Refurbished iPhones have gone from being a questionable option to one that is definitely worth your consideration. But how does it compare to a brand-new iPhone? Should you save your money and just get a refurbished iPhone, or should you stick to buying one straight from the box? This article will answer all your questions on refurbished iPhones vs. new iPhones.

Differences Between Refurbished And New

Refurbished iPhones are used iPhones that have been completely restored and then tested again for any faults before being put up for resale. If the restored phone doesn’t pass the test, it goes back to the repair shop. Refurbished iPhones could also be traded-in or lightly used iPhones. On the other hand, brand-new iPhones are, as the name suggests, new. That is, they have no previous users, so the phone should be 100% functional and without any cosmetic imperfections.

Pros and Cons

Refurbished Phone

Pros

Cheaper

Refurbished phones are always less expensive than their brand-new counterparts. Sometimes it’s even as much as 30–40% cheaper. The reason refurbished phones cost less is that they don’t qualify as new phones, even though they work as well and sometimes even look just as good.

 If price plays a large factor in swaying your decision on whether to buy refurbished or new, buying your smartphone from a resale store will always be the less expensive option.

No Contract

Refurbished iPhones cost way less than brand-new ones, and you won’t have to enter into long, expensive, overpriced contracts just to afford your dream phone.

 Still don’t want to pay at once? Then SmartphonesPLUS has got you covered. When you shop for refurbished iPhones with SmartphonesPLUS, we give you the option to split your payments into four parts over four months.

Better for the Environment

By recycling used phones instead of dumping them, fewer new phones need to be produced. Therefore, fewer raw materials are used, and e-waste and toxic landfills are reduced, or at least not added to.

Cons

• You’ll have to be more vigilant and cautious when buying refurbished phones compared to new ones.
• There is often a much shorter warranty period with refurbished devices.
• You have to confirm the details of the refurbishment process and cosmetic condition to know exactly what you’re buying.
• No phone box or accessories– Only a few refurbished phone vendors, like SmartphonesPLUS, give a phone box and phone accessory when you buy a refurbished phone.

New iPhone

Pros

Contracts

If you prefer the flexibility of 2-year long contracts, then new iPhones are the best for you. 24-month contracts are usually only offered when buying brand-new iPhones.

Longer Warranty

Most, if not all, brand-new phone dealers offer at least a 1-year warranty period compared to refurbished phone vendors, who generally offer warranty periods between 30 days and 6 months.

Perfect Condition

Brand-new iPhones are almost always in perfect condition, so you don’t have to be as vigilant or cautious when buying compared to when you’re purchasing a refurbished iPhone.

Available on Launch Day

New iPhones are available for purchase or pre-order immediately after they are launched, where refurbished iPhones take some months after release day to become available. So, if you’re someone who always wants to have the latest and greatest iPhone as soon as it’s released, then your only options are brand-new iPhones.

Cons

• More expensive
• Less sustainable

So, Which is Better?

With all the evidence at your finger tips, that is for you to decide! We do feel that SmartphonesPLUS definitely helps tip the scale towards the refurbished side, given our established reputation and rigorous refurbishing process. You can learn more about us and browse all the certified preowned devices we have to offer here!