With flagship phones out of reach for many, you might not have a choice but to go for a used smartphone. Buying second-hand is the only way to get some of the cutting-edge features in the smartphone world at an affordable price.
But, should you buy used smartphones? Are they worth it? Let’s find out.
Understanding Used Smartphones
When you’re in the market for a pre-owned phone, you’ll bump into an array of terms. You’ll see products marketed as either pre-owned, refurbished, used, or certified pre-owned.
It’s not the same thing. There is a difference between refurbished, used, and pre-owned devices.
Used smartphones are the cheapest relative to certified pre-owned and refurbished devices. Still, all second-hand devices can offer you some of the latest features for less. For instance, buying a used iPhone a few months after launch will always guarantee you a discount.
But, don’t tread the used path yet before understanding the pros and cons of used tech.
Pros of Buying Used Smartphones
There are specific reasons for buying a used device. So, before splurging cash on a new device, you need to weigh your options first. Here are the advantages of buying a used smartphone.
1. Saves You a Lot of Money
Living on the edge of technology means you get to pay more. On the other hand, buying a used smartphone guarantees you’ll save reasonable amounts of cash. This is true whether you’re buying a used Android smartphone or an iPhone.
A good example is Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra, launched in early 2021, starting at a whopping $1199. Nearly seven months later, the same unit is retailing at about $700 in the second-hand market. That’s around $500 off.
iPhones tend to command high prices in the long run, in part, due to long-term support. For instance, Apple has supported the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus with major platform updates and security patches for six years. However, despite that, you’ll still save some cash if you buy a used iPhone.
To save more, you’ll have to buy the previous generation, which means you’ll miss out on some bells and whistles.
2. Great Value for Money Proposition
Buying used almost always guarantees value for money. Sticking to the Galaxy S21 Ultra example, seven months isn’t a long period. With less than a year under its belt, the device is relatively new. Plus, it has all the latest and greatest features that Samsung offers in 2021, but, at a discount.
Even better, three major platform updates and four years of security patches mean you’re set for the next 3-4 years. That’s an excellent value for money ratio.
Getting value for money on the latest smartphones is always challenging, thanks to the new sticker tax. Besides, the latest smartphones frequently have cosmetic upgrades to their predecessors.
A good example is Samsung’s Galaxy S21 vs. Galaxy S20 series. And, unfortunately, in most cases, the prices keep soaring.
3. Environmental Friendly
Buying used devices is good for the environment as it helps reduce electronic waste. Consumer electronics do produce lots of debris. They also use rare earth materials in their innards, and electronic wastes contain lots of toxic materials. Each year, people throw away millions of cell phones as they upgrade.
If you buy a used device, you’re extending the period it takes to end in a landfill. Buying used also means less demand for new smartphones. As such, companies make fewer smartphones, and people toss away fewer each year.
Cons of Buying Used Smartphones
There are times when buying used smartphones might not be the best option. Here are some of the downsides of buying used.
1. No Warranties
One of the typical sacrifices one has to make when buying second-hand tech is lack of warranty. That is, in fact, in contrast to the high risk that comes with second-hand electronic devices. If anything happens, you’re on your own.
In some cases, some second-hand smartphones might still be on warranty. However, some manufacturers may not allow the transfer of warranties.
More often than not, if you’re buying a used smartphone or just about any second-hand electronic device, forget about warranties.
2. Probably No Accessories
Commonly, used smartphones won’t come with their original wall brick and charging cable. The packaging box might also not be available. In this case, you’ll have to buy a charger and cable by yourself. And chances are, you won’t find an original one for that specific device. Using a third-party charger has its risks. Worse of all, causing your smartphone battery to explode.
3. Many Uncertainties
Buying new smartphones is easy as the checklist is not so long. Know what you want, narrow down your options, and read different reviews online. And, with a warranty, you don’t have to worry so much. However, you don’t know what to expect when it comes to second-hand smartphones.
That’s why you need to consider more things before buying second-hand smartphones. You have to check if the device is stolen, its physical conditions, battery condition, if the phone has undergone any repairs, the age of the device, and the list goes on.
Should You Buy a Used Smartphone?
Buying used smartphones has its advantages and disadvantages, as buying new ones. But, should you buy a used smartphone? Yes.
If you’re even mulling the idea of buying used, you probably should. Key upsides include their price (affordable pricing) and environmental friendliness. You don’t need that latest shiny smartphone. Sure, you’ll find a few additional nice-to-haves that you don’t need and won’t ever use after a few trials on purchase day.
Additionally, most bells and whistles, like camera upgrades and improved chipset, rarely have any tangible differences in real-world use from one generation to the next.
And, what about the warranty and all the risks that come with second-hand smartphones? Consider buying refurbished from manufacturers. Both Apple and Samsung do sell refurbished smartphones. Manufacturer refurbished gadgets are the crème de la crème of the second-hand market. They are renewed to a pristine condition and ship with all the accessories and manuals in the box. They also include a one-year warranty for peace of mind.
On the flip side, refurbished smartphones won’t be dirt cheap, but you’ll still save cash.
Save Money by Buying Used Smartphones
Buying used smartphones can save you a lot of money. It also helps you break free from the yearly spending cycle. You can then repurpose that cash and spend it on something more worthwhile or even invest it.
Unless you really care about using the latest gadgets, don’t buy new ones.
