What's the difference between a refurbished and used iPhone? Features, pros, and cons

Besides used iPhones, there are also those referred to as "refurbished products."

Some people may be confused about the difference between refurbished and used products.

 

Refurbished and used products are distinct, so it's important to understand their differences well before making a choice.

Therefore, we will explain in detail the differences between refurbished and used products for those who want to know.

 

By reading this article, you will understand what refurbished products are, their differences from new and used products, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

 

 

What are refurbished iPhones?

 

 

Refurbished iPhones are products that have been sold and used once, or were used as display models, and are then refurbished and resold.

 

Apple-certified refurbished products are called "Certified Refurbished Products" and are also sold on Apple's official website.

A key feature is that the seller, Apple, refurbishes them to a like-new condition before selling them.

 

They are cleaned by expert staff, and problematic parts are replaced, ensuring excellent performance and quality.

Apple is not the only one selling refurbished iPhones.

 

Used product dealers also sell refurbished products.

However, what constitutes "refurbished" or "certified" varies by seller, so the quality is not always the same as Apple's Certified Refurbished Products.

 

While often available at lower prices from used product dealers, it is essential to thoroughly check the quality and other aspects.

Since specialist staff handle these products, there's no need to be overly concerned about refurbished products sold by used product dealers.

 

 

Difference from new products

 

New products are those that have never been used and are in a pristine condition.

Of course, they don't have small scratches or dirt, and if they do, you can request an exchange.

 

On the other hand, a major difference is that refurbished products are a type of used product.

Refurbished products are sold at a lower price.

 

 

Difference from used products

 

Regarding the difference between refurbished and used products, used products are those that have been used at least once.

Among them are "junk products" that cannot be used as they are, badly scratched items, and those with performance issues.

 

Conversely, while refurbished products are also a type of used product, they are characterized by being restored to a near-new condition.

They do not include items with quality or condition issues.

If you prioritize the product's condition, refurbished products are more suitable.

 

It's worth noting that Apple's Certified Refurbished Products, a subset of refurbished items, are characterized by being adjusted and sold after being returned, displayed, or found to have manufacturing defects.

 

While they are not new because they have been handled and unsealed, they can include unused devices.

 

 

 

Benefits of buying a refurbished iPhone

 

 

Many people find refurbished iPhones to be more suitable than new or used ones.

Here are six main benefits.

 

 

Benefit ① Cheaper than new products

A major advantage is that you can get it cheaper than buying a new model of the same product.

When considering buying an iPhone, many people want to buy it as cheaply as possible.

 

iPhones offer excellent performance, but their high price often makes potential buyers hesitant.

The extent to which refurbished products are cheaper varies by seller.

 

However, it's possible to purchase them at a 10-20% discount compared to new products, making them a very good deal.

Refurbished products from used product dealers can sometimes be even cheaper.

 

Apple's Certified Refurbished Products offer a maximum discount of 15%.

Some used product dealers offer discounts of over 20%.

 

However, if the discount rate is too high, there might be a reason for it, so you need to check why the price is lower before considering the purchase.

 

 

Benefit ② Has performance equivalent to new products

 

Although you can purchase it cheaper than a new product, its performance is comparable to a new one.

This is because refurbished products are items that have been brought to a like-new condition by expert staff through cleaning and parts replacement.

 

Therefore, some people choose refurbished products as a way to purchase an item with the same performance as a new one but at a lower price.

 

 

Benefit ③ Has the same quality and reliability as new products

 

When considering buying an iPhone cheaply, some people might consider purchasing a used product.

 

However, used products vary widely, and some are in very poor condition.

Even if they appear fine on the surface, they might break down soon after you start using them, which can be a source of anxiety.

 

On the other hand, refurbished products also offer the same quality as new ones.

A key feature of Apple's Certified Refurbished Products is that their quality is guaranteed by Apple, the original manufacturer.

 

All products undergo operational testing and are refurbished through a strict process.

 

 

Benefit ④ Warranty and support available

 

When buying anything other than a new product, concerns about malfunctions and defects often arise.

However, without a warranty or support, you might not receive assistance, and if it breaks down shortly after purchase, your money will be wasted.

 

To prevent such problems, it's advisable to choose products like refurbished ones that come with a warranty and support.

Most refurbished products come with a warranty and support.

 

However, the specific content of the warranty and support varies by seller, so it's important to check carefully.

For Apple's Certified Refurbished Products, services and support are also provided by Apple, the iPhone's manufacturer.

 

As the company most knowledgeable about Apple products, they are reliable.

If any issues arise, you not only receive support but can also request repairs directly.

 

Additionally, they come with a one-year limited hardware product warranty and 90 days of complimentary technical support.

Furthermore, purchasing AppleCare products compatible with the device provides even more comprehensive support.

 

 

Benefit ⑤ Wide range of models to choose from

 

Various iPhone models that have been previously sold are available as refurbished products.

 

If you're considering purchasing an older iPhone model but are hesitant about used products, we recommend checking out refurbished options.

In particular, after new models are released, the availability of older models increases, making them a good target.

 

However, since many others are likely looking for the same, it's advisable to regularly check sales websites.

While performance varies by model, you might not necessarily need the latest one depending on your usage.

 

By clearly defining the performance you need and selecting an older model refurbished product that meets those requirements, you can acquire it more affordably than buying a new one.

 

 

Benefit ⑥ Environmentally friendly

 

A major benefit of refurbished products is that they are more environmentally friendly compared to buying new ones.

 

Manufacturing new iPhones requires raw materials, and the production process consumes a lot of energy.

After use, they must be disposed of through incineration or landfill, which also requires energy.

 

On the other hand, since refurbished products are already manufactured, there's no need to source raw materials from scratch.

While replacement parts may be used, it still requires less raw material and energy compared to manufacturing new products.

This also leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

 

Since devices are reused instead of being discarded, the environmental burden associated with disposal is eliminated, making it suitable for those who wish to acquire an iPhone in an environmentally friendly way.

 

 

Disadvantages of buying a refurbished iPhone

 

Let's also look at the disadvantages of buying a refurbished iPhone.

If any of the following points concern you, you must carefully consider them before deciding to purchase.

 

 

Disadvantage ① May have residual scratches on the exterior

 

Even though refurbished products are properly serviced and tested for operation, they are not new.

 

Therefore, there's a possibility of residual scratches on the exterior.

Of course, these scratches are not significant enough to affect the device's performance.

 

However, it's important to understand that they are still a type of used product.

They are not suitable for those who are bothered by even small scuffs.

 

Even if you don't mind it for personal use, you should be cautious if you're giving it as a gift to someone.

It's worth noting that while refurbished products may have residual scratches on the exterior, Apple Certified Refurbished Products use new batteries and outer casings.

 

This is also perfect for those who want to get a device in as pristine a condition as possible. However, gift wrapping is not supported.

 

 

 

Disadvantage ② Usage feel differs from new products

 

Refurbished products are known for their high quality, but their usage feel still differs slightly from new products.

 

This is because they are, after all, used items.

While there are almost no issues in terms of functionality, some users might be bothered by the texture if there are minor scratches.

 

However, it also depends on the specific product, and many refurbished products feel almost like new.

Ideally, you would check the condition with your own eyes, but even when buying online, if photos are available, it becomes easier to assess the condition.

 

 

Disadvantage ③ Relatively few latest models

 

Refurbished products typically consist of older models.

 

Therefore, it can be difficult to find refurbished versions of the latest models.

The more specific your criteria, such as storage capacity or color, the harder it becomes to find a matching product.

 

It's not suitable if you're looking for the features and performance of the latest model.

However, after a new model is released, an increase in refurbished and used older models is expected due to people upgrading their devices.

 

The circulation volume might increase significantly, so if you're okay with not having the latest model, we recommend checking refurbished products after a new model is released.

 

 

Disadvantage ④ Difficult to obtain

 

Compared to refurbished products, used products are overwhelmingly more common.

 

Therefore, it can be difficult to obtain one if the timing isn't right.

Apple's Certified Refurbished Products, in particular, are very limited in number, and popular models can sell out quickly after being released.

 

Since both Apple and used product dealers carry them, it's advisable to gather information widely.

 

 

 

Understand the differences between refurbished and used products

 

 

How was it?

We've explained the differences between refurbished and used iPhones, and the characteristics of refurbished products.

 

Although they are more expensive than used items, you can expect performance comparable to new products, so why not check them out if you're interested?

 

At "PRODIG," an official online store for used smartphones and tablets, we handle a wide range of iPhones.

 

While some people worry that used products might break down soon after purchase, our strict quality standards and 180-day long-term warranty ensure peace of mind.

Please check it out.

 

Click here for a list of used iPhone products provided by PRODIG

 

Click here for a list of used smartphone products provided by PRODIG