New Life For Old Tech: Australia’s Refurbished Phones

It’s not exactly a secret that smartphones have become quite expensive. That’s just the world we live in now. The prices have gone up in general, and that includes technology. Some phones cost over $2,000 these days. Those are extremes, but still, if you want a proper flagship device, chances are you’ll have to part with over $1,000. Even though there are exceptions, of course, those price tags are… head-spinning.

That’s where refurbished devices come into play. Not everyone has the cash to buy a more expensive new device, and yet there are plenty of advantages to having one. For example, maybe you want a better camera, faster wireless charging, a better display, or better haptics. Well, getting a refurbished device will get you that phone you’ve been wanting for considerably less money, though it won’t be new. So, you’ll have to wait a bit, you won’t be able to get it at launch, of course. Buying refurbished is not a bad idea for many people, so let’s talk more about that.

What does ‘refurbished’ mean, exactly?

Many people still confuse ‘refurbished’ with ‘used’, it’s not the same thing, not at all. Used devices are basically just devices that other people used, and then you bought them. They can be extremely worn out, have considerable marks of usage, and have various other issues. Refurbished devices are something else entirely. They go through inspection, testing, and a restoration process. Those are the three things you have to remember, it’s a major difference.

Now, let’s see what that entails when talking about Australia specifically. It means that the devices get professionally cleaned and sanitized. Worn-out and defective components get replaced, while software updates are applied too. Prior to that, however, a factory reset is performed to wipe the data entirely. Battery health testing is done, and often those batteries get replaced with new ones. Comprehensive quality control checks are being conducted as well. On top of all that, you also get a new warranty on the device, typically somewhere in the region between 6 months and a year.

What are refurbishment grades?

Reburbished tech retailers in Australia use a grading system to communicate a device’s condition. Well, most of them do. The specific terminology can vary from one seller to the next, but there are specific grades that all of them usually follow. There are three of them, so let’s see what each of them entails.

Grade A

The top level is called ‘Grade A’, it could also be marked as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Like new’. These are devices with minimal to no visible signs of use. We’re talking about premium refurbished products here that could have been display models, opened-box returns, or very lightly used.

Grade B

The second level is called ‘Grade B’ or ‘Good’. These devices have light cosmetic wear. So, we’re talking about minor scratches or scuffs, but they work perfectly fine. There’s essentially nothing wrong with them other than those cosmetic issues.

Grade C

The last and lowest grade is ‘Grade C’ or ‘Fair’. Devices that belong here are devices with noticeable cosmetic imperfections but with fully functional components. Needless to say, these ones can be bought for the least amount of money.

Software support provides long-term value

When buying a smartphone, you need to consider the software support it’ll be getting. Some Smartphone manufacturers offer up to 7-8 years of software updates, while some go as low as 2. It all depends. One thing is for sure: software support is important. Not only are you getting the latest features, but you’re also getting the necessary security updates. So the higher, the better. That way, you can easily get a device that is a year or two old but refurbished and be sure you’re on the software update train.

Long software support

So, for example, Apple offers up to 7-8 years of iOS updates to its iPhones. If you, for example, purchase a refurbished iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 today, you’ll be good to get updates for years to come. Google, on the other hand, offers up to 7 years of OS and security updates to its smartphones (Pixel 8 and newer). Samsung also offers major support of up to 7 years of updates to its Galaxy devices, though only to select premium models. Other Android manufacturers usually offer between 3 and 5 years of support.

Where can you get refurbished devices in Australia?

When looking for refurbished devices in Australia, there are several types of reputable sources to consider:

1. Specialized Refurbished Tech Retailers: A number of businesses focus specifically on selling refurbished electronics. These retailers (such as Phonebot, Reebelo, Boost Mobile’s refurbished store, Kogan, and others) often provide a wide selection across various brands and typically use clear grading systems like the ones mentioned earlier. It’s advisable to compare their stock, pricing, warranty terms, and return policies.

2. Manufacturer Refurbished Programs: Major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and sometimes others sell their own “certified refurbished” products directly through their websites. These devices often undergo rigorous checks and come with manufacturer warranties, though prices might be slightly higher than third-party options.

3. Major Electronics Retailers: Large chains such as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman also offer refurbished products. For JB Hi-Fi, these deals are typically found online only, while availability and channels for other retailers may vary. Always check their websites for current listings and purchasing options.

4. Telecommunication Providers (Telcos): Carriers like Telstra and Optus occasionally sell refurbished phones, sometimes bundled with plans or available for outright purchase. Check their specific offerings directly.

Regardless of the source, always verify the warranty period, return policy, and the seller’s reputation before buying.

What should you consider before purchasing a refurbished device?

There are some things to consider before you opt for a refurbished device. Battery health is definitely one of them. You should confirm that the battery health is over 85% before getting a device, and also check whether the battery has been replaced or not. If not, you can always ask what can be done and what the costs are. Needless to say, battery health is immensely important when getting a phone.

Warranty coverage

Warranty coverage is something else you should consider checking. You should always get at least 6 months’ worth of warranty, but you’ll often be able to grab 12 months too. Note the return policy before getting a refurbished phone, and also check Australian Consumer Law protections.

Accessories

Some of you will likely want to check what accessories come with the device and what the packaging situation is like. While original packaging should not be a priority of any kind, accessories may be, especially when it comes to an original charger.

Environmental impact

The last thing we’d like to mention is… environmental impact. Why? Well, because by purchasing a refurbished device, you can contribute to preserving our environment. You’ll be helping with e-waste reduction, as each refurbished device potentially prevents 35-100kg of CO₂ emissions. Resource conservation is also a part of the deal, and the same goes for reduced manufacturing demand. You’ll play a small part, but… an important one.

Conclusion

Make sure to consider what you actually need in terms of tech, or in this case, smartphones. If you don’t really need the latest and greatest, or don’t have the budget for it, getting an older flagship as a refurbished device can be an excellent option. There are quite a few upsides to buying refurbished, including significant cost savings and a positive environmental impact.

The key is to purchase from a reputable source. Investigate the different types of sellers available – specialized retailers, manufacturer programs, major stores, and telcos. Compare their offerings, carefully review warranty details and return policies, and check customer reviews before making your decision. Doing your homework will help ensure you find a quality refurbished device that suits your needs and budget.