Refurbished smartphones are gaining more and more popularity and this is mostly about iPhones. In fact, there are many websites dedicated to sale of remanufactured devices and all have their own characteristics and rules. We have created a guide (which you can find at the end of this paragraph) to help you orient yourself among the different platforms available, while today we will try to take stock of the situation on the so-called "Degrees of reconditioning".
I remind you that usually a refurbished iPhone has a neutral package including basic accessories such as a charging cable and the pin for nanoSIM: there are no headphones or battery charger.
The "general rule"
Let's start by saying that, in most cases, there is a sort of "general rule" among the refurbished iPhones. In fact, all are subjected to the same software and hardware functioning tests (generally there are over 50), in order to guarantee the perfect internal functioning. The thing that is most often replaced is in fact the battery, so as to be able to resell the products with a percentage of at least 90% (varies according to the seller).
So what influences the degrees, if internally the smartphones are identical? Basically the outward appearance of the iPhone, therefore, the aesthetic defects: the presence of scratches on the display, signs of wear on the rear body, frame or barrel more evident. The structure is in fact very often left unchanged, unless the display is completely destroyed (in this case it could be replaced). And of course there is no original iPhone packaging.
Orient yourself between degrees
As mentioned above, all sellers have the same rule, but as far as grades are concerned, each decides to adopt their own descriptions. In fact, some tend to use the first letters of the alphabet, starting with "TO" to identify the devices with the best conditions and coming to "C" for those with the worst conditions, others focus only on the first letter of the alphabet, so that devices always appear in the best condition, offering grades such as: A+++, A++, A+, A or other. The thing to keep in mind is that, however, the differences between these grades are almost the same.
An additional description, which is often also used by Amazon and Trendevice, turns out to be the most explanatory possible. In fact, the aforementioned sellers tend to insert descriptions such as: Like new, new, low cost and more.
Obviously, all sellers then have descriptive and exhaustive pages on the real condition of their products. To help you further though, let's briefly see some of the most used grades.
Refurbished Apple
Yes that's right, Apple also sells refurbished iPhones, certainly with the best aesthetic and functional condition, but also with the highest price. In fact, the Cupertino company offers only one degree of reconditioning, which can be easily compared to "Like New".
In fact, Apple replaces all possible damaged elements by inserting new ones, which, moreover, belong to the same manufacturer. Which results in the iPhone in perfect condition.
Refurbished Amazon
Amazon, thanks to its program “Renewed” entrusted to certified sellers, it is able to offer probably some of the best refurbished products currently online. Also in this case the degree remains substantially one, even if in some cases, the description of the object could carry the wording "Damaged box" o "Non-original accessories". The thing we advise you to do is therefore to always read it before buying. Here is a real example.
The product looks and functions like new. It is covered by the 1-year Amazon Renewed warranty. This used product is not Apple certified but has been inspected and tested by Amazon qualified suppliers. The product may have minimal scratches or dents and a battery with at least 80% capacity. The box may be generic and the accessories may not be original, but they are compatible and fully functional. If you are not satisfied, this product is eligible for return or refund within 1 year of purchase
Refurbished Trendevice
One of the most famous refurbishment sites in town and also the one that offers the most choice. In this case there are in fact three different degrees: Low cost, Smart e Premium, respectively from worst to best condition.
In the “Low cost” in fact, there may be damage to the body and the display more evident than the few scratches of the "Smart". "Premium" on the other hand, comparable to a condition that is almost indistinguishable from the new product.
In addition to this it will be possible to add new or original accessories, the official box or that of the seller, or one additional warranty.
Refurbished Swappie
Swappie is also a fairly well-known website with varying degrees of refurbishment. In particular, this time the difference extends to five categories: C, B, A, A+ e A++.
See the degree "TO" at a very competitive price, it could in fact convince many buyers but, although the latter is certainly valid, we must also consider that there are two other better levels. This means that, contrary to what many might imagine, in this case, the only "A" is not the same as "As new".
- Grade A ++ (Like New): Perfect conditions both from a technical and aesthetic point of view. The phone is indistinguishable and like new.
- Grade A + (Top Grade): Excellent conditions both from a technical and aesthetic point of view. It may have some small imperfections that distinguish it from "As new".
- Grade A: Excellent condition from a technical point of view. From an aesthetic point of view, more visible defects may be found compared to Grade A + (scratches / dents on the body and / or screen). However, these cosmetic defects do not compromise the functioning in any way.
- Grade B: Excellent condition from a technical point of view. There are aesthetic defects visible to the naked eye which, however, do not compromise operation. The competitive price reflects the non-optimal aesthetic conditions.
- Grade C: Excellent condition from a technical point of view. It has evident signs of use and visible and more marked aesthetic defects than all other grades.
Having five levels could therefore be confusing, but also an excellent choice. In fact, it will start from “A++”, that is, indistinguishable from the new and we will arrive at "C", perfect from an internal point of view, but with obvious signs of use. Who knows that in between you may not be able to make excellent purchases with these refurbished products.
Even on Swappie the refurbished iPhones sold do not have the original boxes.
Doubts or problems? We help you
Remember to subscribe to our Youtube channel for videos and other reviews. If you want to stay up to date, subscribe to our Telegram channel and follow us on Instagram. If you want to receive support for any questions or problems, join our Facebook community or contact us on Instagram. Don't forget that we have also created a search engine full of exclusive coupons and the best promotions from the web!
