October 14, 2023, 2:46 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
“Refurbished smartphones” refers to used devices that have been cleaned, repaired, and tested for functionality. Choosing one instead of buying a brand-new smartphone saves both money and the environment. However, some still have reservations about the quality of used phones. Are these concerns justified?
In many areas of life, people are demonstrating increased environmental awareness and striving for more sustainability. This often results in changed shopping habits. Buying used items is becoming more acceptable, even for mobile phones. Opting for a refurbished smartphone would be truly worthwhile if it can match new devices in terms of quality. And that seems to be the case!
Overview
Refurbished Smartphones Usually of High Quality
The English word “refurbished” means something like overhauled. It is not a protected term, explains the consumer protection portal “Mobilsicher.de” on its website. However, these devices are indeed much better than often reputed. Independent surveys and tests show that refurbished smartphones generally exhibit high quality.
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According to reports, used, refurbished devices usually come from companies specializing in recycling. They source the devices, for example, from companies that decommission large numbers of work phones. They can also be returns from network operators or leasing contracts. Providers of refurbished smartphones promise that all devices for sale have been checked, cleaned, and repaired by professionals if necessary. They then categorize the devices into quality grades, primarily based on the external condition of the offered models.
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The battery is not necessarily replaced during the refurbishment process. Most providers do this only if the battery capacity falls below 80 or 85 percent. If replacement parts need to be installed in the device, they can come from the manufacturer or third-party companies.
If you notice something isn’t working with a refurbished phone, you can return it within fourteen days without giving a reason. This is the legal right of withdrawal for online purchases. Some refurbished portals even voluntarily offer a longer return period.
Security Thanks to Dealer Warranty
Additionally, there is the legal warranty. It is valid for one year for used goods from dealers, but it can be excluded in private sales. Within this year, the buyer does not have to prove that they are not responsible for the defect.
Money and resources can be saved with refurbished devices not just in theory. So, if you don’t need the latest technology, you can confidently opt for a refurbished smartphone.
Even “Stiftung Warentest” Considers Refurbished Smartphones “Good”
In a study by “Stiftung Warentest” from last spring (“test” issue 3/23), refurbished smartphones also fared well. More precisely, dealers and platforms that sell these devices of generally satisfactory quality. The consumer organization examined nine online shops for refurbished smartphones. The devices often proved to be significantly better than advertised. Seven out of a total of 45 ordered smartphones were in a “remarkably good condition, even significantly better than stated by the provider,” according to the report. Only nine of the phones were negatively noted. You can read the detailed test report here.
In summary, buying a refurbished smartphone can indeed be worthwhile. One last tip: The color variants of the devices can vary in price. If you’re flexible with the color, you can often save even more.