The iPhone 8 is one of the top smartphones currently available due to its ease of repair and durability. If you purchase an iPhone new, it is expensive. The good news is you can save a lot of money purchasing a refurbished iPhone.
What is a Refurbished iPhone?
Before you purchase a refurbished phone, you should understand what you are getting. Refurbished iPhones have been tested by the seller or manufacturer. Any necessary repairs have already been completed. You should receive a warranty with your iPhone 8, but the original accessories or packaging may not be included. Depending on the specific phone, there can be slight cosmetic damage.
Some iPhones have been returned by the owners due to an issue, to purchase a newer model or because they did not want the phone. A grading system has been put in place to ensure you know what you are purchasing. You may find slight differences in this system depending on the manufacturer or trader. You need to make certain you carefully read the listing. The most common definitions are:
Grade A:
Almost mint condition. Your phone should look new.
Grade B:
Slight cosmetic damage including small chips or light scratches.
Grade C:
Your iPhone RX will look used and signs of wear are clear.
Where Should I Purchase a Refurbished iPhone?
Your best option is a seller offering buyer protections. If you purchase an iPhone 8 online, read the detailed description of the phone carefully and look at the seller ratings. It is also helpful if you are able to ask questions before making a purchase. A few of your best options are detailed below.
Carrier:
You can purchase a refurbished iPhone from most carriers. You will pay a little more but you will know your phone is compatible with your carrier. You also receive a limited warranty.
Online:
You can find a lot of online services selling iPhones. These businesses purchase, refurbish and sell iPhones. You will most likely get a better price as opposed to a big retailer. Your phone will be shipped and if you have an issue, you will be unable to visit a physical location. Your phone will be fully tested, with details available for the specific device. Your warranty varies according to the company and can be anywhere between 30 days and 12 months.
Big Retailers:
You will find a large selection of refurbished iPhones at big retailers including Best Buy and Walmart. All of these phones have been fully tested and generally include a charger and cable. You will not receive a replacement for the outer shell or a battery like you would from Apple. You may see signs of use such as scratches. Due to the wide selection, you will not have a problem finding an iPhone 8.
You will receive a 12-month warranty, but it is often provided by a third party as opposed to the manufacturer. If you pick up your phone directly from a local branch, you may receive a better discount. This is important because if you decide to return your iPhone for any reason, you should be able to go back to the store where your purchase was made.
What Questions Should I Ask Before Purchasing a Refurbished iPhone?
Q: Can I Activate My iPhone Easily?
A: Activation should not be an issue if you purchased your iPhone from a trusted source.
Q: Are Refurbished iPhones Under Lease or Contract?
A: All leases and contracts must be fulfilled before you can reactivate the phone. If the phone has six months left on the lease or contract, you will not be able to activate your phone for at least six months.
Q: Do Refurbished iPhones Have Water Damage?
A: You should be able to see any signs of water damage. Even if the phone looks good, water erodes the components as time passes. This means your phone will not last for a long time if exposed to water. If there are no signs of water damage, you must rely on the seller to be honest.
Q: Is the Serial Number Important?
A: Yes, this information is critical. You will need the serial number to determine if the iPhone has ever been registered as stolen or lost. In this case, you will be unable to activate your phone. A serial number is also called an IMEI or ESN. You also need a serial number to make certain your iPhone is compatible with your carrier. For the majority of carriers, the serial number can be located online.
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