If you’re new to the world of refurbished phones, welcome. We’re glad you’re here. This article is about to dispel what a refurbished phone is, how long it really lasts, and what you can expect. Spoiler: If purchased from a reliable retailer, refurbished phones should last as long as their new counterparts. Unfortunately, retailers with poor quality standards can sell refurbished phones that don’t make it past a month.
If you’re stuck on where to begin your search, look no further. Back Market customers receive a 1-year warranty to provide peace of mind. Phew.
What is a refurbished phone?
We’re here to answer the big question on everybody’s lips. A refurbished phone is one that was previously owned but has since been expertly restored to work like new. You can think of refurbishing a phone as similar to book restoration. Let’s break it down:
New: A brand new book has never been read before and still has a spine that’s never been broken open. This is similar to a brand-new phone.
Used: A used book from a thrift store has been used, but not restored. It probably has signs of wear and tear and has no guarantees for its condition. This is similar to buying a used phone from eBay or other online sellers with no certification or warranty process.
Refurbished: An old classic book that’s been properly restored will be as close to its original as possible. This often requires expert knowledge and the use of time-appropriate materials. Restored books often come with certificates of authenticity, just like a well-refurbished phone will come with some kind of guarantee or warranty.
Done well, a refurbished phone should look and operate like it was new.
How long does a refurbished smartphone last?
Because a refurbished phone is meant to work like its new counterpart, the question of how long a refurbished phone lasts really depends on the type of phone. In general, it’s typically between 2 and 8 years, and big-name brands often last longer than smaller brands.
Refurbished iPhones that are less than 4 years old can generally get another 2-3 years out of them before you notice a drop in speed. They become noticeably slower by the 6-year point. However, it really depends on what kind of apps you run on the device.
Samsung phones have a slightly shorter life span. They typically last between 5 and 7 years before users begin noticing a dip in performance. Smaller brands like Oppo have shorter life spans of 3-4 years.
