Probably, when it comes to buying a phone, you imagine going to the store or calling a courier with a sealed box. This is a completely normal and understandable phenomenon. Another habitual phenomenon can be considered the purchase of a used phone. No need to explain how it happens. But there is another way to buy, which we do not encounter so often. I’m talking about buying a refurbished gadget. Apple popularized this phenomenon by offering refurbished iPhones, iPods, iPads and even Macs. Now this phenomenon is gaining momentum, and users are ready to stand in line for such gadgets. But why are they so good?
Refurbished phones are sold as new. But a conscientious seller will warn about this. We do not consider other cases.
What are the benefits of refurbished phones?
Refurbished phones have a lot of value because they can be bought for less than new ones, but they are more reliable than used ones. Usually these are smartphones that were returned under warranty, and the manufacturer changed the broken component, replaced the case and sells the goods at a discount.
Flagships such as Apple and Samsung, are mostly considered when buying refurbished phones, and this doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. New Counterpoint Research report shows that Apple was the market leader in refurbished phones last year. In addition, the global market for refurbished smartphones has reportedly grown faster than the new market in 2021.
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Refurbished phones are selling well
In 2021, global refurbished smartphone sales increased by 15% on an annualized basis. This is much higher than the growth in shipments of new smartphones. Their growth was only 4.5% year on year last year. According to a report from Counterpoint, this is because new smartphones are being released at higher prices, forcing buyers to opt for something more affordable. But they do not want to lose much in characteristics and quality. Therefore, users pay attention to restored models as a relatively new and rather profitable solution.
Refurbished phones up 15%
The market for refurbished devices is also growing thanks to the exchange of old devices for new ones. Such a service is being offered more and more in the world. This means that the number of phones that can be “restored” and sold as restored is also growing. There is even a figure – in 2021, the volume of exchange transactions worldwide increased by more than 10%.
Who buys refurbished phones
If we compare the market for refurbished smartphones in 2021 and 2020, we can see that it has grown significantly in regions such as Latin America and India. In the first case, the growth was 29%, and in the second – 25%.
Followed by the US with a growth of 15%, then Southeast Asia with a growth of 12%, China and Europe with a growth of 10% and finally Africa showed a growth of 4%. There are no separate statistics for Russia. These data are included in the total for Europe. But in our country, people are not willing to hand over old phones, as they are priced very cheaply. Selling them on sites like Avito can be significantly more profitable.
Refurbished telephones are offered by various manufacturers.
While the market for refurbished phones has skyrocketed, the average selling price of refurbished devices has also risen. This is because 4G devices in some regions still hold value due to the lack of 5G services. If we take India or even Russia as an example, these countries do not yet have commercial 5G, which may be the reason why people buy refurbished devices despite the fact that these devices are 4G-only models.
The market for refurbished smartphones will continue to grow, as not even all regions have such an opportunity yet. The more the geography of providing such a service expands, the more such gadgets will be in demand.
Before selling, a refurbished smartphone is restored and checked.
Should I buy a refurbished phone?
Personally, I am not ready to buy refurbished gadgets if their price is less than 10% lower than new. If I have already decided on an expensive purchase, then paying a little more and buying a obviously new product for me will be a more pleasant story. But our Ivan Kuznetsov does not agree with me. Here’s what he thinks:
I love refurbished devices even more than new ones if they were remanufactured by the manufacturer. Such gadgets are no different from new ones. If this is a smartphone, then it is mandatory to change the protective glass, battery, case, memory and give a new guarantee. In life, you will never distinguish a restored device from a new one. In a practical sense, they are exactly the same. The same is true in perception. No scratches or chips. Nothing to remind you that this device has already been in someone’s hands. And even then, manufacturers reuse only those components that do not wear out. And since they are tested especially carefully, when buying them, the risk of running into a marriage is much lower. Therefore, to buy such a phone – and even at a discount – is happiness. — Ivan Kuznetsov, permanent contributor to AndroidInsider.ru
What do you think about refurbished gadgets? Ready to buy them? If yes, on what terms? Write your answers in the comments or our Telegram chat.
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