Apple iPhones are highly sought after, but they come at a substantial cost, which is why many people turn to used iPhones as an alternative. However, there's often a lot of anxiety and uncertainty when purchasing a used phone. A better alternative is an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone, which offers a great way to save money on an iPhone without compromising quality.

Let's explore the pros and cons of purchasing an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone to see if it's worth buying over a brand new one.

What Is an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone?

Refurbished iPhones are pre-owned devices that have been restored to a like-new condition. Unlike standard used phones, refurbished devices have been inspected, cleaned, and repaired (if necessary) before being resold. During this process, any broken, damaged, or faulty components are replaced with new ones. With the Apple Certified Refurbished program, the iPhones undergo rigorous testing by Apple itself.

All iPhones sold under the Apple Certified Refurbished program also have the following perks:

• They come with replacement batteries
• The external enclosure of the phone is brand new
• They come packaged in a new box with all white packaging
• All the accessories that come with a new iPhone are also included in the box
• Apple's free shipping and return policies also apply to refurbished iPhones
• As with new products, Apple offers a one-year warranty on all Apple Certified Refurbished devices

The Pros of Buying a Refurbished iPhone From Apple

Here's why you should consider buying a refurbished iPhone from Apple instead of spending extra money on buying a new iPhone.

1. Refurbished Phones Are More Budget-Friendly

Refurbished iPhones offer an affordable way to buy an Apple product without having to pay the full price. Apple offers a hefty discount on Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones. Apple says you can get up to 15% off on refurbished products, but in reality, it seems to be even better than that, with some devices discounted by 20% or more.

A refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max currently retails at $839, while a new phone costs $1,099. So you save $260 on your purchase of a refurbished device.

2. Apple's Refurbs Are Still Backed by a Warranty

One of the biggest concerns that people have when buying a refurbished phone is that it's not backed by any warranty. As a result, many people worry that they'll receive a poorly refurbished phone or one with hidden defects. This concern is not completely unfounded, since there are many unscrupulous sellers out there who sell faulty devices and take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

With an Apple Certified Refurbished phone, this needn't be a concern. Because the devices are thoroughly inspected and backed by the same one-year warranty that new phones come with, buyers can rest assured that their device is going to be in full working order.

3. Refurbished Devices Are a More Sustainable Choice

Refurbished phones help prevent a lot of damage to the environment and thus make an eco-friendly choice. It takes fewer resources to refurbish a phone than it does to manufacture a new one from scratch. Several raw materials and metals that go into the manufacturing of a new phone are preserved.

Additionally, by choosing a refurbished phone over a new one, you help reduce the amount of electronic waste generated each year.

The manufacturing of a single microchip within an iPhone requires several tons of water. Because a refurbished phone usually doesn't require replacements of any major components other than the battery and the outer shell, choosing a refurbished device could save literal tons of water.

4. Your Refurbished iPhone Looks as Good as New

All refurbished iPhones come with a brand-new exterior. This means that a refurbished iPhone's physical condition is as good as a new phone. Unlike traditionally used or poorly refurbished devices, an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone won't have any scratches or dents on its body.

iPhones refurbished by a merchant other than Apple itself are classified with different refurbished grades. Grade A is the highest quality, while Grade B has minor defects or scratches. However, Apple doesn't grade its refurbished phones since it makes them all indistinguishable from new devices.

The Cons of Buying a Refurbished iPhone From Apple

Even though there are many advantages to buying an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone over a new one, there are also a few downsides that you should consider.

1. There Are Fewer Refurbished Options to Choose From

The biggest con to buying an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone is that the stock is quite limited. Not all iPhone models are available as refurbished, and even when the refurbished version of a particular model is available, it gets sold quickly.

So if you're interested in purchasing a specific model or color of an iPhone, you may have to wait weeks or even months before it becomes available again for purchase.

2. Refurb Devices Have a Lower Resale Value

When it comes time to part with your device, a refurbished iPhone will usually resell at a lower price than one you bought brand new. The reason for this is the same as that for Apple selling refurbished iPhones at a lower price: it's refurbished and not original.

People are generally willing to pay a higher price for a phone that was once brand new than for a phone that you bought refurbished. Sometimes the reasoning is also that because Apple sold the phone at a lower price initially, the resale value of the device should also be reduced by a similar percentage, which seems fair.

3. A Refurbished iPhone May Not Last as Long

Even though an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone has been thoroughly tested and improved to meet all the quality standards of a new iPhone, it's worth noting that a refurbished iPhone still consists of a used logic board. Therefore, it's plausible that a refurbished iPhone may run into problems sooner than expected compared to a brand new phone.

We've looked at how long an iPhone will generally last and found that you can expect about five to seven years of software support from Apple. However, that date is from the initial release of the device, so you may not get that with a refurbished iPhone even if the logic board holds out.

The good news is that because Apple replaces the battery in each refurbished iPhone with a new one, a refurbished iPhone's battery will last the same as that of a new iPhone. See our guide to maintaining your iPhone's battery health for help with keeping your refurbished iPhone's battery in good condition.

An Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone Is a Cost-Effective Option

An Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone is a pre-owned device that has been thoroughly tested and repaired by Apple to ensure it meets its strict quality standards. These refurbished devices come with a new battery and outer shell, as well as all the necessary accessories, such as charging cables and earbuds. Additionally, they are backed by Apple's one-year warranty and eligible for additional coverage through AppleCare+.

Although there are some drawbacks to Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones, such as limited availability and a potentially shorter lifespan, they are still a very good option. Especially if you're looking for a more affordable way to enjoy the benefits of an iPhone.