It’s no secret that smartphone prices are about to rise. Due to memory constraints, we can expect the new phones to be priced higher than last year, and the first few launches of 2026 are a sign of what’s to come. Now, not all of us may be willing to spend extra, but we want good phones when it comes to performance or cameras or just the experience.

This is where refurbished phones can be an option. Now, when it comes to refurbished smartphones you might have a few questions in your mind – are they the same as used phones? Are these even safe to buy?

We’ll take an in-depth look at how refurbished smartphones actually work, and what you should do to avoid getting scammed when purchasing them.

What are refurbished phones?

Refurbished phones are not technically new. But we can say that they are as good as new. These are phones that someone purchased and returned to the seller primarily because they noticed some defect or discrepancy. There’s a good chance that they were not satisfied with the product and decided to replace it with another phone or unit.

This unit that they sent back however was opened which means the seal was broken. Now, the seller can choose to resell it himself or tie up with a third party to resell it after making the necessary changes. This means, if there is a problem like scratches on the screen, they can fix it and repackage the product before reselling it. The warranty expires when the box is first opened but the seller or reseller may cover the expense and provide some after-sales support on a case-to-case basis. This is what refurbished means.

Why might a refurbished phone be an option?

Refurbished phones can be quite valuable if done right. You can buy a flagship phone for much less than the cost of buying a brand new one. For example, you can get the iPhone 16 Pro refurbished for less than Rs 1 lakh, whereas its original price is Rs 1,34,900.

For those on a budget, the iPhone 16, which is currently selling for Rs 69,900 new, can be bought for more than Rs 50,000 when refurbished. Thus, you can experience flagship level performance as well as save a considerable amount of money through this solution.

Earlier, software support used to be a concern when buying a refurbished device, but now, most brands promise multiple years of OS updates, ensuring that even your refurbished phone will continue to get the latest updates for at least a few more years.

Additionally, refurbished devices help reduce e-waste. Instead of the equipment being wasted, it gets a new life and becomes usable for a longer period of time.

What to check when buying a refurbished smartphone?

The process of purchasing a refurbished phone has become easier over the years. Now there are many platforms that you can look at. But awareness is important and there are a few things you need to know and keep in mind before buying a refurbished phone.

trusted seller: First of all, when it comes to refurbished phones always choose a well-known or trusted seller. Some brands like Google also sell their own certified devices in India. Some sellers will also give the devices on sale a rating like good or great, so you can know the status of the product before purchasing.

Warranty and Replacement: Always check the warranty offered when buying a refurbished phone online. It is recommended that you get at least six months warranty, but a one year warranty would be preferred.

Also, the seller should also give you the option to return the device. A non-returnable phone is prohibited.

anatomical position: The first thing to do while getting a refurbished phone is to check its condition. The condition of the device, be it screen, backplate, must match the seller’s description. If you have purchased a phone with a high-grade rating, there should not be more than a couple of small scratches on the device (or as stated on the website).

If the description does not match the actual condition of the phone, you should contact your seller. Also, check that the display works fine, especially if there is an under-display fingerprint reader. If the sensor does not work, the seller may have used a cheap replacement. In this scenario, it is advised that you contact your vendor.

IMEI Number: Once you have checked the status of the phone, you should check the IMEI number. The IMEI number is a 15-digit code that is unique to a device and acts like the phone’s fingerprint. By the way, no two phones can have the same IMEI number.

The IMEI number can be accessed by typing “*#06#” in your phone’s dialer. Then you can verify this number online. This ensures that the device you receive is not stolen or counterfeit.

Carrier Lock: After verifying the IMEI number, you can insert your SIM card and check if the phone is carrier-locked or not. Scammers may sell you imported devices locked to a foreign carrier at a low price, and in such a case, your SIM card will not work, rendering the phone essentially useless for primary use.

Battery Health: You should check the battery status of the refurbished device. If the battery health is below 80 percent, you can expect less impressive battery life. This will also let you know whether the battery has been replaced or not.

Refurbished phones, when purchased correctly, can be a good option for budget-conscious buyers looking to purchase a somewhat new phone without spending extra money on something that is brand new. Brand new phones are in and should be the default choice, but when budget demands bother you, you now have something to consider even when you’re in the market.