If you're in the market for a new iPhone, you may be wondering if you should buy a refurbished model. There are several reasons to consider a refurbished iPhone, including saving money and getting a phone virtually indistinguishable from a brand-new model.

When choosing a refurbished iPhone, it's crucial to buy from a reputable source and to check the phone for signs of wear and tear. In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a refurbished or used iPhone for sale, from where to buy one to how to check if it's genuine.

Let’s have a look!

Why You Should Buy a Refurbished iPhone

When you buy a refurbished iPhone, you get a phone that was previously owned but restored to working condition. There are many benefits to buying a refurbished iPhone, including the following:

  • You can get a high-quality phone for a fraction of the price of a new one.
  • Refurbished iPhones undergo rigorous quality testing before being put back on the market, so you can be sure you're getting a reliable device.
  • Buying refurbished helps reduce electronic waste.

How to Choose a Refurbished iPhone

When choosing a refurbished iPhone, it is essential to consider the following factors:

The source: only buy from reputable sources like Apple's Certified Refurbished store, Gazelle, or Amazon Renewed.

The condition: make sure to check the phone's condition before making your purchase.

The warranty: look for a warranty or guarantee from the seller in case there are any issues with your phone after purchase.

Where to Buy a Refurbished iPhone

If you want to buy a refurbished iPhone directly from Apple, you can do so through the company’s Certified Refurbished store. Apple puts every refurbished iPhone through a rigorous certification process, including a full functional test and a thorough cleaning.

Each refurbished iPhone also comes with a new battery, outer shell, and all of the accessories in the box with a new iPhone. You’ll also get Apple’s standard one-year warranty, just like you would with a brand-new iPhone.

The only downside to buying from Apple is that the selection is usually limited, and the prices are higher. But if you want peace of mind knowing that your refurbished iPhone is truly like-new, then buying from Apple is probably your best bet.

Gazelle

Gazelle is one of the most popular places to buy refurbished iPhones (as well as other types of used electronics). The company promises that all of its phones are “like new” and have passed an extensive 30-point inspection process.

Gazelle also offers free shipping and returns and a 30-day return policy if you’re unhappy with your purchase. Prices are generally lower than what you’ll find at Apple’s certified store, but not by much.

One thing to keep in mind is that Gazelle does not sell unlocked iPhones for use with other carriers; all phones are locked to work only with GSM carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S. or EE in the UK. So if you want an unlocked phone, Gazelle isn't the best place to look.

Amazon Renewed

Amazon Renewed is worth checking out if you're looking for an even more comprehensive selection of refurbished iPhones (or any used electronics). The prices are usually very competitive, and Amazon offers free shipping on most items sold through the Renewed store.

However, it's essential to remember that anyone can sell products through Amazon Renewed, so there's no guarantee that they've been properly inspected or tested before being listed for sale. That said, Amazon has a good return policy if something goes wrong with your purchase within 90 days.

Phone Daddy

Phone daddy is a certified retailer and wholesaler in the US that sells the best used and refurbished phones at a reasonable price with a one-year warranty and free shipping above orders of $100. We grade and inspect each phone thoroughly before handing it to our customers. If you don’t like the phone, you can return it within 30 days.

Phone Daddy is a company that strives to be customer-focused and environmentally responsible. This sounds fantastic, right? If you're looking for a secondhand phone, if it is a used iPhone XR or a refurbished Samsung phone, you should be sure to visit Phone Daddy first.

How to Check if a Refurbished iPhone is Genuine

When verifying if an iPhone is refurbished, the first step is to check its serial number against Apple’s database.

To do this, you’ll need the phone’s IMEI or MEID number, which can be found by opening the Settings app and tapping “General” and then “About.”

If the phone is refurbished, the serial number will reflect that in Apple’s database. The serial number will have “RFB” at the end, signifying that Apple refurbished it.

Check for Physical Signs of Wear and Tear

Another way to tell if an iPhone is refurbished is to look for physical signs of wear and tear.

Refurbished iPhones should come with a new casing, so if there are any scratches or scuffs on the outside of the phone, that’s a red flag that it may not be genuine.

It’s also worth checking to see if the screen has any dead pixels or other defects. A defective screen is another sign that the phone may not be brand new.

Check the Battery Health

One final way to check if an iPhone is refurbished is to check its battery health.

To do this, open the Settings app and tap “Battery” then “Battery Health.” The battery health should be 100% if the phone is brand new.

However, if it’s been used for a while or refurbished, the battery health may be lower than 100%.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a great deal on an iPhone, buying a refurbished model is a great option. You can save hundreds of dollars and still get a high-quality device. Just be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

When buying a refurbished iPhone, choosing a reputable seller is essential. Apple's Certified Refurbished Store is a great option. Check the serial number and for physical signs of wear and tear before making your purchase.

By following these tips, you can be confident that you're getting a great deal on a high-quality refurbished iPhone.