Buying brand-new tech items is not always the best idea. Consumers also have the option to buy refurbished devices or products from a previous owner. We are talking not only about getting your next device at a lower price but also about reducing electronic waste.
However, questions commonly arise regarding their functionality, physical appearance, signs of wear, return policies, warranty coverage, battery health, inspection process, and where to safely buy pre-owned or refurbished products.
It’s common to see both terms used to refer to the same thing, and in some cases, they can be. Let’s see the difference between them.
Table of contents
Pre-owned vs. refurbished: Differences in a nutshell
| Feature | Pre-owned | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A second-hand or used product that may or may not have been repaired or refurbished. | A pre-owned product that has been inspected, repaired, and restored to working condition by a professional refurbisher. |
| Condition | Can vary significantly. May have cosmetic damage, functional issues, or be in excellent condition. | Typically in good working condition with minimal or no cosmetic damage. |
| Warranty | May or may not have a warranty. If it was opened, the warranty may be voided. | Usually comes with a warranty, although it may not be as extensive as the warranty for a new item. |
| Inspection | No guarantee of inspection or repairs. | Has undergone inspection and any necessary repairs. |
| Battery health | Unknown. | Often has a new battery or the battery has been tested and is in good condition. |
| Customer support | May be limited or unavailable, especially when buying from individual sellers. | Can vary. Reputable refurbishers often offer dedicated customer support, but it may not be as comprehensive as for new products. |
| Price | It may be lower than refurbished items. | Lower than new items, but may be higher than pre-owned ones. |
| Examples | Used phones sold on eBay, items sold at a garage sale. | Apple Certified Refurbished and Amazon Renewed products. |
| Pros | Can be very affordable. May be able to find discontinued or rare items. | More reliable than pre-owned items. Usually comes with a warranty. Often a good balance of price and quality. |
| Cons | Higher risk of getting a faulty product. May not have a warranty. Condition can be unpredictable. | May have some cosmetic imperfections. Warranty may not be as comprehensive as a new item. |
What is a pre-owned item?
A pre-owned item is a second-hand or used product that may or may not have been repaired or refurbished.
It’s a bit of a gray area since the pre-owned term doesn’t specify anything beyond its previous condition.
For example, refurbished products are pre-owned items because, as aforementioned, they have been used by a previous owner as display models or as regular everyday devices.
Pre-owned devices can also be open-box products, i.e., returned items that are sold again without undergoing comprehensive refurbishment or repair.
If you’re buying a pre-owned item, you’ll need to check its history carefully to ensure there aren’t any issues apart from cosmetic damage like minor scratches. You should also know whether it was opened or not. In this case, opening it will void the warranty. Make sure that the seller offers a fresh warranty.
Lastly, refurbished items are also called certified pre-owned (CPO) devices, which basically mean the same. They undergo a certification process by professionals, and the company is willing to stand by the product.
What is a refurbished item?
A refurbished item is a pre-owned product that has been used as a floor model or returned by its previous user.
Authorized refurbishers then undergo an inspection process and diagnostic testing to detect any flaws and perform the needed repairs—including replacing the battery.
In most cases, refurbished units include a new warranty that won’t be as extensive as the one for a new item, but it will give you some peace of mind if any unpleasant surprise happens.
Some products will have noticeable signs of wear and cosmetic flaws (which will significantly lower their price).
Both the original manufacturer and third-party refurbishers can perform a rigorous refurbishing process to sell these items.
For instance, the Apple Store sells new devices but also refurbished electronics under the Apple Certified Refurbished program, guaranteeing the highest standards, a manufacturer warranty, a new battery, and an outer shell for iPads and iPhones. They come in excellent cosmetic condition, almost indistinguishable from a factory item.
Amazon Renewed is another example of a refurbished store, along with Back Market, Gazelle, and Mac of All Trades.
Pre-owned vs. refurbished: the verdict
Sometimes, there isn’t a way to differentiate between pre-owned and refurbished products. Every merchant uses its own terminology to refer to used or second-hand products.
We strongly recommend you check what they refer to and do your own research to know the following aspects before buying any item:
- Warranty period
- Refurbished grades
- Return policy
- Shipping time
- Customer service
- Battery condition
- Included accessories
Regardless of the terms, it’s safe to assume that buying refurbished products is the best alternative since you know they have been restored to complete working condition, and you are usually offered a new warranty as a consequence.
A pre-owned item may not have been examined by professional technicians or may not include a warranty.
It’s worth noting that buying refurbished products has become increasingly popular over the years, and it’s easy to find great deals online.
👇 Learn more:
Where to get the best deals on Apple refurbished devices
It’s hard to find information about Apple refurbished products online, let alone compare each and every one of them. Therefore, RefurbMe was born to let users find and compare all the details on Apple Certified Refurbished Products and refurbished Apple devices from reputable third-party sellers.
We offer a wide variety of Apple products at great prices and a minimum one-year warranty, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of searching for them yourself. Simply browse our site, choose the filters, and purchase your desired model. We will then redirect you to the seller’s site, where you can finally buy it.
Check out our most popular devices in real time here. 👇
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FAQ
No. A second-hand item may not have been repaired or thoroughly inspected before putting it on sale again, and it may not have a warranty; it can be an open box or a pre-owned product. A refurbished item is carefully examined, its faulty parts replaced, and they usually come with a warranty.
Buying a refurbished product is a good idea to save money and boost the circular economy. Some of the refurbishing processes of manufacturers have the same quality standards as brand-new products. You will also be able to find discontinued products in several refurbished stores.
There’s no difference between refurbished and renewed apart from marketing usage and the meaning every store wants to give them. For instance, Apple has a Refurbished Certified program for its reconditioned products, while Amazon offers renewed products.
Yes! Buying refurbished extends the life of electronics, reducing e-waste in landfills. Manufacturing new devices consumes significant energy and resources. Choosing refurbished promotes a circular economy, lessening environmental impact.
Yes, you can often find refurbished accessories like chargers, headphones, and keyboards. These can offer significant savings compared to buying new ones. However, carefully check their condition and warranty coverage before purchasing.
Return policies vary between sellers. Check the seller’s specific policy before purchasing. Reputable sellers often offer a return window, similar to new items.
