New tech is exciting, but brand-new price tags? Not so much. Refurbished gadgets can be a cheap alternative to a brand new device. They’re also more reliable than your average second-hand phone or laptop, because they’ve been ‘refurbished’ (we’ll discuss exactly what this means in a second). As a result, they offer a great middle ground between price and performance – and yet it’s a middle ground that many of us never consider exploring. In this guide, we’ll explain in more detail why you might want to consider a refurbished gadget.
Firstly, what does ‘refurbished’ mean?
Refurbished gadgets are used gadgets – but they’re not the same as regular second-hand devices. Such gadgets are inspected, cleaned, repaired (if necessary) and tested to ensure that they are good quality. They are often demo units, items that have been returned or gently-used devices. They’re typically neatly packaged in a box and have little to no defects, making them feel brand new. Reputable sellers will also typically provide a warranty.
The big benefits of buying a refurbished device
There are a few good reasons to go refurbished…
Serious savings
This is the most obvious advantage – refurbished devices can be 20 to 50% cheaper than their brand new counterparts! If you need to buy a high-quality laptop, but are on a tight budget, you may not be able to buy a brand new model, however a refurbished Dell Latitude could be affordable. It could even free up money to consider extra accessories or software.
Reliable performance
Compared to regular used devices, refurbished devices are generally very reliable as they have been tested to meet certain standards. This could be important if you’re shopping for enterprise level tech – a refurbished Spectralink 8030 sourced from a reliable vendor will be able to handle the demands of your business for years to come. Warranties meanwhile protect you if something does go wrong, which is something you typically don’t get with used non-refurbished devices.
Good for the planet
Buying a refurbished device is a form of recycling. Instead of buying a new device, which will typically be made from new parts with new materials, you’re continuing the usage of an already existing device. You’ll be reducing the demand for new devices and also helping to combat electronic waste.
Familiar tech
Not all of us want to upgrade to a new model every few years, however many stores that only sell new devices will only stock the latest models. This means you’re often forced into buying a relatively new model with surplus features and a foreign layout that you may not always want. Looking into refurbished devices allows you to explore older models – and potentially even buy the same model that you currently have, allowing you to replace a broken or lost phone or tablet with the same model for continuity.
When – and when not – to buy a refurbished device
Ultimately, buying a refurbished device can be a good option if you don’t need the latest specs, want to save money, want to reduce your carbon footprint and still want something that’s decent quality. By using a reputable seller, checking for warranties and considering grading systems (some sellers will use ‘grade A’ to signal that a device is in excellent condition), you can be certain to end up with a device you can trust.
Of course, if you can afford to pay for the latest device and want/need the latest features, opting for a brand new gadget is better. A new device may also be less likely to have issues – even if refurbished gadgets tend to be reliable.
