The iPhone appeals to people looking for a revolutionary handset, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device. But iPhones, when you mix the cost of the phone and the service contract, they are absolutely not cheap. Those who would like to have an iPhone, but can’t have the funds for the full bill seem to be left to two choices: buy another phone or go without. Obviously not pleasing!
Refurbished iPhones will save you some cash, but are the tradeoffs worth it? Here are some of the things you need to take into account and a number of suggestions for where to seek out your bargain.
Things to watch out for with refurbished iPhones:
Battery. iPhones are said to have weak battery life. In addition to that, their batteries can’t be replaced by the user when they die. A slightly used iPhone should have a fairly decent battery life in it, but anything more than a year old should be taken into consideration cautiously. Ask the supplier for as much detail about the life of the battery as possible or see if they will replace the battery with a new one before you buy. Be sure also to verify about return guidelines in case the battery turns out not to be as lively as they claim.
Screen. If a refurbished iPhone has not been protected with a screen protector, it is possible that the screen may be scratched. Though this is normal wear and tear, scratches are less acceptable on the iPhone, since it’s got a touch screen for control and the media features that take great advantage of its 3.5-inch screen are one of its key selling points. Try to see the screen of the used iPhone you’re considering (even if it’s just a photo). If it’s not possible, be sure to buy cheap refurbished iPhones from a reputable, established seller who stands behind their products.
Capacity. While the appeal of a lower price is strong, remember that used iPhones are not the most up-to-date models and that they have got less storage space as a result. Early iPhones offer only 4GB of storage, while the most recent ones offer as much as 32GB. That’s a big difference and one that, if you’ve got a big iTunes library, can really affect your enjoyment of the phone. It is important to weigh the savings against getting more for your dollar, and buy accordingly.
Features. Be sure that you know what features you are surrendering when you buy a done up iPhone. Early models lacked many of things the latest models have such as 3G, the improved camera, the capability to record and edit video, true GPS, Voice Memos, and VoiceControl. Make sure that if you are buying an older one, you are fine with not having the latest and best features.
Price. A done up iPhone may be $50 cheaper, but is $50 worth getting something that is not quite what you want? For a number of people, the answer will be yes. Others also will value the most recent hardware and are enthusiastic to pay for it.
When it comes to purchasing a refurbished iPhone, you sure can save money and get a good music player at the same time. You just have to be clever and cautious about how and where to buy. With these few tips aforementioned, you should be well on your way to doing that.
