Should you buy a refurbished smartphone? 5 reasons why you should and 5 reasons why you shouldn’t

A refurbished cell phone can be easier on your pocket, but it can also pose a security risk [File]
|Photo provided by: Reuters

Premium smartphones aren’t just for premium wallets. Even the most budget-conscious person may have aspirations of purchasing an Apple iPhone, the latest Google Pixel, or even a Samsung Flip or Fold. Instead of spending a fortune or waiting years to buy the latest model, gadget enthusiasts can experience a flagship or even ultra-luxury device by purchasing a refurbished smartphone. You can.

Refurbished phones purchased from major e-commerce players or other reputable sellers are very likely to have undergone proper maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and registration.

The end result is a device that can range from visibly used to almost completely new. However, it must meet certain quality standards, so shoppers are typically paired with a device in good working order that the company can guarantee has not been stolen, compromised, or used in an illegal manner before being refurbished.

For example, the retail price of a refurbished SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Plus 5G (Phantom Black, 512 GB) listed on Flipkart was ₹63,499 against the original price of ₹1,28,999.

Refurbished mobile phones are sold on both online and offline platforms [File]
|Photo courtesy of Flipkart India

Some e-commerce platforms classify refurbished devices based on quality, or the different levels of protection each product receives. Shoppers perform a cost-benefit analysis of the devices on offer and decide whether they would prefer an expensive refurbished phone with better coverage and less wear or a cheaper phone that is more prone to problems. You can personally decide what you like.

However, refurbished cell phones also have major drawbacks.

Used mobile phones, especially those from third-party sellers and unofficial dealers, always involve a certain amount of risk. For example, a refurbished device may be stolen. Separately, there are concerns about how the phone was used before the renovation, and whether the previous owner used the device for illegal purposes. These factors may pose a risk to the current owner as the device may be brought into law enforcement and searched.

Older cell phone models may not have the latest OS or security upgrades, so there is also a risk of cybersecurity abuse.

Other minor issues or defects that were not detected during the inspection process may also cause inconvenience to users after the product return period ends. These include damage from malware, viruses, slightly damaged camera sensors, small display cracks, bad pixels, overheating, rapid battery drain, and exposure to the elements.

Additionally, since the phone has been refurbished and in some cases jailbroken, some corporate service centers may refuse to take your device back for repair, leaving you in limbo.

Refurbished smartphones can be a good choice for temporary or short-term users who are tech-savvy and understand the risks of purchasing a used device. They can test the device and raise a complaint within the return period. People who only use their cell phones for a few minutes each day for low-risk activities or basic calls may also benefit from a high-quality refurbished device.

However, people who work in sensitive fields or who use their devices for highly privileged communications, both personal and professional, should avoid refurbished cell phones and instead opt for all the necessary protections. You need to invest in new products that are equipped with Additionally, children and other vulnerable users who are learning about technology may not be able to identify problems with refurbished cell phones.

If you simply want to buy a phone at a lower price, there are several entry-level budget-friendly options that allow you to enjoy many of the same features found on mid-range or premium phones.

Apart from this, e-commerce platforms are running seasonal sales, so shoppers can get discounts and combine bank offers to get new products and avail cheaper prices. You can also.