Whether you cracked your display, or it’s time for an upgrade, buying a refurbished Samsung phone is one of the easiest ways to save some money while still having a high-end phone. However, many people are oppressed to investing in refurbished phones, as there isn’t always a guarantee that you’re getting a high-quality device without any major problems.
Luckily, there’re still chances of obtaining a good quality second-hand phone without paying an entire fortune for it. So, whether you were looking for an older Samsung S9 refurbished device, or you want to get one of the Galaxy Note models, we put together a couple of aspects you might want to consider while buying a refurbished smartphone.
Refurbished vs Used Phones
First things first, it’s important not to confuse refurbished devices for used ones, as there are a couple of major differences between them.
As their name states, used phones were previously used and they have most likely been exposed to everyday wear and tear. But as much as used devices usually feature scuffs on the edges or scratches on the screen, rest assured that you’re getting a factory reset device without any personal data from the previous owner.
On the other hand, refurbished devices are also previously used phones, with the difference that they are repaired and tested before they find their way on the seller’s shelves. For instance, if the specific service receives a used Samsung S9 with a broken display, they’ll replace the screen, run a diagnostic checkup to verify that everything is working and sell the phone as a refurbished.
Why Should I Buy a Refurbished Phone?
With the vast of refurbished Samsung devices on the market, having a high-end smartphone isn’t as hard as it seems these days. But if you’re still feeling sceptical about investing in a second-hand phone, check out the following couple of reasons why many people do so:
You’re Saving Money
One of the greatest reasons why many people go for refurbished devices is that they’re a money-saving investment. These devices are always sold at discounted prices since they have already been used and can’t be labelled as brand new. Hence, refurbished Samsung smartphones make for a great alternative if your phone was stolen, lost, unexpectedly started malfunctioning or any other situation when you didn’t plan to invest in a new one.
You’re Getting a Warranty
The best thing about refurbished Samsung phones is that many of the sellers will give you a warranty. Same as new, unused phones, such warranties will allow you to get your refurbished phone repaired or exchanged if there’re any malfunctions.
You’re Contributing to the Environment
It may never cross your mind, but when buying a refurbished S9, Galaxy Note or any other model, you’re buying a recycled product that didn’t end up in landfills or damage our environment in any specific way. Hence, as refurbished devices are an eco-friendly option, you’re contributing to the environment’s well being while still having a high-tech device.
Decide on the Model
Once you decide to reap all the benefits of a refurbished device, it’s time to decide about the specific model you desire. Luckily, the market nowadays is overflowed with a bunch of different Samsung devices- from the slightly used recent models such as Galaxy S21 ones to the older Samsung S9 refurbished devices for sale.
However, it doesn’t mean that the latest Galaxy model or anything that costs thousands of dollars is the most suitable for you. Instead, it’s best to do a reality check on your needs, so you can see what device can adequately cater to your lifestyle. Spending an entire fortune isn’t always the best option, even when it comes to refurbished devices.
Choose a Credible Store
Purchasing a refurbished Samsung phone isn’t just getting a device that was previously owned by another person and then put up for sale again. As we already mentioned, refurbished devices should always be thoroughly inspected, checked and repaired by professionals in the field as the only way to ensure that you aren’t wasting money on a phone with functional defects.
Hence, instead of buying from the cheapest shop offering refurbished Samsung devices or the first unregistered business seller that popped up on your social media, make sure you do thorough research and choose a credible seller. For this purpose, it’s best to check the terms by which the seller offers devices and search for any certifications they acquired.
On the other hand, social proof is always a decent indicator of the seller’s reputation, so don’t forget to check out what previous customers think about the Samsung devices the specific store offers.
Check Out the Device’s Rating
Once you choose which seller you’re going to entrust, it’s time to start searching for the specific device you want to purchase. At this point, know that refurbished phones are typically given a grade by the retailers offering them. And as much as these grades are set independently and the quality can vary, refurbished devices typically fall in the following categories:
- Grade A (or sometimes “like new”) is the rating for phones that appear as new or have only minor signs of previous handling.
- Grade B (or sometimes “very good”) is the rating for phones that may have some forms of cosmetic damage such as scratches, chips and cracks.
- Grade C (or sometimes “good”) is the rating for phones that show obvious signs of wear.
As you expected, the price will vary depending on the grade. The more signs of wear and tear the phone shows, the less money you’ll pay for it.
Look for a Warranty
Last, but not least, a warranty is one of the key considerations when purchasing a refurbished device, as it provides your protection if it suddenly develops any fault. And even though retailers typically offer 12 months warranty period, some of them might give compatible accessories and gadgets such as chargers and wireless headphones instead.
But, before you choose any accessory over warranty, consider the amount of money you’re paying for the device. If you’re buying an expensive Galaxy model, you might want to acquire a proper warranty so you don’t have to pay again if anything goes wrong. On the other hand, if you’re buying a cheaper model as a temporary replacement for your malfunctioning phone, the warranty may not be among the top considerations when exploring refurbished devices.
Now that you gained some knowledge, you’re ready to hit the market and find the most suitable refurbished Samsung smartphone for yourself.
