Refurbished vs. New gadgets: Which should you buy?
You need a gadget.
You probably want to get it for yourself or your team or you want to gift someone. And you are thinking, should I get a new one? Or just go for a refurbished?
You Google it. You ask a colleague. Someone throws in, “Just buy a new one. refurbished is risky.” Another says, “Why waste money? A refurbished one works just fine.”
So, who’s right? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding the key differences will help you make the best choice. This guide breaks it all down:
Key takeaways
📌Refurbished gadgets are not the same as used gadgets. They go through inspections and repairs before resale.
📌Certified refurbished devices are the safest choice since they come from the original manufacturer or authorized resellers.
📌Refurbished devices save money (20-50% less than new ones) and are great for bulk purchases, but they may have weaker battery life and shorter warranties.
📌New gadgets offer the latest features, full warranties, and longer software support but come at a higher cost.
📌Buying refurbished is only worth it if you choose a trusted seller. Always check for certifications and warranties before making a purchase.
Table of content
- Which one should you choose?
- What does "refurbished" mean?
- Is a refurbished phone original?
- When should you buy refurbished?
- When should you buy new?
- Pros & cons of refurbished gadgets
- Pros & cons of new gadgets
- Can you trust refurbished gadgets?
- Do refurbished devices last as long as new ones?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Not to ask an obvious question but–which one should you choose?
Before we get into the type of device you should choose, we should probably lay the ground rules and say it depends (yes, it does).
It depends on your budget and the amount of money you have to spare. Your risk tolerance and if you are okay with a few unknowns. It would also depend on the type of gadgets you want to buy.
Think I am the only one who is going to tell you it depends? Not really.
MaryBeth VanderMeulen, with over 30 years of experience in business, says, “It really does depend on the product and the manufacturer. If there is still a warranty coverage on the product, then refurbished might be an excellent idea. Refurbished just means it was sent back for some reason and then fixed. They can no longer call it new, but it still should function well.”
What does "refurbished" mean?
The first thing we are getting straight is the definition of a refurbished gadget. It doesn’t mean used or second-hand. It is a gadget that has been tested, repaired (if necessary), and resold, and it comes with a limited warranty.
There are two main types of refurbished devices:
Certified refurbished:
These are inspected and restored by the original manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Dell, etc.) or an authorized reseller. They come with a fresh warranty and new parts, making them the safest option.
Third-party refurbished:
These are repaired and resold by independent sellers. Some do a great job. Others? Not so much. Always check who refurbished the device, what tests were done, and if a warranty is included before buying.
“Is a refurbished phone original?”
The simplest answer to this is yes, they are original. You are buying a phone that has been inspected and repaired, if repaired.
As kvng Astalavi explains, using an iPhone as an example, a refurbished iPhone 12 is still an Apple product. It just that whatever issues the phone had have been fixed, and it’s now as good as new. So in simple terms, it doesn’t mean fake.”
And while we are here—When should you buy refurbished?
If you’re considering a refurbished gadget as your first option, it could most likely be that you’re not yet unbelievably liquid, and that’s fine.
So, if you want a high-end gadget without paying the cutthroat price of a new one, refurbished has got you. They are also ideal if you want to buy gadgets in bulk. This will help you save cost and not sacrifice quality–only if you are buying from a reputable source, though.
Lamii, an IT consultant, thinks you should never buy refurbished. In his words:
"Buying a refurbished device isn’t always advisable, especially if the source is unreliable. Think of it like buying a Gucci shirt. n Aba-made version might cost ₦20,000, while the original is around ₦350,000 to ₦400,000. The difference in quality and longevity is clear. With refurbished devices, performance may not be as effective, and there’s a higher risk of losing files, missing parts, or experiencing faster wear and tear. If you must buy refurbished, ensure it’s from a trusted source with a warranty."
When should you buy new?
If you need the latest model, straight out of the box, buying new is the way to go. It’s also the better option for gadgets with short lifespans. Plus, if you prefer a risk-free purchase with no surprises, a brand-new device gives you that extra peace of mind.
Pros & cons of refurbished vs. new
While I didn’t say so before, there’s no universal “best” option as it depends on your budget, needs, and risk tolerance.
Refurbished gadgets
If you/ your company wants to save money, refurbished gadgets can cut costs by 20-50% without sacrificing too much quality.
The Pros:
Lower costs:
Refurbished devices cost 20-50% less than brand-new ones. If you’re equipping a team, those savings can end up being big.
For example, a new Macbook Pro costs from ₦2.8 million upward, and a certified refurbished one costs about ₦1.5 or less. The savings per device is ₦1.3. If you are buying for 10 employees, that’s ₦13 million saved (don’t loud it).
For companies managing large teams or remote workers, refurbished can slash costs without cutting quality.
"People go for refurbished because it is more affoadble and aso it is more readily availale in Nigeria than new devices."—Lamii Morayo, IT consultant.
Sustainability:
Tech waste is a real issue. In 2022, over 62 million metric tons of electronic waste were produced globally. Every new device contributes to more mining, more pollution, and more waste.
Refurbished devices help to reduce e-waste, cut CO₂ emissions and can even contribute to your reputation if your company reports on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).
Bulk purchasing for less:
If you’re in procurement, you know the struggle of budget constraints vs. operational needs.
For teams needing 10, 20, or even 100+ devices, going fully new might drain resources. So what’s the way forward? Many companies now mix new & refurbished.
For example, new devices for developers, designers and editors and refurbished for admin staff.
The cons:
Battery life may be weaker:
Most refurbished devices don’t come with brand-new batteries. If the previous owner used it heavily, you might notice shorter battery life, especially on laptops and smartphones.
So when buying refurbished, check battery health or buy models with replaced batteries. Apple and Samsung’s official refurbished programs replace batteries before resale.
Limited warranty and shorter lifespan:
A new device comes with a 1-3 year manufacturer’s warranty. A refurbished one? Sometimes, it is just 30 days, 90 days warranty or none at all. But Apple and Samsung have the best, with 1-year warranty each.
Availability and older models:
Want the latest MacBook or iPhone? Refurbished stock is usually one or two generations behind. If your team needs the newest features, buying new is the only option.
New gadgets
Now, let’s talk about new devices. There’s a reason why many companies only buy new, and it’s not just about status.
The pros:
Full warranty and long-term support:
A brand-new device comes with at least one year of warranty and access to official repairs. If anything breaks, you’re covered. For businesses, this means fewer unexpected costs and peace of mind.
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The latest features and longest lifespan:
Newer devices come with faster processors, which then allows them to handle software more efficiently. They also have better battery life, which means you and your team members are sure to get reliable performance throughout the day.
The cons:
Higher costs:
You don't ned to be told that new devices would be more expensive than refurbished ones. And this is quite a large expense for many who cannot be able to afford it.
Faster depreciation:
Most new gadgets lose 20-30% of their value within the first year. For companies that upgrade devices often, this is a major downside.
Can you trust refurbished gadgets?
Short answer: Yes, if you buy from the right place.
The biggest mistake people make with refurbished gadgets is where they buy them.
You have to buy from trusted sources that offer certified refurbishment and warranties. Apple Certified Refurbished and Samsung Certified Renewed ensure genuine parts and at least a one-year warranty.
At gamp, you can get certified refurbished gadgets with even more assurance. Beyond manufacturer refurbishment, we run extensive quality checks to ensure your device is in top shape for your needs.
Plus, our after-sales support has you covered. So if anything comes up, you’re never left hanging.
Do refurbished devices last as long as new ones?
They can. But it depends on the device and the refurbishment quality.
A properly refurbished device can last just as long as a new one, but there are key factors that affect its longevity.
Some of these fators include:
Battery life:
Battery life is what differentiates a new device from a refurbished one. Some refurbishers don’t replace the battery so that means it might not last as long as a brand new one.
Hardware condition:
If the device was lightly used before refurbishment, it will likely last just as long as a new one. But if it was heavily used, its lifespan could be shorter.
Software updates:
A new iPhone gets software updates for about 5-6 years. A refurbished iPhone that’s already 3 years old will still get updates but for a shorter time. The same applies to MacBooks, Windows laptops, and Android devices.
Ilaya Teejay
FAQs
Are refurbished gadgets a good choice for gaming or creative work?
Yes, if you choose the right specs. High-performance refurbished laptops, consoles, and tablets can handle gaming, video editing, and design work at a lower cost.
Can I insure a refurbished gadget?
Yes. Companies like gamp offer insurance and gadget protection plans cover refurbished devices.
Do refurbished gadgets come with accessories?
It depends. Some come with original or third-party chargers and cables, while others may not include accessories. Always check the product listing.
Are there specific brands that offer better-refurbished gadgets?
Brands like Apple, Dell, and Samsung have official refurbishment programs with high standards.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the choice between new and refurbished gadgets comes down to your budget, needs, and risk tolerance.
If you want the latest model with a full warranty and the longest possible lifespan, buying new is the safest bet. But if you want to save cost without sacrificing quality, refurbished gadgets can still be a really good choice.
Either way, the key is knowing what you’re getting. Do your research, buy from reputable sellers, and make the choice that best fits your needs.
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