Samsung Galaxy S22, iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7 Pro… These next-generation smartphones, available between 500 euros and more than 1,000 euros, are not within the reach of all budgets. However, there is a less expensive alternative to obtain them: resort to refurbished models, a solution that offers a second life to electronic equipment that still works.
Unlike a terminal bought second-hand and sold as is, these mobile phones enjoy a new lease of life. Some components are cleaned, checked and replaced. Reconditioned in this way by an approved reconditioner, they are offered for sale at a price corresponding to their aesthetic condition. Some of them may present more or less marked wear (micro-scratches on the screen, visible impacts on the hull, etc.), which will affect the price.
Plus, in addition to the benefit of making recent, high-performance products accessible, buying a refurbished smartphone helps reduce your environmental impact. Marketplaces, such as Back Market or Cdiscount, going through direct reconditioners such as Certideal or SMAAART, the offer in terms of refurbished mobiles is abundant and it is not always easy to navigate. Before setting your sights on your first device, there are certain criteria to consider to ensure you make the right choice.
Select a qualified professional
Two categories of players sell refurbished models. First of all, marketplaces (Back Market, Rakuten, Boulanger, etc.), e-commerce sites where sellers from all over the world (reconditioning factories, independent repair shops, etc.) offer their products. These platforms, which serve as an intermediary between the buyer and the repairers, do not deal with the repair of the equipment sold and have the advantage of offering a wide variety of products at the best prices. However, by buying on these platforms “you will have access to as many reconditioning qualities, more or less good, as there are reconditioners on these sites. That is saying a lot”, emphasizes David Mignot, co-founder of YesYes, at Tech&Co.
The challenge will be to select the most reliable one. First, be sure of the country of origin of the refurbisher to avoid buying a device abroad, advises David Mignot. “You have to be aware that the reformed market is not regulated. A reconditioner can be abroad and sell smartphones with the standards of his country, which are not the same as in France”. A situation that can cause problems regarding the guarantee in case of failure as well as long delays in the transport of the device. However, “if the reconditioner is French and has a shop window, it will be easier. The question to ask yourself when choosing a good reconditioner is: will I be able to go to him if there is a problem? ”, he specifies.
The second category of sellers is made up of direct reformers (Recommerce, YesYes, etc.). They ensure the restoration process from A to Z in their workshop. Rates are a bit higher there, but you have the advantage of having a single point of contact in case of a breakdown. In addition, most direct reconditioners guarantee the reliability of the reconditioning processes. “Whether you go through marketplaces or reformers, carefully read the opinions left by previous buyers about products and companies,” advises David Mignot. Generally the name of the latter is indicated. Also do not hesitate to search the internet to make sure of its reliability and compare different offers.
Check the general status of the smartphone
The price of a refurbished smartphone varies depending on its condition. As a rule, the latter is divided into four degrees. The lowest price is taken by the terminals that show significant signs of wear (visible scratches on the screen or on the casing, oxidation, etc.); the highest, to those whose erosion is barely perceptible.
The price difference between the two can vary from 20% to 50%. Also, read the descriptions of coveted items carefully so you can estimate wear and tear and gauge whether it’s worth adding a few extra bucks to a newer model.
Check battery wear
“Every retailer does what they want with a refurbished smartphone battery. He can change it or not ”, says David Mignot. This implies, therefore, knowing its state of wear before the acquisition in order to select a device whose autonomy is guaranteed for a long time.
“You have to check the criteria of the reconditioners and go to those who specify that the battery has been checked, that its charge capacity is at least 80% or that it has been replaced with a new one. We change the battery when it is less than 80% of its original charge capacity”, emphasizes the YesYes boss.
Check warranty terms
According to the law, a refurbished mobile must be systematically accompanied by a two-year guarantee, this is the legal guarantee of conformity, and, in the worst case, 6 months, because the device is normally also subject to a commercial guarantee. .
“Make sure the duration of the guarantee and, above all, examine what it covers carefully to avoid surprises,” warns David Mignot. In addition, going to a French repairer instead of a foreign one makes it easier to claim the guarantee in the event of a problem.
Know the origin of accessories
Very often, the headphones and charger sold with a refurbished smartphone are not original, because they are expensive items that sellers seek to save money by buying cheap products. “For example, the iPhone 10 requires an OLED display. Some restorers will replace it with a cheaper LCD screen. That is why it is necessary to make sure that the spare parts, if they are not original, are of high quality.
David Mignot recommends checking with the restorer that the accessories that are delivered are certified: “For iPhones, for example, we have Apple-certified cables that cost four times more than the basic ones. But it is the quality choice for our customers and for the durability of the phone, ”he recalls.
Source: BFM TV
