iPhones are arguably the best smartphones you can buy. Because of this, it’s not surprising that they’re relatively expensive and rarely on sale.
If you want to get an iPhone without paying the full price (and you’re not due for a carrier upgrade), buying a used iPhone may be your best bet.
iPhones are powerful, robust smartphones that can last for years. It makes sense that buying an older, refurbished iPhone model can be a great way to save money without compromising quality.
Before you purchase a used or refurbished iPhone, though, there are some things to be aware of.
We’ve listed the top things you need to know about refurbished iPhones. Afterward, you’ll also find some recommendations on the best places to buy one. The question what is a refurbished iPhone is about to be answered!
What is a Refurbished iPhone?
You should know right away that refurbished means used. How a seller defines this term can vary significantly, though.
It can be a demo phone from the store. Refurbished could also be an iPhone somebody bought and decided to return to the store the very next day.
It could be one that somebody used for months before they traded it in or sold it for some reason. In these respects, there’s no difference between a used and a refurbished iPhone.
However, there is a way that sellers usually differentiate between used and refurbished devices. Used iPhones are generally sold “as is.” That means all personal information has been cleared.
Any damage to the phone, scratches, or cosmetic issues will still be present. The seller will normally list any physical defects. They’ll also include other information in the listing, such as whether the device has any non-functioning features, a cracked screen, a foggy camera, etc.
A refurbished iPhone has undergone diagnostic tests to ensure it meets specific criteria. It’s not unlike buying a certified pre-owned car.
In some cases, they may be broken or damaged phones that were repaired. In other instances, they may be devices that were preowned but have no noticeable defects.
Often, you will find refurbished iPhones that are brand-new in every respect. You can even get ones sometimes that have factory-refurbished warranties that are almost as good as the original one-year warranty that came with the device.
The exact quality of the refurbishment process depends on the retailer. A refurbished iPhone direct from Apple will be of the highest quality and have the highest price tag. You can generally feel safe buying from sites like Amazon, Swappa, big-box retailers, and mobile carriers as well.
When you buy from third-party sellers like those on eBay and Swappa, though, you should do a little homework to make sure you’re getting a quality product.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about purchasing a device this way.
Are Refurbished iPhones Reliable?
With any used product, it’s reasonable to wonder whether it’s as good as a new one. When it comes to refurbished iPhones, the answer is maybe.
If you purchase one from a well-regarded source like Apple or a certified reseller, your iPhone should be just as good as any other. This is particularly true if the seller gives you a generous warranty with your refurbished device.
Is It the Right iPhone for Your Cellular Network?
Some iPhones only work on specific cellular networks. If you purchase a refurbished one, the seller should mention whether that’s the case. If you’re buying from a less reputable entity, though, they may neglect to mention this detail during the sale.
Ask the seller for the iPhone model number so you can check to make sure it’s compatible with your carrier. You may also want to check the phone’s IMEI device number.
By doing so, you can see whether it’s compatible with your network. You can also make sure it hasn’t been reported stolen or that it’s carrier-locked to one system.
You can also buy unlocked phones that will work on any network. If you’re a frequent international traveler, this is an excellent choice.
What’s the Right Price for a Refurbished iPhone?
You’ll likely be buying at least one generation behind the current model. Assuming that’s the case, you should save a minimum of $100 versus the most recent iPhone’s price.
Once again, though, this depends on the entity from which you purchase the iPhone. An Apple refurbished device will be as close to new as you can buy. You might expect to get a $20-90 discount off the select phone.
You can often find better deals through other retailers. Check out our recommendations for refurbished phone dealers below.
iOS Support
For functionality and security purposes, you want to make sure your iPhone is supported by the latest iOS. You can still find plenty of working older models, but some of them are no longer supported by iOS updates.
This means they’re no longer compatible with some apps and don’t usually receive security patches. On average, Apple supports iOS updates on their iPhone models for between 4-5 years.
If you want an iPhone you can use for at least 2-3 years, aim for a model that’s currently two generations old or more recent.
Is There a Warranty on Refurbished iPhones?
Warranties are essential for any used product. Even when you purchase a new iPhone from Apple, there’s a chance something could go wrong. With used and refurbished iPhones, those chances are naturally higher.
If it’s within your budget, get an additional warranty when you purchase a refurbished phone. It will be better to pay $29 to repair a broken screen than $100.
Does It Have the Right Features for Your Needs?
This is a question you should ask yourself regardless of whether you’re buying a new or used phone. Refurbished iPhones won’t have the latest features. However, you can expect them to be robust and versatile smartphones.
iPhones have always had high-end cameras, vivid screens, and other excellent features. That’s why many people prefer to purchase an older iPhone versus a comparably priced new phone from a different manufacturer.
The most crucial question is often storage how much storage you get. You can find some great deals on phones with only 16 or 32 GB of storage.
With iCloud, you might find that to be a sufficient amount. By looking at price, storage space, and any other features you want, you can usually determine the best refurbished model for your needs.
Where Can I Buy Refurbished iPhones?
Now that you know what to look for in refurbished iPhones, it’s time to check out some of the top retailers. Here are some of the best places you can buy refurbished:
Apple
Apple provides the best quality refurbished iPhones (and other Apple products). All refurbished iPhones go through rigorous testing and come with a one-year AppleCare warranty. They’re also eligible for AppleCare+.
Since these products are effectively new, you won’t find many amazing deals. You can be sure these phones will last you at least a few years, though.
Amazon
Amazon has its own category of refurbished devices that they refer to as “Amazon Renewed.”
These products are tested and certified by qualified suppliers to work and look like new. They look like new, and they’re backed by a minimum 90-day supplier warranty. You also get Amazon’s return policy.
Compared to Apple, you can find much better deals on phones. However, there have been occasional quality complaints about Amazon Renewed Products.
Check the reviews thoroughly on the iPhone you’re interested in before buying.
Swappa
Swappa is a fantastic option for buying used electronics. There are many resellers with excellent reviews selling iPhones at great prices.
What makes Swappa different from eBay is that you can get a better understanding of price ranges and the quality of the seller.
You can also buy phones in any shape for different prices. For example, you can find a phone that’s in “fair shape.”
That means it still works well but may have some cosmetic damage. Because of this, the seller will let you have it for much cheaper than you would pay for one in better condition.
Unlike buying used, this phone will have undergone diagnostic tests to make sure everything else about it is still in good shape.
If you want to find the best deal on a refurbished iPhone, it’s hard to beat Swappa.
DeCluttr
When you use DeCluttr, you can trade-in your used iPhone and buy a refurbished one in the same place.
Although their testing isn’t as rigorous, they still check the condition of devices to make sure everything works. They also include options for storage, screen size, and device color.
They also purchase a wide variety of other used goods, including electronics, toys, Legos, and more. That makes this an excellent option if you’re doing a little spring cleaning.
Phone Companies
The major cellular companies often sell used or refurbished iPhones that were traded in during new model releases or returned for repairs and then never retrieved.
The ones you get this way are usually in good shape. If you’re going this route, though, be prepared for the company to try and sell you a new phone plan in addition to a refurbished device.
eBay and Craigslist
eBay and Craigslist were the original places to buy and sell used electronics online. You can still find some incredible deals there. Scammers might also burn you with a broken iPhone, though.
eBay has gotten better, and shares overlap with Swappa and other sites when it comes to reputable, high-rated sellers. Craigslist is still the Wild West when it comes to purchasing anything, so buyer beware.
Final Thoughts on Refurbished iPhones
Refurbished iPhones are an excellent way for you to save some money when purchasing a new phone. They’re not only cheaper, but they’re also a greener option. When you buy one, you’re giving the device a second life.
If you do your homework, you can find a great combination of price, features, and quality to help you locate the perfect iPhone for your needs.
Whether you choose to buy a new or used iPhone, you can offset the cost of your purchase when you sell your old iPhone or a different smartphone model to Buyback Boss. Click here to see how much your device is worth.
Learn more about buying and selling iPhones on the Buyback Boss Blog. Learn how to sell your device for parts and what to do before you sell your phone.
You can also figure out the best time of year to buy an iPhone. Find deals, repair tips and tricks, and other useful information on our blog.
