough refurbishment process so that they can work like new ones. If you ever wanted to have a phone with advanced technology at a fraction of the regular price, then a reconditioned phone is a great choice for you. Refurbished mobile phones are cheaper than their brand-new counterparts, so you can find your favourite older or latest phone of any make within your budget limits.
Also, buying refurbished rather than brand new is a great way to help the planet. If you care about the environment, you know that reusing rather than recycling a phone for its parts is a great way to prolong its lifespan. Think of what would happen if every old phone was to be ended up in the landfill. We would soon increase the e-waste that can pollute the air and groundwater, causing many health issues for us. If you care about your carbon footprint, buying refurbished can help you do your bit to lower consumption and show that you care about the environment.
Not all refurbished smartphones have been returned to the manufacturer because they were damaged or faulty. Some users may have traded in their phones for a discount on a new device. This gives you a competitive price for quality devices. So, what are the main things to consider when purchasing a refurbished smartphone?
Quality Assurance
When buying a refurbished mobile phone, always look for a reliable and reputable dealer. Certified dealers, same as manufacturers, sell refurbished phones that are of good quality and condition. A complete refurbishment process with multiple tests is done to make sure that the phone works perfectly. This will save you from worries and help you get a good quality phone at a cheap price.
Check Important Features
Before making a purchase, check some important features such as battery life and memory capacity. Also, check if there are any possible limitations your smartphone may come with. Make sure the device is unlocked because if it is locked, there is a higher chance it will not work on your network.
Factory Settings
It’s important to make sure the phone you choose has been cleared of any evidence of prior ownership. It should be restored to factory settings to ensure that you can set your phone according to your preferences. If there is any information stored in the phone, it may indicate that it has not been entirely and properly refurbished.
Model History
Some smartphone models are known to have an operating issue or a specific mechanical glitch. That’s why it’s always a good idea to research the model’s overview and performance before buying. And of course, make sure to always read reviews online.
Warranty
Most certified dealers offer a decent warranty period when you buy a refurbished phone from them. This is important, especially if the phone has had some defects before and a warranty is the only protection in case any issues come up later. If the phone does not include a warranty, maybe you should think about skipping the purchase.