Shopping for a Refurbed iPhone 11 Pro Max? Here Are Some Important Things to Consider

2020 has brought both positive and negative changes to the world, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as a watershed year. It also had an impact in the tech world as it was the year when the powerful iPhone 11 Pro Max was discontinued. This means that the device is not available for purchase from the Apple store ever since.

This came as bad news for those people who had finally saved up enough to own one. Were you eyeing this smartphone as well? It may be still possible to obtain the 11 Pro Max. While getting a brand new out-of-the-box device is out of the question, you might be able to get your hands on a quality refurbished model instead. If you’re interested, here’s what you need to know about buying a refurbed iPhone 11 Pro Max and refurbished devices in general.

Reasons the iPhone 11 Pro Max Is Still Worth It

An improved battery, a camera Night Mode, and all three cameras with 12MP sensors, as well as 4K video recording (now that’s smooth footage!) and the iPhone 11’s ultra-wide camera angle add a unique feature that sets it distinct from its competition (think Samsung, Google, and Huawei). A gorgeous 6.5-inch OLED display with enhanced stereo speakers transforms your viewing experience and adds that additional bling to the iPhone.

These features are indeed impressive, even after the iPhone 12 launched. And there’s no doubt that a good 11 Pro Max device can last several years considering the craftsmanship and quality materials Apple puts into its products.

Why a Refurbished Device Is a Good Idea?

There’s a really straightforward reason to buy refurbished electronics rather than new: it saves money. Refurbished devices can be up to 50% cheaper than brand new ones. It’s also wonderful to keep a device out of the landfill if you’re one to care about sustainability.

Plus, considering the supply chain has been disrupted due to the pandemic and there’s a processor shortage worldwide, brand new products are becoming a rare sight in stores. A refurbished product will not be subject to delivery delays because it is already available for purchase.

Things to Consider When Buying a Refurbished iPhone

Before it comes to you, a refurbished product most likely had a life. Perhaps it had a brief encounter with its first owner with very few troubles, but then again, it’s possible it did not. So obviously, you’re going to be worried about the state of the product you’re getting. To make sure you’re buying a completely functional device, here are some important things to consider.

Refurbed vs. Open-Box Return

An open-box product is one that has been purchased, opened, and then returned before being used. Perhaps the buyer or recipient did not want it, or perhaps the packaging was damaged and it was returned as a precaution, despite the fact that the contents were in good working order.

There is no legal definition of the term “refurbished.” It can mean anything the merchant or seller wants it to. You may also come across phrases like “pre-owned” and “reconditioned,” which are interchangeable until they aren’t. Regardless of condition, all returned products that are resold tend to be grouped together. Inquire about a product’s origins with the vendor and hope for an open-box item; you might not be the first to have it, but you might be the first to use it.

The Contents

It’s a sad experience to open your refurbed iPhone 11 Pro Max box and not discover a charger and some earbuds (especially if the item is brand new, but that’s a separate issue). With a refurbished buy, it’s very possible that you won’t have any accessories. After all, when someone returns or sells an iPhone, they don’t normally include the earbuds because, well, it’s gross.

The Grade

Depending on the state they are in, refurbished goods are usually graded by the retailers. These grades are set by the retailer, so the quality might vary from one shop to another. However, the general grades are defined in the following way:

• Grade A (Pristine or Like New) – As the name suggests, these devices have only slight signs that they were used.
• Grade B (Very Good) – These devices may come with scratches, minor chips or some other types of small external damage.
• Grade C (Good) – These refurbs have visible signs of wear and look used on the outside. However, their internals and software function correctly.

The price of the smartphone depends on the grade it has. So consider how much you’re willing to spend.

Return Policy

Some products require a long time to identify flaws. You’re looking for at least a month, which isn’t much to ask when companies that sell massive mattresses offer you 100 days. This should also apply to refurbished items. Don’t bother if you can’t obtain at least two weeks to play with a refurbished device with the chance to return it for free. Many will mention “sale final,” which you don’t want to hear unless you want to save a lot of money.

When purchasing refurbished goods, it should go without saying that you should read the fine print. When you receive the product, inspect it thoroughly as soon as you open it. Depending on how much work you’ve done on the gadget, you might want to take advantage of the return policy as soon as possible.