With the latest flagship phones costing nearly $1000, you’re probably looking to save some cash on your next device. Buying used and refurbished aren’t just cheaper, they’re better for the environment—but what do you give up when you opt for a “previously loved” gadget?
New vs. Used vs. Refurbished
You probably have a decent understanding of what “new” and “used” mean, but refurbished is a bit trickier. Refurbished can mean different things depending on where you buy, so it’s important to do your due diligence before shelling out your hard-earned cash. In general, here’s what you need to consider when shopping in these three categories:
- New devices come straight from the factory: When you buy a phone off the shelf at Best Buy or Fry’s, sealed in-box, it’s a new device. It went straight from the factory to the store to your hands, and comes with the manufacturer’s full warranty—usually one year—and all the included accessories. New devices may occasionally go on sale for moderate discounts, and generally decrease in price over time, but will still fetch a higher price than used and refurbished devices.
- Used devices come straight from the previous user: If you buy a phone or laptop used, that means it’s likely coming from an individual who used the device and has moved on—though they may sell it through an intermediary site like Craigslist, OfferUp, Swappa, or eBay. It may come with light scratches or heavy cosmetic damage, as well as battery degradation and other wear. If a buyer isn’t completely honest, it may even come with damage that affects usability. Buying used tends to be the cheapest way to get your tech (saving 50% off the list price isn’t uncommon, depending on the condition), but it’s also the riskiest, since they often don’t come with a warranty or return policy.
- Refurbished devices include some cleanup, repair, or other maintenance: Refurbished units lie somewhere in between used and new. They may be units that were returned shortly after sale, or they may be used items that undergo maintenance before being resold. The manufacturer or seller may have replaced the battery or other components, cleaned up the device, and—in some cases—included a fresh warranty with the product. This can all vary from seller to seller, though—some refurbished units can be nearly indistinguishable from new ones, while other refurbished units may be more similar to buying used. That means the discount you get can vary too, though you’re sure to save at least 15% if not more.
All of these have their place: buying used devices can be particularly great if you’re open to fixing worn or damaged products. For example, you could save a bundle on an iPhone 7 that required a screen replacement or battery swap and perform the repair yourself. If you aren’t willing to do that work, though, buying refurbished could be the answer, as long as you do a little research first.
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