With smartphone technology rapidly improving and massive leaps being made—especially in artificial intelligence- it’s only normal to want to stay up to date with the latest features. However, with new phone models being released yearly, it can get expensive trying to keep up.

Buying a brand-new device every 1-2 years ends up adding up, especially with higher-end and flagship models sometimes costing several thousands. That’s why over the past few years, the refurbished smartphone market has been growing in popularity. According to Counterpoint, the second-hand market is growing faster than the new phone market.

The second-hand smartphone market is growing for various reasons. Shoppers are starting to become more cost-conscious and want better deals. Buying refurbished products is also growing popular because they are better for the environment, cut down electronic waste, and support sustainable business practices.

There are so many benefits to buying a refurbished phone, but it’s important to understand what makes a great refurbished phone. This article covers everything you need to know to spot good deals for refurbished phones and get the best value possible.

Key Features To Look For In A Refurbished Phone Company

While buying second-hand can be a great way to save money on a phone and participate in eco-friendly shopping practices, it does come with risks. Unfortunately, scammers are always looking to make money and exploit unsuspecting buyers, which is why it’s important to understand what to look out for.

Taking the right precautions and understanding how to spot a trustworthy seller are the keys to protecting yourself from scams. Below, we’ve outlined all the key features and factors you should consider when looking into refurbished phone companies to judge their legitimacy. 

• Stick to websites where possible and avoid companies that sell products through Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. An official website that is recognised and has reviews through Google can help you minimise potential scams.

• Avoid any refurbished phone companies that only take cash and/or don’t support payment platforms like PayPal. PayPal is your best friend when it comes to shopping online, as they offer buyer protection in case things go wrong.

• A good refurbished phone company is always transparent about its refurbishing process. It’s a massive green flag if the phone seller has this information listed on their website/storefront.

• Always look out for quality assurances, like a warranty or a return policy. Not only is this helpful if you have an issue with the device, but it also shows that the seller is confident in their product.

• A massive key feature to look out for is positive reviews. Only stick with refurbished phone companies that are backed by a large number of positive reviews. We recommend only going with sellers that have a majority amount of 4-5 star reviews.

• When looking into refurbished phone companies, we also recommend considering their customer support services. Companies that offer responsive customer support services with a quick response time are a green flag.

How To Spot A Good Deal On A Refurbished Phone

Spotting a good deal on a refurbished smartphone takes time and research. It’s unlikely that you’ll find a good deal at the first refurbished phone store you settle on. When it comes to spotting a good deal, we recommend:

• Comparing prices with other refurbished phone retailers.

• Check for any comprehensive warranty options and return policies.

• Detailed descriptions of the phone’s condition, including information on the refurbishing process.

• If possible, perform your own test on the phone before purchase. Test everything thoroughly, from the screen to the speakers.

• Check if the refurbished phone comes with any extras, like additional accessories.

• Always check the phone’s condition/grade. This refers to the phone’s age and cosmetic condition. The closer to like-new condition, the better.

If you want to score the biggest deals, we recommend waiting until major shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Many big refurbished phone companies celebrate these unofficial ‘holidays’ and throw major deals on already discounted phones.

Is There A Difference In Refurbishing Processes?

There is no single universally accepted ‘standard’ refurbishing process; however, most reputable retailers would have the same core steps. Below, we’ve outlined the usual steps a professional retailer should include as part of their refurbishing process.

Initial inspection & assessment

The first step to any refurbishing process at a reputable company is the initial inspection and assessment. A qualified technician examines the phone, checking the overall condition of the phone, checking that it is fully functional (software) and if there’s any cosmetic wear (like scratches) that will need fixing. 

Disassembly

After the initial assessment, most companies would go on to disassemble the phone to check the internal components. During this procedure, they can check components like the battery, motherboard, and camera. If required, they’ll be able to remove and repair them. 

Repairs, replacements, and cleaning

Although the exact order will depend on the company, after the disassembly and inspection, any worn or damaged parts are identified for replacement. They will then be replaced using genuine parts, and then the phone will also be cleaned, removing any dust, dirt and residue.

Clearing data

As part of the refurbishing process, all previous user data is cleared, and the phone should be restored to factory settings. This wipes any pre-existing data and apps off the device.

Software updates

After repairing any worn or damaged parts and clearing the data, the phone is then updated to the latest security patches and operating system.

Testing

After all the repairs, data clearing, and software updates are done, the phone is tested to ensure everything is fully functional. This usually requires professional-grade tools to make sure everything is working, down to individual components like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Cosmetic restoration

After the phone is rigorously tested, cosmetic restoration, like minor scratches, is dealt with if needed.

Packaging and resale

Once the phone has passed all tests and been repaired (if required), the phone is ready for resale as a refurbished unit.

While there is no ‘standard’ for the refurbishment process, there is a standard for ‘grade levels’. This is a term used by retailers that sell refurbished products and refers to their condition. 

Any reputable and trustworthy retailer would also be transparent about their refurbishment process. You should be able to find a breakdown of their refurbishment process on their website, along with their condition/grading system.

If you can’t find any information regarding the store’s refurbishment process and/or guarantees about the condition of the device, that is a red flag. 

Find A Great Deal on Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles

OzMobiles offers the best deals on second-hand mobile phones, whether you’re looking for the latest Samsung devices or iPhones, we’ve got you covered. If you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll also beat it by $10* (terms and conditions apply).

Here at OzMobiles, we also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and customer support. All our refurbished devices come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy, so you can shop with confidence.

We’re also crystal clear about our refurbishing process. All the devices we sell undergo a comprehensive 72-point checking process in our Melbourne headquarters using professional-grade testing software. 

During this procedure, the phone is looked over by a qualified technician to ensure it meets high Australian standards, is compatible with Australian networks, and is fully functional. The phone is also wiped of the previous owner’s data and restored to factory settings. 

If you have any questions about our refurbishing process or the devices we have on sale, contact us today. The OzMobiles team would love to hear from you and help you with any queries.