Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones: The Good and Bad

Every September comes with a new iPhone launch. It is an event that iPhone enthusiasts await eagerly. While in foreign countries, iPhones are seen as a utility, in India, iPhones are a status symbol and an emblem of luxury. A newly launched iPhone can cost you nearly a lakh, while the old models can be above Rs. 50,000.  This is a bigger investment for average smartphone users and may not suit the pocket of all. 

For this, refurbished iPhones are a great solution. iPhone Refurbished are certified used iPhones that come at a lower cost but with the same functionality. The refurbished certification ensures its overall quality and condition.

Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone? If yes, which one should you choose? iPhone 11 refurbished or iPhone 12 refurbished? Or maybe the more recent one, iPhone 13 refurbished? This article will provide you with everything you need to make a decision. We will discuss the top pros and cons of buying a refurbished iPhone.

Pros of buying an iPhone refurbished 

Here are the pros of buying a refurbished iPhone. 

Affordability

One of the biggest pros of buying a refurbished iPhone is that it is much more affordable and cost-effective. It gives an opportunity to people to have an Apple device at a lower cost. For example, a new iPhone 13 may cost Rs. 50,000+, but an iPhone 13 refurbished would cost around Rs. 32,000 to Rs. 36,000.  

Also, if you are buying an ever older model like an 11 refurbished or iPhone 12 refurbished, it would cost you only around Rs. 18,000 and Rs, 25,000, respectively based on the condition, model type and specifications (RAM size, storage, etc.) 

Reseller Warranty 

A refurbished device often comes with a warranty from the reseller, which is typically 6 months from the date of purchase. Also, since refurbished iPhones are certified for quality, you can rest assured of their functionality. 

If anything happens with your iPhone during these six months, you can either get a refund or a replacement for the same.

Same functionality and feel

Refurbished iPhones are usually updated for their internal as well as external condition. So, the overall condition of the device is brand new. If you are purchasing an iPhone refurbished directly from an Apple Store, you may get a device without any dents or scratches, too. 

This means the same quality and lower price to own an iPhone. However, don’t forget to check the refurbished grades to know what you can expect.  The cost of Grade B refurbished iPhones is lower than Grade A.

Cons of buying an iPhone refurbished

Here are the cons of buying a refurbished iPhone.

Minor wear and tear

Based on the refurbished grade, you can expect some wear and tear in a used iPhone purchase. For example, Refurbished Grade A means that the iPhone is in top condition. This is the highest grade. The device goes through many software and hardware checks. Also, the dents or scratches, if any, are very minimal. 

On the other hand, Grade B means while an iPhone may have cosmetic compromises such as dents or scratches, the functionality is up to date. In short, you need to be open to accept such wear and tear on the purchased device. 

Not upgraded functionality

If you are buying a new iPhone 15 vs. an iPhone 12, there will be changes in the technologies. Apple launches devices with new functionalities and features every year, so buying a refurbished iPhone of the past models may result in old technology, which you would have to settle for. 

There are also chances that after a few updates, your iPhone may not be compatible with new iOS updates. This is because iPhones are supported for new iOS updates for around 7 years. The older the device you purchase, the higher the chances that you can’t update it. 

Limited choice

Unlike Android devices that launch new smartphones every year in multiples, Apple launches only one iPhone model with different variants every year. This means you have limited choices for purchasing an iPhone refurbished. The older models may be cheap but buying too old versions risks using run-down technology and the inability to update. 

This means you have fewer options to select. At maximum, you should purchase 3-4 years old refurbished iPhones. So, the oldest iPhone you can choose at present is an iPhone 11 refurbished. This limits your choice.

Durability issues 

Because a refurbished iPhone is basically a used iPhone, it can cause complications sooner compared to a brand-new iPhone. The older the device, the higher the chances of issues in the long run, especially for its logic board and battery. You can get these replaced, but that comes at an additional cost. 

Overall, when buying a refurbished phone, functionality would be good, but durability issues can hamper it’s functionality t in the long run. 

Buy refurbished iPhones from OLX

To make the most of buying an iPhone refurbished, choose only credible marketplaces like OLX. OLX is India’s one of the leading online platforms that offers you numerous iPhone listings. 

You can select an iPhone based on your preferences and budget with ease. Your transactions are also safe and secure giving you peace of mind for the end-to-end purchase experience. 

Conclusion

These pros and cons were pretty much all you needed to know for buying a refurbished iPhone. Make sure you research your options and only choose a credible and authentic platform like OLX for your purchase. All the best!