Why now is the best time to get a refurbished phone

This article is sponsored by numobile.

Christmas in Australia is a time for family, friends, food and a bit of a sunburn. It’s also a time when we can let our gift-giving generosity overrule common sense. While smartphones make excellent Christmas gifts, you might want to find a smarter way to shop for a phone and save some money.

There are plenty of cheaper smartphones available in electronics, but years of reviewing phones has taught us that cheaper phones can be hit and miss. Phone makers cut corners with cheaper components, like low quality cameras and smaller batteries. Sure, you’ll save money, but you may not get a great deal.

One alternative is to buy a pre-loved phone instead. You’ll find similarly cheap price tags, but you’ll be buying one of the best phones from the last couple of years. numobile is an Aussie telco dedicated to selling refurbished Apple and Samsung smartphones, either outright or on a 24-month plan with access to the Telstra 4G network.

With just a couple of weeks left until Christmas, numobile is offering an iPhone XS handset with discounts up to $143 if you buy before 21 December. The phone comes in ‘good as nu’ condition, signifying that the handset is fully functional with no scuffs or scratches on the chassis and screen. And, as mentioned above, you can dodge an upfront cost with a 24-month plan.

To save even more, choose an iPhone 8 64GB for $449 or a monthly repayment of $20 per month. The iPhone 8 remains one of Apple’s most popular iPhones to date and gives you access to all of the same apps and services you get with newer models.

For even better savings, most phones in the numobile range have cheaper options flagged as being in ‘pretty good’ condition. These handsets are tested and fully functional, but do show some signs of use, like scuffs on the body of the phone, or small scratches on the screen. 

Refurbished phones may not be your first thought when buying a phone, but you should definitely look into it. All refurbished phones are fully tested so that you can be certain that everything works. And, unlike buying a second-hand phone through eBay or Gumtree, you get the peace of mind that comes with an Australian warranty and a 30-day swap or return guarantee*. 

All phones are tested by numobile service engineers in Sydney where the phones need to pass a 51-point inspection to be eligible for resale. This tests all areas of the phone’s functionality to make sure each of the components is working correctly. 

It can be difficult to remember just how complex a smartphone is until you consider how many different functions they serve. You need to test calling, messaging, internet connectivity, the GPS, the touchscreen; the list goes on and on. You won’t receive a refurbished model with a cracked screen or a chip in the body.

All in all, a pre-owned phone is the best way to get a big brand phone on a budget. You get all of the phone features you need, and you can put the money you save towards a lavish Christmas spread to share with your friends and family.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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