It’s no secret that technology changes quickly, and what was cutting edge a few years ago is now considered antique. This is especially true when it comes to mobile phones – it’s notrare to see companies like Apple and Samsung making huge adjustments to their operating systemsand hardware simply to keep up with the times and the demands of their customers.
It follows that not all products are created equal, and it’s important to understand the differencesbetween devices before making any purchasing decisions. There are two terms particularly relevantto this discussion: “renewed” and “refurbished.” In this article, we’ll discuss what they mean andhow to tell the difference between the two.
The Difference between Refurbished and Renewed
Essentially, they are the same. Both are just a different marketing term.
What is Renewed or refurbished :-)?
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re already aware that computers, cell phones, and other electronics don’t always come with an indefinite warranty. Depending on the type and the date of purchase, many devices only come with a specific number of years, months or weeks of coverage. Additionally, some companies offer a “gradual” repair service that charges you per hour to watch and wait astechnicians diagnose and fix your electronics.
These are all major concerns if you’re planning on using the device soon. It’s not always easyto find the exact part you need when it’s not in stock, and, in some cases, fixing somethingmeans taking it apart and having it back together more or less how it was before. If you’re in arush to get your device working again, these are all major deterrents.
To get around this, many companies now offer “renewed” or “refurbished” devices. When you purchase a renewed device, you’re essentially purchasing a slightly used device that has already been repaired and is covered by an extended warranty. The benefit of these devices is that they are almost always fully functional, and they don’t require extensive repairs if they are not dropped or damaged.
What makes refurbished sustainable?
Because you are preventing buying a new product, you are reducing the amount of new products generated. This is sustainable. Especially, if you find out that an iPhone could easily emit more than 80 kg of carbon. But always check reviews of the supplier and check if you can see what the quality of the product is to prevent disappointments.
Key Factors To Look Out For
Before buying any device, it’s important to keep in mind a few key factors that can eithermake the device easier or more difficult to repair. If you’re looking for a device that you’lluse frequently and will want to fix yourself when parts or software become outdated, then makesure you’ve considered these factors before making a purchase decision.
The first factor is the processor. The processor is the part of the computer or phone thatmanages all the basic functions of the device. It is responsible for taking in data,processing it, and then responding with actions. Most devices have multiple processors,including a primary and a secondary processor. In some cases, one processor will be moreadvanced than the other, which means that you’ll have to decide whether you want the moremodern or the older processor to operate your device efficiently.
The second factor is the amount of storage. The storage is how much memory the device hason board. This can either be built into the processor or it can be a separate piece ofelectronics inside the device. The more storage the device has, the more apps and the morecontent you can load onto it. The more apps you have, the more content you can access. Thisstorage is generally built into the device and is not designed to be removed. If you want morestorage, then you have to buy a different device.
The third factor is the operating system. The operating system is the program that managesall the basic operations of the device. It is usually installed into a device when it ispurchased and cannot be changed. The more advanced the operating system, the morefunctional the device. If you’re buying a device that came with an old operating system, thenmake sure you have a way to update it to the most recent version. This way, you’ll get all thebenefits of the advanced software without having to worry about outdated parts.
Last, make sure you’re buying a device that is covered by a warranty. This warranty shouldprovide you with some degree of security in case something happens to your device. If youderive any value at all from this article, make sure you look into buying this type of warranty.
In the end, it’s all about the user. Some companies make great products but fail to providevalue for them. In other cases, the opposite is true. It’s important to find a company thatvalues their customers and is committed to providing amazing service when needed.