The iPhone has been around for almost 15 years now, and it’s popularity has never wavered. There have been many versions and updates to the iOS, and currently there are approximately 2 billion iPhones purchased every year around the world. However, mobile technology isn’t necessarily cheap, and if you want an iPhone but have a budget, a refurbished model might be the right choice for you. It can be hard to make the decision, since you need to balance the cost against the need for a “brand new” model. Here are some points that will help you decide whether to buy a new or refurbished iPhone.
Be Sure of Who You Are Buying From
One of the risks of purchasing a refurbished phone is that it won’t work as well or for as long as a brand new one. However, your seller may tell you that your new phone will work as well as a new one, and is in just as good shape. If you are buying a refurbished phone from the manufacturer or from a reputable store, then it probably is. However, if you are buying from a friend, someone from your local social media marketplace, or a stranger, your new refurbished phone may not be in as good shape as claimed.
Your Budget
Your budget might be the single biggest determinant as to whether you will buy brand new or refurbished. Refurbished phones can be up to 30% cheaper than brand new, and they may also be as good as new as one still in the box at the store. Eyeing up an iPhone X but don’t have the funds available? Check out a refurbished model and see what kind of savings you can get. Of course if you have a high or unlimited budget, you can always go with a brand new version if it makes you more comfortable. You will have to balance your need to stay under budget with the need to have a brand new, untouched iPhone.
Warranty
You could make the case that out of all personal electronics, it’s most useful to have a warranty for your mobile phone. You probably use it every day, and taking it in and out of your pocket creates more opportunities for drops which might shake up the components. If you are very concerned with the warranty, then a new model might be your best option. However, don’t forget that refurbished phones may also come with warranties. In some cases they will be just as long. If it’s refurbished it may have all new components that can last longer than brand new ones.
Do You Need to Have the Latest Thing Right Now?
iPhones are great products that offer a lot of features, which is why they are so popular. However, there are many consumers who do not care about those features. Instead, their mobile phone acts as a status symbol. They only want the latest products so they can show them off and keep up with the Joneses. If you are one of these people, then it’s most likely a better option to get a brand new model. Otherwise you might have to wait until you find a refurbished one on the market.
How Concerned Are You About the Environment?
One of the things that draws a lot of consumers to buying refurbished products is the fact that it prevents a phone from going to landfill. When an iPhone is returned, a seller or the manufacturer will try to re-sell it and recoup some of their losses. However, if it’s not purchased, then it might end up being disposed of. This can lead to massive amounts of plastic and electronics being discarded and harming our environment.
Do You Really Like Your Current Phone?
Do you have a current phone that you’ve loved using for a long time, but needs to be replaced? If you have loved your current model, then moving to a newer version might not be convenient for you. There are several reasons why you might love your phone. It might fit perfectly in your hand, or the screen is just the right size for your eyesight, or it could be something inexplicable. If it’s been a few years, then your old phone may be available from mobile phone distributors. However, if you shop for refurbished iPhones you may be able to find another model of your favorite phone and get back to the comfort and performance you enjoyed before.
As you can see, it’s not necessarily an easy decision when trying to choose between new and refurbished iPhones. Keep some of these points in mind while you are deliberating. The fact is, the important thing is that at the end of the day, you have a phone that works for you. If you get it under your budget, eco-friendly, and under warranty, all the better.