“A new phone? Again? You just bought one last year! You think money grows on trees?” 

If that sounds familiar  and you wish you had no budget constraints to buy a mobile every year, here’s a question: Have you considered buying a refurbished phone?

In recent times Xiaomi has been a popular choice for smartphone users in the mid to high range category. And now you can choose from a variety of refurbished Xiaomi phones, but pay anywhere between 30% to 60% less.

A refurbished device is one which has been completely revamped by the seller, so that it is as good as new, and even comes with a warranty.

Shopping for a refurbished Xiaomi phone can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and precautions, you can find a great-quality phone at an inexpensive price. Find out what to look for when shopping for refurbished phones, the advantages and disadvantages of buying refurbished products, and more advice here.

Do remember that a second-hand Xiaomi phone is not the same as a refurbished one. The former is just a trade between buyer and seller, with no guarantee or warranty. What you see is what you get.

Do Your Research On Where to Buy.

A trusted seller of refurbished phones is what you’re looking for.

The best way to find a quality refurbished Xiaomi phone is to do your research. Look for reviews and ratings on the seller before making any purchase decision. It’s also important to know what kind of warranty the seller offers, in case you end up with a defective phone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you fully understand the condition of the product.

Check the Phone's Warranty Coverage.

When looking for a refurbished Xiaomi phone, look for a device in A+ grade condition. In addition to checking the physical quality of the phone, make sure to find out what kind of warranty is being offered with your purchase. Many reliable sellers offer at least a 90-day money-back / exchange warranty, in addition to a one year warranty on the functioning.

Ensure That You Receive All Necessary Accessories.

When you're buying a refurbished Xiaomi phone, find out what accessories are included with your purchase. Depending on the seller, you may need to inquire if the phone will come with its original charger and USB cable.

On the other hand, if you're looking to buy a second-hand Xiaomi phone, you can’t always be sure that the charger cable is appropriate to the model of phone that you're buying. If it does not work properly after the first few days, you cannot take it back to the seller or exchange it. 

Check the Phone's Condition Thoroughly.

At Blynk, every refurbished device has been checked and verified on multiple counts, and you can be assured that it is in good condition and will function properly. They have already made sure that it is not stolen, locked, blocked or restricted.

If you are buying from a reliable seller, you will be assisted while deciding on the device you are interested in purchasing. Before making a purchase, they will help you to visually inspect the phone to make sure everything is in working order. You can ensure that the display is smooth, with no visible scratches or scuff marks. At Blynk, a refurbished Xiaomi phone has already been tested; all of the buttons and its capacitive touchscreen response rate have been checked and restored to excellent working condition. You also have access to their customer care helpline for any assistance needed after you start using the phone.

In the case of a second-hand purchase, you will have to do this yourself, to ascertain whether the phone was well taken care of by its previous owner and will function properly.

Look for Verified Sellers and Equipment Professionals.

When shopping for refurbished Xiaomi phones, it's important to check the seller’s reputation and ensure that they only distribute authentic, certified equipment. It can also be beneficial to have a professional examine the device before completing your purchase, especially when buying from an unfamiliar seller.

When you opt to invest in a refurbished phone, you not only enjoy massive price benefits, but also get to upgrade to preferred models more often without the pressure of unsettling your budget. It is also the best way to delay e-waste from going into the landfills, and  so becomes a mindful act towards the planet.