Don’t Pay Full Price for an iPhone. Consider Buying a Refurbished or Renewed Device.
In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, and it continues to be the most popular smartphone, totaling over 1 billion active users. We all know its high-market demand is a big factor in the pricing, particularly on the latest models like iPhone 12.
If owning an iPhone is a goal — and not owning the latest model works for you — then buying a previously owned iPhone may just be the perfect solution! Whether you are purchasing your first iPhone or upgrading your old one, buying a previously owned will truly save you a ton!
When retailers sell previously owned iPhones, the phones are either renewed or refurbished. Do you know the difference? We are going to break down each option and highlight how they differ to help you make the right decision when buying a previously owned iPhone. Let’s get started.
What is a Refurbished iPhone?
Refurbished iPhones are usually phones that have been returned, damaged, or turned in for upgrades where repairs are made in order to sell at a lower price point.
Whether or not they were damaged, all refurbished phones are tested to make sure they work perfectly before they are sold again. The seller tests these features:
Camera operation
Buttons
Battery life
Audio quality
Screen responsiveness
Wi-Fi and 3G/4G/5G connection
After all tests and repairs are done, the seller wipes the phone of all previous data. Sometimes sellers will also update it to the latest operating system.
When you buy a refurbished iPhone, it is essentially like you are getting a new phone. It is wiped clean and free of any issues.
What is a Renewed iPhone?
A renewed iPhone is like refurbished, except parts are replaced instead of repaired. The phone may have needed a whole new battery, camera, screen, or another part that couldn't be repaired. Once it is renewed, it is put up for sale again.
Should You Buy a Refurbished or Renewed iPhone?
As previously mentioned, buying a previously owned iPhone is a great way to save money and get you that iPhone you’ve been wanting to have. It is also great for the environment since the phone will in use instead of it getting thrown in the trash. Did you know is a major contributor to the climate change? Read more about that here.
Repairing your existing phone is also great for your wallet while helping preserve Mother Earth. Marketing strategies used by cell phone companies are intended to make us believe we need the latest and greatest iPhone every year. However, the truth is, your current phone probably has a lot of life left in it. Plus, getting parts repaired or replaced can help it live even longer!
Here are our reasons to buy a refurbished or renewed iPhone:
It can look and function like new.
You don't have to enter an expensive cell phone contract.
Overall, it's a better value.
According to Consumer Reports, people who bought previously owned phones acknowledged being very happy with their purchase.
Let's look at just how much money you could save when purchasing a refurbished or renewed iPhone.
How Much Can You Save?
Currently, the latest version of the iPhone is the iPhone 12s with prices starting at $599 for the iPhone 12 mini and roughly $899 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Depending on the storage capacity you want, the price will vary, so pay close attention to that aspect when comparing prices. Keep in mind, these prices are only for the device itself — it does not include your cell phone plan or protection plan.
It also does not come with any added accessories like an iPhone case. iPhones no longer come with a charging cord & block and pair of headphones since they want you to buy AirPods.
On Apple's website, refurbished iPhones start at $639. However, you can find them even cheaper from third-party sellers such as Certified Cell.
Here are other places you can get refurbished iPhones:
Gazelle
Amazon
Best Buy
eBay
Finally, you can get refurbished and renewed iPhones from your respective cell phone carrier, such as Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T.
iPhone Repairs at iFixOmaha
If you want to extend your iPhone's life, bring it into iFixOmaha for repairs. We offer fast, affordable, and reliable repair services. In fact, we've been voted #1 by Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha in the Smartphone Repairs category since 2017.
Our iPhone repairs include:
Screen replacement
Battery replacement
Charging port replacement
Button repair
Camera replacement
Rear glass replacement & more …
Essentially, we can repair and renew any part of the iPhone. Every iPhone repair comes with a limited-lifetime warranty on our replacement parts and workmanship.
Refurbished vs Renewed iPhone: The Final Verdict
As a quick refresher, refurbished and renewed iPhones are remarkably similar. However, the term refurbished generally refers to parts that were repaired while the term renewed generally refers to parts that were replaced.
Which one is better? It really depends on your situation and which one is the right option for you. If you already have an iPhone you intend to keep for a few more years, getting it renewed by replacing some of the parts is the best way to go.
If you need a completely new phone but don't want to shell out the money for a new one, buying a refurbished phone is a great choice. It will work just like a new phone and save you a lot of money.
Renew Your iPhone at iFixOmaha Today.
Now that you're a pro on refurbished vs renewed iPhones, you can buy one best fit for your needs at any iFixOmaha locations.
If you're ready to get your iPhone repaired, let our experts look at it today. Along with iPhones, we also repair computers, tablets, and other smartphone brands. You can also sell us your old iPhone and put the money towards a new one.
Book an appointment online today to get started.