What is a refurbished cell phone?
Environmental protection has become significantly more important in recent years. This development has also become established in electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops, so that more and more devices are being repaired again. The term “refurbishing” has become established. But what does refurbished mean for mobile phones and what is the difference between them and used mobile phones? Do such “refurbished phones” have any advantages over used mobile phones? We want to answer these questions below. Enjoy reading!
What is the difference between a “Refurbished”, “Refurbished” and “Used” phone?
The term refurbishing stands for high-quality processing and repair of products for further sale. The devices are then in a technically perfect condition, although minimal external marks may be present. For example, parts that are prone to wear, such as the battery, are replaced in order to offer an optimal experience. In this case, refurbished means exactly the same as refurbished and is simply a different word.
Used goods are a little different. Such products are usually offered by private individuals and can show heavy signs of wear. The technical condition is also no longer optimal; for example, the battery is rarely replaced and can therefore fail after a short time. In addition, there is no guarantee or warranty for used cell phones and smartphones. Another disadvantage of used cell phones is improper reset. In order to protect the data on a cell phone, for example if it has been stolen, manufacturers have come up with a lock. The cell phone can only be unlocked by the corresponding account. In the worst case, the cell phone is now useless.
By the way, refurbishing is not only used for cell phones, laptops or printers, but is also used in the real estate or automotive sectors, for example. In the first case, we are talking about renovation measures that maintain the condition, while in the case of automobiles we are talking about reconditioned vehicles.
How a phone is “refurbished”
Refurbished phones are usually returned phones from companies that have been leased. But how does a used phone become a refurbished phone? First, the technical condition is checked, i.e. does the camera and touchscreen work in all places? Does the sound and vibration work? Manufacturers like Samsung offer a hidden menu for this, which can be accessed using a key combination. If everything is OK here, all existing accounts are removed and the smartphone is reset to factory settings.
Removing the accounts is extremely important because if you don't remove them, a lock will be triggered when you reset the phone, which can then be removed very difficultly or only by the manufacturer. Apple calls this function iCloud lock, while Android calls it Google FRP Look. If you reset a smartphone without removing the Google account, for example, you will be asked for the corresponding account when you restart the phone. Without this, you will not be able to use the phone any further.
If any errors are found during the inspection, such as dead pixels on the display or no vibrations, these defective components are replaced and the phone is tested again. The battery is also subjected to very strict tests to guarantee a long service life. The same applies to the outer frame and the back cover. Minimal scratches are allowed as long as the marks are not very visible. Otherwise, these parts are also replaced. In addition to the replacement, refurbished phones are also cleaned again and freed of dust and dirt, both inside and out. Finally, the smartphone is checked and polished again.
What are the advantages of refurbished phones and why should you buy such a phone?
Refurbished smartphones offer many unique advantages. One major advantage is climate and environmental protection. Buying a refurbished smartphone helps protect the climate. On the one hand, no new smartphone needs to be produced and transport routes are shortened because good spare parts are already available locally. Resources are also conserved, some of which are mined under inhumane conditions. This indirectly supports fair working conditions.
But electronic waste is also being significantly reduced. For example, 151 million smartphones, most of them Apple iPhones, are thrown away in America every year. That alone is a gigantic amount and that doesn't even include other devices such as laptops or workstations. Some of this electronic waste is then illegally transported to Africa and disposed of there in a way that is harmful to health. By buying a refurbished smartphone, you are helping to remove these mountains of junk and treat people in other areas fairly.
But refurbished phones also have an advantage for your wallet. Buying refurbished cell phones/smartphones saves a lot of money. There is no need to compromise on quality, as these phones have been tested beforehand. In addition, retailers such as Janado GmbH offer a twelve-month warranty and a 30-day trial period from the date of purchase. Some smartphones even come with a manufacturer's warranty.
Conclusion
Refurbished smartphones have become significantly more important in recent years. With the Janado warranty of twelve months and its low prices, it is also profitable and safe. This means that you can always expect very high quality and a technically perfect condition, so that you can get something out of the smartphone in the long term. Refurbished cell phones are also good for the environment, as they protect supply chains and significantly reduce electronic waste. When you buy a refurbished smartphone, you are also committed to fair working conditions, as the technicians who refurbish the phones are paid fairly, but also less junk is disposed of illegally, which would otherwise be burned in a way that is hazardous to health.
