For those looking to upgrade to a new smartphone without paying a fortune, refurbished phones offer a great option. Compared to a brand new phone, refurbished phones are available for a much-reduced price. Refurbished phones are phones returned to the manufacturer as they remain unsold. This can be due to the launch of newer models as older models are then phased out.
To see how a refurbished phone compares against a new phone, we recently got our hands on two models of the Asus Zenfone 5Z. One is a refurbished model from 2GUD while the other is a new one. 2GUD, a Flipkart venture, is a destination for refurbished phones and several other electronic goods.
Let’s take a look at the two phones:
Packing:
A refurbished phone comes packed in a box, just like a new one. The one we got came with a 2GUD tag on it. The packed boxes look almost the same and the unboxing experience is also similar. On unwrapping the box with the new phone, we found a SIM tray ejector pin, a warranty card, a silicon case, a pair of earphones, a charger and a USB cable.
Both the products come wrapped in plastic. The refurbished phone comes with a small booklet that talks about the quality checks that a refurbished product goes through as well as a warranty card.
External body:
Asus Zenfone5Z has a strong external body made of metal with a glossy finish. The refurbished phone model had a shiny back, just like the new model. When placed side-by-side, it is hard to tell the difference between the two. There were no scratches on either of the phones.
Performance:
We tested both the models with a performance benchmarking app and performance on the refurbished phone was comparable to a brand new phone. The refurbished phone functioned just like a new one. This Asus Zenfone 5Z variant comes with 128 GB memory and 6 GB RAM. It has a Snapdragon 845 processor which offers blazing fast speed.
Given that phones on 2GUD go through extensive quality checks, it is not surprising that the refurbished model was equally good. Before being shipped, products on 2GUD go through extensive repairs and 47-step quality checks. This makes them as good as new.
Camera:
The 48-megapixel camera on the Zenfone 5Z has a Sony sensor and support for 4K recording. We clicked a few pictures with both the phone models and the photo quality was the same. The camera is a great choice for those interested in low-light photography. The camera on the refurbished model worked just as expected.
Service and warranty:
The new phone comes with the standard manufacturer’s warranty. For those buying a refurbished phone, this is a major concern as buyers are worried about defects showing up later. 2GUD products come with an assured warranty for up to 12 months. Thus, the overall experience is comparable to buying a new phone.
Pricing:
This was the only aspect where we found a major difference between the refurbished and new models. While a new model of the phone is available for Rs.27, 999, the refurbished model on 2GUD is available for just Rs.21, 999, along with an additional 10 percent discount for online transactions. Thus, it makes for a very valuable deal.
Considering all aspects, refurbished phones from 2GUD make for a great purchase. Not only can you take advantage of superior prices but also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with thorough quality checks and product warranty. It is indeed the smart choice.
For a closer look, do watch the video below.