Smartphone prices have risen drastically in the past couple of years. High-end phones used to cost around $1,000, but we've seen that more than double when it comes to the upper echelon of devices. A 512GB Galaxy Note 21 Ultra will set you back $2,149 outright, while a 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max goes for $2,369. Oooft.
With this in mind, it's unsurprising to see more companies offer refurbished devices. Why buy new when you can save money by buying an older device at a cheaper price? But of course, a cheaper price can often mean trade-offs.
If you're on the fence, here are the pros and cons of buying a refurbished smartphone.
Reasons you might want a refurbished smartphone
A refurbished phone is cheaper
The main reason you'd consider a refurbished smartphone is price: a refurb is always going to be cheaper. For example, you're looking at around $1,100 for a new 64GB iPhone XS. On the other hand, a refurbished 64GB iPhone XS will set you back around $800. The savings will vary from device to device, but you will always spend less by buying a refurb.
Where to buy a refurbished iPhone in Australia
If you're looking for a refurbished smartphone, an iPhone is a pretty good way to go. Apple supports its older devices with software updates for much longer than other manufacturers. See our guide to all the best places to buy a refurbished iPhone.
Better than "used"
A refurbished phone is a second-hand device, but buying one is a bit different to just jumping on eBay and taking a chance on a used handset. Refurbished phone sellers like numobile, Boost Mobile, and Amazon put phones through multiple stages of testing to ensure everything from the microphone to the camera to the touchscreen still works.
In addition, you can be certain the phone you're buying isn't stolen, has no leftover personal data from the previous owner, and is unlocked and ready to go.
Refurbs still have a 12-month warranty
In Australia, refurbished smartphones sold through companies like numobile, Boost Mobile, and Amazon come with a 12-month warranty. They're also covered by Australian Consumer Law, which means you're entitled to a replacement or refund in the event of a major failure, and eligible to have the phone repaired or replaced if it fails to be of acceptable quality.
As is standard, accidental or intentional physical damage are not covered by the warranty you'll get with a refurbished device, or by Australian Consumer Law.
In addition, numobile will let your return or swap out your smartphone within your first 30 days of purchase, provided there are no additional sides of wear and damage. numobile will pay for return shipping.
Boost Mobile has a similar clause; you're able to return your refurbished phone within your first 30 days for a refund or exchange. The guarantee is voided if you manage to crack your screen to cause water damage during this time.
Amazon says it will provide a refund or replacement within 180 days of receipt if the product does not work as expected, in addition the guarantees provided under Australian Consumer Law.
Less of an environmental impact
Smartphones are a growing source of e-waste, and contain a litany of components that can be harmful to people and the environment. By buying a refurbished device, you're saving a phone from ending up in a landfill.
Reasons you might not want a refurbished smartphone
A refurbished phone may no longer get software updates
The older the device you buy, the faster it will stop being supported by its manufacturer. If a device is no longer supported by its manufacturer, it will no longer receive software or security updates. Security updates are especially important.
Flagship Android devices tend to receive two years of major operating system updates, and around three years of security updates. Samsung has however now started promising three years of major operating system updates for devices starting from the Galaxy S10. This means last year's Galaxy S10 will still get Android 12 next year.
Older Galaxy devices, such as the 2017 Galaxy S8 and 2018 Galaxy S9 will still only get two years of operating system updates and three years of security updates. The Galaxy S8 - the oldest Samsung device available through most refurbers - should keep receiving security updates until at least the end of this year. These are released on a quarterly basis however, rather than monthly.
In general, refurbished iPads and iPhones tend to be a safer bet. Apple supports its devices longer than most manufacturers.
Degraded battery
Most of us know that smartphone batteries degrade as we recharge them, which in turn reduces how long your device can stay charged. It can even reduce peak performance. As such, a second-hand phone will not be able to keep its charge as long as a brand new smartphone.
Phone refurbishers are aware of this, however. Alegre, which supplies Boost Mobile and Amazon, says it won't sell a phone with less than 80% of its original battery capacity. However, this cut-off can vary from refurbisher to refurbisher.
Won't be as pristine as a new smartphone
Refurbished smartphones are free from cracked glass and major dents, but they may still have minor surface scratches or scuffs. These won't affect your smartphone's functionality - they'll just mean your refurb device won't look as a pretty as a brand new one. However, refurbishers will give phones a polish and buff in an attempt to remove as much superficial damage as possible.
How much this matters will come down to personal taste, but hey, worst-case scenario, you can always slap a case over your refurb device to help hide any damage.
There are plenty of affordable smartphones you can buy new
While a cut-price device might sound appealing, you don't need to buy a refurbished smartphone to save money. There are now plenty of great affordable smartphones you can buy new.
For example, the OPPO Reno 2 Z is costs $599, but looks and feels like a flagship smartphone. And there are even choices if you'd prefer an Apple device: the new iPhone SE starts at $749 outright.
Here are a few cheap plans for the iPhone SE:
See our guide to the best budget smartphones for more affordable new handsets.
Alex Choros
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