Buying refurbished phone online? Do not hit pay button before checking these 5 things

In case you are planning to buy a flagship smartphone but aren’t willing to go overboard on your budget, then a refurbished smartphone would be an ideal purchase. The right refurbished smartphone can provide you with premium features without having to empty out your bank account, and the best part is that these gadgets perform very close to the fresh device. But then again, not all refurbished smartphones are worth buying since some can end up having poor battery capacity, concealed damages, and missing components that may pose some issues down the road. Furthermore, even though a refurbished smartphone might look perfect from the outside, it may have some hidden flaws under the hood. In this guide I’ve covered 5 things you should check before you buy a new, refurbished smartphone. So, without any further ado, let’s get into the details.

1. Check physical condition of the device

The first thing you should check before you buy a refurbished device is the overall condition of the phone. Many sellers use terms like ‘excellent condition’ or ‘good as new’ to fool you, but most of the time these labels are nothing more than a marketing gimmick.

Start by checking if the smartphone has scratches, dents, cracks, or loose buttons. In case you’re buying the device online, then you can zoom into the product images to figure out if anything is visible on the device body. Alongside that, you should also read the description properly, as at times many sellers mention such details in the description as well.

Aside from the above-mentioned points, you should also check the display for dead pixels, discolouration, or screen burn issues, as a damaged screen can lead to costly repairs later. If possible, physically inspect the device and get an in-hand feel for it before buying so you can properly examine every side.

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2. Look for battery health

Over time the smartphone batteries lose their strength and may drain quickly, and hence it becomes highly important you check the battery life of a device before you purchase it. Brands like Apple and Samsung have integrated a feature that allows you to check the battery health of the device. However, you can also use certain third parties, like AccuBattery, to check the battery health of your device.

A battery health percentage of above 85 per cent is usually considered safe for daily use. However, if the seller cannot provide this information or you find the numbers displayed in your device or during the test too good to be true, then it’s a red flag. Also check whether the battery has been replaced and if the replacement is original or third-party.

3. Ask about the device warranty

A warranty gives you protection against the issues your device develops after the purchase. Even if a refurbished device undergoes multiple checks, it can sometimes face problems later, like overheating, charging issues, or speaker failure.

Make sure that you ask the seller about the warranty coverage prior to buying a refurbished device. If a seller denies giving any warranty, then I suggest looking for other sellers, as no warranty means that the seller has no confidence in the product quality.

Moreover, make sure that you clear out whether the warranty claim process will be handled by the manufacturer or the seller. Warranty claims made by the manufacturer are always better than those offered by third parties, which are often unknown to the buyer.

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4. Check who refurbished the device

Not all refurbished phones go through the same checks, as some devices are properly tested and repaired, while others are simply cleaned and resold. If a device has been refurbished by a manufacturer or official seller, then you can rest assured that the smartphone must have gone through multiple levels of checks before entering the market. 

These sellers often replace faulty parts and replace them with the original parts. Not only that, but once the device is replaced, it is checked at multiple fronts to ensure that nothing malfunctions after the part is replaced. However, with unknown third-party sellers, the quality of the repaired part is always questionable, as it can vary a lot. If the seller avoids sharing details about the refurbishment process, it is better to stay away.

5. Check accessories and the return policy

Lastly, make sure that the accessories provided with the refurbished device are original, especially the chargers and cables. A genuine refurbished device will always carry original accessories within the box, while a non-genuine product may come with low-quality replacements or no accessories at all. Do note that cheap accessories can affect the charging speed and battery performance of your device over time, hence making this check one of the mandatory things to do.

Other than that, you should also read the return policy of the device carefully, as the return window gives you time to test the phone properly after delivery. If you find some hidden issues in the device once you start using it as your daily driver, then this window will allow you to return or replace it without extra stress. Sellers with clear and customer-friendly return policies are usually the safer option.

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Should you buy a refurbished device?

Refurbished phones could be a good investment if you do your homework well. Things like a phone’s physical condition, battery life, warranty, accessories and the credentials of the seller are all very important in helping you avoid any trouble in the long run. However, if everything is good, then it can save you a few bucks, allowing you to grab a near-fresh device.