Smartphones have been getting better and better. Packing lots of great features, slick designs, and camera systems that have begun to rival traditional cameras. But getting your hands on a brand-new premium smartphone can come with a hefty price tag. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that. 

If you buy a refurbished phone, you can get the latest and greatest handset with every feature you need and want at a fraction of the price. Here we dive into what exactly refurbished phones are, how they differ from used devices, and why you should consider getting one. 

What is a Refurbished Phone

A refurbished phone is a used device that was sold to a retailer/company or traded in. The phone is then restored and checked for any faults. If it passes the checks, it is put up for sale at a significantly lower price. 

A refurbished phone can also be a new device that was sold, used slightly then returned to the retailer shortly after for reasons as simple as not liking the device.

 It may also be a new device that was sold but later returned because it was faulty. Then repaired, checked, and resold by the retailer.

Can Refurbished Phones Be Trusted?

Short answer: Yes and NO.

Long answer:

The quality of a refurbished handset depends on where you are getting the device from. If you are buying from a trusted seller like Blynk. You can rest assured you are getting a quality refurbished phone.

If you choose to go with an unknown retailer with no reputation. You risk getting a low-quality refurbished smartphone or a used device masked as a refurbished one.

Most retailers place refurbished phones into quality determined grades. So buyers can know what to expect. Other retailers use terms like perfect, like new, nearly perfect, very good refurbished, excellent refurbished, etc.

Refurbished Phones Grades And What They Mean

Grade A  

Refurbished handsets categorized as Grade A are those in perfect condition. There should be no scratches, marks, or any sign of use. This should be like buying a brand new device.

Grade B

Refurbished mobiles in this category will have slight signs of use. It will have light scratches, marks, and maybe some dents. Apart from cosmetic damages, these devices should be working perfectly.

Grade C

Cellphones in this category will look used. Aside from that, its performance should be the same as the other grades.

Advantages of Refurbished Phones

Save Money

The biggest appeal of refurbished phones is the value for money they offer. You get a flagship handset with all the bells and whistles at a fraction of its original price.

To put this in perspective. A brand new Samsung S21 Ultra currently sells at around RS. 80,000 to RS. 105,000 depending on the storage configuration. A like-new Samsung S21 Ultra with 12GB Ram/256GB storage configuration from Blynk sells for RS. 67,999.

That’s over 40% cheaper for the same quality.

Warranty

Unlike second-hand phones sold by individuals, you’ll get a warranty when you buy a refurbished handset. Each refurbished handset retailer decides their device’s warranty period. So, make sure to check before you buy.

Environmentally Friendly

It takes 75 different elements to make a single device. And that’s not good for the environment.

With the basic nature of refurbished phones being restored used devices. Those 75 elements are not needed again to provide an individual with a smartphone.

So by buying a refurbished phone, you are helping to better the environment. 

Disadvantages OF Refurbished Phones

No Original Box

Due to the phone not being brand new you may not receive it in its original box or with all of the accessories it originally shipped with.

Some retailers provide their own box with the same or even more inbox accessories than the original.

Waiting Period

If you like having the latest and greatest phones as soon as they release, then a refurbished cellphone might not be right for you.  Because you’ll have to wait some months after a phone releases before you can get a refurbished version.

Why Are Refurbished Phones So Cheap?

The general consensus is the cheaper the device, the lesser the quality. Which is true to some extent. But not for refurbished cellphones.

The reason refurbished handsets are so cheap is because they do not meet up to the brand new criteria/standard. Which are no usage and a sealed original box.

What’s Better Used Or Refurbished?

When it comes to pricing, used phones are always cheaper than refurbished devices.

With refurbished phones, you most likely get a warranty. But with used ones sold mostly by private individuals,  you are less likely to get a warranty.

In the area of performance and overall condition of a phone. Refurbished handsets are a way better option than used phones. 

Where To Buy Refurbished Phones In India

Blynk is the best store to get refurbished mobiles in India. Every device in our care passes through hell just so we can get it to you in perfect condition.

You can buy from any of our physical stores across India, or you can shop online using our website and get your device delivered to your doorstep.

Conclusion

In 2021 the refurbished phones market saw a 15% Year on Year growth. And there are no signs of slowing down. This just shows how much value there is in refurbished phones.

 So instead of emptying your account for the latest and greatest. Buy a refurbished version for a fraction of the price from Blynk.