Teenagers love smartphones you can game on. But you’re never too old to attach your own phone to a gaming controller and embark on an adventure. Whether it’s racing games, fighting games, puzzle games or one of the countless other varieties out there, Android phones and tablets are known to be great for gaming.
The smartphone you buy doesn’t have to be a ‘gaming phone’ to support the games you want to play. Top-of-the-line Android phones from brands like Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel have features like exceptional hardware and displays, long battery lives, 5G connectivity and efficient cooling, so you can play for long sessions with no issues.
Are second-hand Android phones good for gaming? There’s a myth that still persists that buying a second-hand smartphone means accepting a lower standard of quality. Refurbished smartphones are challenging that misconception. Tested and repaired by professionals who make sure that every part of the phone still works, these smartphones offer new-like standards of quality at secondhand-style prices.
Refurbishing Process: Does It Affect Gaming Quality?
Before we can talk about whether second-hand phones are good for gaming, we need to address the refurbishing process itself.
A refurbished device is a device that’s either been previously owned or taken out of its box to be displayed in stores (otherwise known as an “ex-demo” device). A manufacturer, brand or retailer has repaired any minor faults the device has so it works as well as a new one.
The refurbishing process involves wiping the previous owner’s data and restoring the phone to factory settings, removing customisations, restoring damage and repairing cracks or dents, and repairing the battery. Refurbished phones are typically sold in grades that rate them according to condition, from good as new to a little more worn-out. So are second-hand Android phones good for gaming, or should you buy a new device if you’re a passionate gamer?
While buying a regular used phone in a private sale can be a risky move, we have some good news. If a refurbisher knows what they’re doing, the refurbishment process will help rather than hinder your ability to enjoy games. A good phone refurbisher will replace the hardware with high-quality parts, adhere to strict standards including for battery life and sometimes upgrade to the latest version of software. And just in case anything goes wrong, they’ll include a warranty. As long as you buy from a refurbished retailer you can trust, second-hand Android phones are very good for your gaming needs.
Gaming on a Budget: The Advantages of Refurbished Android Phones
When you need a device to play games on, what makes a refurbished Android phone such a strong choice? The advantages of refurbished Android phones go beyond gaming but definitely include it. Here are some of the top benefits of buying refurbished Android phones:
They’re a lot more affordable
When you buy refurbished, you can save hundreds of dollars on the right smartphone and sometimes even more than a grand. On the refurbished market, you’ll find a wide variety of recent model Android smartphones along with the older range, giving you exceptional freedom of choice.
They’re much better for the environment
The mass production and mass disposal of smartphones has contributed to the environmental crisis. 85% of a smartphone’s carbon footprint occurs during its manufacturing process, while billions of used smartphones are thrown into landfills per year. E-waste (electronic waste) is the fastest-growing form of waste in the world. When you buy a refurbished smartphone, it means one less phone has to be produced, and one less phone ends up at the tip.
You still get a warranty
For many people, the idea that they won’t get a warranty is one of the most off-putting things about buying a second-hand smartphone. Fortunately, refurbished retailers provide warranties with their devices, so even if you don’t get what you expected, you’re covered.
No contracts
Refurbished smartphones have all the perks of a new phone and none of the limitations, such as being locked to a particular provider. With no contracts to serve, a refurbished smartphone allows you to just pop your SIM card in and be ready to go.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Gaming-Focused Refurbished Phone
Some key components to consider when choosing a gaming-focused refurbished phone include:
The processor
The processor, also known as the chipset, is the “brain” of your smartphone. The faster it is, the quicker your smartphone runs. When it comes to gaming, you want as much power as possible, but that doesn’t mean you need the most expensive CPU. A midrange processor like the Snapdragon 6 or 7 can offer value for money and decent levels of performance as well.
The cooling mechanism
There’s nothing quite like an overheating device to bring your gaming session to a sudden end. Due to developments in semiconductors, the cooling mechanisms in smartphones have improved and many will keep your phone at a stable temperature even over long sessions.
The display
When it comes to gaming, it’s best to find a display with a number of good qualities. High brightness levels, colour ranges and contrast ratios are important, as are refresh rates.
The storage
The more internal storage space and RAM you have on hand for gaming, the better. While 128GB of internal storage is good for most games, 256GB leads to optimal results.
The battery and charging
Needless to say, gaming consumes a lot of battery power. A long-lasting battery that’s quick to charge means longer, better gaming sessions.
Top Refurbished Android Phones for Gamers in 2023
What are the best-refurbished phones for playing games on? You have a lot of choices at your fingertips when it comes to second-hand Android phones that are good for gaming, but here are some of the top performers of 2023.
Sony Xperia 1 IV
The Sony Xperia 1 IV is ideal for streaming games to viewers just about anywhere, with terrific in-class speakers, a high-performing chipset and a long-lasting battery.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Powered by the A17 Pro Chip, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the finest gaming smartphones on the market, with realistic graphics and responsive controls.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
A foldable phone that fits nicely into your pocket, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 unfolds to reveal two screens: an outer 6.23-inch display and an inner 7.6-inch 120 Hz screen. While a bigger screen than usual is definitely a unique selling point when it comes to gaming, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 also has other benefits, like Dolby stereo speakers and game booster tools.
Samsung Galaxy A50
A budget-friendly mid-range phone, the Samsung Galaxy A50 has a long-lasting battery that sustains you during a full day’s worth of gaming.
Get Your Ideal Refurbished Gaming Phone at OzMobiles
Whether you’re shopping for a phone for your teenager or looking for the right gaming phone for yourself, OzMobiles sells high-quality second-hand Android phones that are good for gaming. You can take your pick from a range of popular models, such as refurbished Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel brands.
OzMobiles puts every device we sell through a detailed 72-point checking process to make sure it’s in a state of peak performance, including a battery life of at least 80%. We not only sell some of the best refurbished phones for playing games, but we also sell them with warranties and free and fast shipping.
For more information and help finding the right refurbished Android phone, contact the team at OzMobiles.
