When buying electronics, consumers are seeking more than the latest release. They want better value and a more sustainable choice. That’s precisely where refurbished devices come in.
And people are clearly leaning in. The market is growing fast, especially in smartphones. The global refurbished smartphone market is valued at USD 88.78 billion and is projected to reach USD 209.07 billion, growing at an 11.3% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.
As pre-owned tech is becoming more popular, one question keeps coming up: Is it really worth it?
We’ll get to that further down this article, but first, let’s clarify what the term refurbished actually means.
What ‘Refurbished’ Really Means
At its core, a refurbished device is a previously owned and used item, or an unused return, that’s been professionally restored to near-new condition and thoroughly tested to confirm it works as it should.
This isn’t a simple wipe-down; it involves rigorous diagnostic testing, replacement of malfunctioning components, and detailed cleaning to restore the unit to full functionality.
Sold at a lower price than brand-new models, refurbished items get a second life through professional restoration and offer a more sustainable alternative to over-consumption.
Is Refurbished Good?
The short answer is yes. Refurbished products are good, as long as they have been inspected, renewed, and tested by the manufacturer or by certified 3rd parties.
In most cases, refurbished devices undergo a more individualized inspection than standard assembly-line products and, thus, they are often more reliable.
When it comes to smartphones, for example, iPhone users admit that ”Apple refurb is arguably better than new since it’s been inspected in far more detail than a new unit.”
“..unlike new devices, they test each device rigorously to ensure nothing went wrong during the refurbishment process.”
What Is The Difference Between Renewed And Refurbished?
Refurbished refers to pre-owned devices inspected/repaired by certified sellers to meet maker standards. On the other hand, the term renewed can take on different meanings: it can be a synonym for refurbished or describe an open-box/returned, barely used item.
However, in some cases, renewed can even mean a heavily used product that’s undergone a basic check and quick repair with non-OEM parts. To be sure of the condition of the product you’re ordering, check the fine print.
Is Refurbished Better Than Used?
Generally yes. A refurbished device has been repaired by expert technicians, with damaged components swapped by OEM parts, and comes with a warranty. A used device, on the other hand, is typically sold “as-is” (mostly by individual sellers) without any functional guarantees or inspections.
Refurbished vs. New
The primary trade-off between a new and a refurbished device is price, cosmetic condition, and environmental impact.
The key to a smart buy is to check the warranty and return policy for any pre-owned products, because, unlike new devices, coverage can vary widely by seller and condition grade.
Refurbished vs. Open-Box
Open-box items are generally products that were returned shortly after purchase. They may have been barely used or not used at all. Often, this happens because the buyer changed their mind or the packaging was damaged. Unlike refurbs, open-box devices rarely require internal repairs.
What You Need To Check Before You Buy Refurbished
A low-priced item doesn’t always come cheap in the long run. So, before buying a refurbished phone or laptop, ensure you check these crucial details first.
1. Length Of Warranty
Though popular refurb markets offer as little as a 30-day return window, like some products on Amazon Renewed, try to opt for longer warranties of 90 days up to a year. Some sellers even offer 2-year warranties.
2. Seller Reputation
Always check who you’re buying from, not just the product listing. Look for established sellers with consistently positive reviews, clear contact details, and transparent policies around returns, repairs, and customer support.
3. Battery Life
For refurbished smartphones, don’t buy anything with less than 80% battery life, and aim for 90%. For laporpts, also look for a low charge cycle count (ideally under 300-500 cycles).
The battery is the heart of your portable devices, so ensure it’s in good shape.
“The most important thing to check is the device’s battery.”
Dasha Miller, Consumer Insights Editor, CNET
4. Cosmetic Condition
Check the device’s grading (if provided) and look closely at photos for scratches, dents, screen marks, or worn ports and buttons. Reputable resellers provide a clear description of all exterior flaws.
Cosmetic wear doesn’t necessarily affect performance. It can, however, impact resale value and may hint at heavier use. Plus, it makes your device less attractive.
5. Original / OEM Parts
Check whether the device has been repaired using original manufacturer (OEM) parts or third-party replacements. OEM parts usually offer better compatibility, performance, and long-term reliability.
6. Verify Authenticity
Always verify that the device’s serial number (for laptops) or IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity for smartphones) is not blacklisted or stolen.
What “Like New” Can Actually Mean
The term “like new” is often a cosmetic grade (Grade A) indicating the device has no visible scratches or dents from a short distance. While the exterior appears as good as new, the internal components may still have previous operating hours, though they must function perfectly according to the refurbisher’s standards.
What Types Of Products Are Safe To Buy Refurbished?
Here are the safest refurbished buys you can make:
- Smarphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- PCs
All of the above are easy to test for functionality, and key components – like RAM, SSDs, and batteries – are often repairable or upgradable, reducing long-term risk.
What To Avoid Buying Refurbished
Avoid buying refurbished items that have high mechanical wear or touch the skin frequently, for example:
-
- Earbuds
- Headphones
- Mechanical keyboards
- SSDs and hard drives
- Power supplies
- Chargers
Where To Buy Refurbished
The safest channels are direct manufacturer outlets (like Apple or Dell) or specialized resellers like Green Wave Electronics, which combine professional refurbishment with enterprise-grade service.
Why Green Wave Electronics Is A Safe Bet For Refurbished Tech
At Green Wave Electronics we handle refurbished and open-box electronics at scale for retailers and brands, applying standardized testing, clear grading, secure data sanitization, and documented quality controls.
This means devices are restored consistently, risks are minimized, and buyers get reliable products with full transparency.
Plus, our team handles the entire reverse flow, from returns management to resale on Amazon or eBay.
Ready to recover more value from returns and open-box inventory? Contact us today.
FAQs
Is It Good To Buy Refurbished Items?
Yes, refurbished items provide a win-win scenario by saving up to 50% on costs while reducing your carbon footprint by keeping functional tech out of landfills.
What Is The Disadvantage Of Refurbished?
Whether refurbiisd are good or bad often depends on the warranty; a major disadvantage is a potentially shorter warranty period and a shorter overall remaining lifethaned to a brand-new unit.
Why Is Refurbished So Cheap?
The price is lower because a refurbished product cannot legally be sold as new, and the price must reflect its previous ownership and any cosmetic wear it may have.
Does Refurbished Mean It Was Broken?
Not necessarily; many refurbs are simply unused “open-box” returns or demo models that were never defective to begin with.
Are Refurbished Trustworthy?
They are highly trustworthy if purchased from certified sellers who provide a robust warranty and have a transparent restoration process.
