When Apple announced their latest phone in September, your brain probably went into overdrive. The Apple product has always been synonymous with coolness, and it’s pretty darn hard to resist.
However, many of you are no doubt considering buying a refurbished iPhone 11. You might have seen some of the deals online and wonder if it’s true that you can get an iPhone 11 for a fraction of the cost. Maybe you’ve just finished with the contract model you’ve been using and looking to stay with Apple. Or perhaps you’re just after something a bit quicker with better specifications. Whatever your reasons, here is what you need to know before going ahead and buying an iphone 11 second hand!
What Is a Refurbished iPhone 11?

If you’re in the market for a new iPhone, buying an iPhone 11 second hand can be an excellent way to save some money. But before you lock down that deal, there are a few things to keep in mind.
A refurbished iPhone 11 is a pre-owned unit that has been tested, inspected, and repaired. The purpose of the refurbishment process is to ensure that the product meets quality standards. Refurbished iPhones are used units that have undergone a series of inspections, tests, and repairs to meet the standard criteria set by the manufacturer.
The refurbishment process varies depending on the retailer you’re buying from. Some retailers may just wipe the data clean and resell it as refurbished while others will fix any damages and resell it as used.
It’s important to note that most retailers will not cover any physical damage such as scratches or cracks in their warranty policy.
The Phone Will Be Thoroughly Tested
If the used iPhone 11 you buy is from a reputable company like Gazelle, then that means the phone has been thoroughly tested and repaired if it had any issues. You can even see the grading of the device’s physical condition, so you know what you’re getting.
It Comes With a Limited Warranty
While Apple doesn’t offer warranties on refurbished iPhones, many resellers do. So make sure you check when purchasing one to see what kind of warranty it comes with. This is important because if something goes wrong with your phone, then at least you have some recourse.
You Won’t Get Accessories or Packaging
Unfortunately, with a used or refurbished device, you won’t receive any accessories like charger cables or earbuds. It’s also possible that the packaging might be different from what comes with brand-new devices. But these are small trade-offs for getting an iPhone at a much lower price point than buying a new one.
How Can You Be Sure It’s Reliable and Not a Scam?

Every refurbished item comes with wear and tear from its previous owners, and iPhones are no different. When you buy a refurbished iPhone 11, there’s always a chance you’ll get one with scuffs, scratches, dents or other damage that happened while someone else owned it.
Here’s how to tell if the iPhone 11 you’re looking at is legit:
The price should be close to what you can get it for directly from your carrier. There should be no mystery about where the phone came from.
If you’re buying from eBay or Amazon, where the iPhone 11 comes from is critical. There are plenty of scammers who will take your money and then send you a fake iPhone that looks like an iPhone 11 but doesn’t work like one. So whether you’re buying through eBay or Amazon, make sure the seller is reputable and offers a warranty that includes either a refund or a replacement phone in case something goes wrong with your purchase.
Your product page should also have a link to your return, exchange and refund policy. This policy is all about managing your potential customers’ expectations, especially if they’re first-time buyers. Your customers will appreciate knowing what to do if they’re unhappy with their purchase.
- A good return, exchange and refund policy should include the following information:
- What dates are covered? The policy should state how many days after purchase a customer can return or exchange a product.
- What reasons are covered? The policy should list what reasons you consider valid for returning a product. (Hint: You don’t have to accept returns simply because the customer changed their mind.)
- How are refunds handled? The policy should state whether refunds are given as cash or store credit. It should also state whether you cover shipping charges for returned items.
It Might Last as Long as a New One
The lifespan of a smartphone depends on the quality of its battery. This is why iPhones are renowned for having longer lifespans than most Android devices. With an iPhone, your battery will last until you replace it with a new one (which you might end up doing after about three years).

The lifespan of an iPhone can also be lengthened with proper care. Keeping your device in a case and not dropping it often will help prevent damage to the device’s components (including the battery). There’s no way to know how long a refurbished iPhone 11 will last, but if you’re worried about its longevity, you’re probably better off getting a certified refurbished model from Apple than buying a used device from an unknown source.
To Sum Up
So, you’re considering buying a refurbished iPhone 11? While there are certainly some advantages to doing so, the choice may not be as clear-cut as you think. Still, if you plan to purchase one, here are a few tips and things to consider that will help you make the right decision.