Top 10 Places to Buy a Used or Refurbished Phone

In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to buy a used phone or a refurbished phone in 2020. Where you can get big discounts on an iPhone, Galaxy S10, iPad and many other underutilized gadgets. It’s a great way to get a new device for you and save some money. Here’s how to avoid paying retail prices. These are also great places to sell a used phone.

Phones are expensive, almost too expensive. this Galaxy S10+ about $1,000 and Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro it is even more. Some people will pay retail prices, but millions people Search AND find a good deal on a used or refurbished phone instead.

In fact, a lightly used Galaxy S9 just over $200 or a used iPhone 8. And refurbished iPhones are often over 50% off, if not more, if you know where to look. While you can’t go on Verizon and buy a used phone, and Craigslist isn’t very secure, you still have a few options.

Latest reports by IDC suggests The used phone market will reach 220 million devices sold each year by 2022. Used or refurbished phones and iPads make the market worth around $52 billion a year. As phone prices rise and more phones cost over $1,000 in 2020, more and more people will choose to buy used.

Used or Refurbished?

There are two main categories when buying a phone that is not brand new. Used and refurbished ones.

Buying a used phone can save you tons of money, but it’s also risky if you’re not careful or don’t know what to look for. With a refurbished phone, you get a device repaired by an official site, shop or technician, and they go through rigorous testing/inspections before being sold. We recommend refurbished phones first.

Still, the term “refurbished” gets around a lot, and that doesn’t mean you always think about it. Some places sell used phones, refurbished phones, or you’ll see terms like recertified, refurbished or even second hand. As long as you buy from a reputable site, you get a good phone at a big discount. Most likely these phones were repaired by Samsung or Apple or a store like Best Buy. Sometimes, however, you get a brand new phone that has simply been returned and can no longer be sold as “new”. These are “open box” deals, which you can usually find here. Amazon Renewed.

Best Place to Buy Used or Refurbished Phones (2020)

If you know what phone you want to buy and want the best price, here are some great places to sell used, refurbished, pre-owned or open box Android phones, iPhones, iPads and more.

Swappa has a great selection of used iPhones

What to Look for (And What to Know)

There are a few things you will want to look for when purchasing a used phone or refurbished devices. Whenever possible, always buy from the original manufacturer or from a reputable store. It’s just a smart way to shop. If this is a replacement, see what kind of warranty is available, if any, or find a store that offers one. Apple is the best place to buy a refurbished iPhone.

Next, keep in mind that the most used phone is probably a year old, so things like battery life and software updates differ from a new phone. Otherwise they won’t get support for that long. Note that most used phones are sold “as is”, even if you don’t see them on the site. Basically, read the in-depth articles and be prepared to receive no warranty or support if you have problems. Then again, that’s what we’re here for.

Finally, be careful and use some common sense when shopping for a used smartphone. Craigslist and Facebook group deals that look good are often misleading. Always pay cash and if the price is too good to be true, it has probably been stolen. Always meet indoors or in a safe place because robberies and thefts happen, even in parking lots. Come in! That’s why we recommend reputable sites like Samsung, Apple, Swappa or Gazelle first.

You can find a good cheap used phone or a good deal on a refurbished phone as long as you do your research and are smart.