Should You Buy a Used Tech Device?

Should I or should I not buy a used gadget is a common question among those who are planning to buy a device for the first time – or upgrading their existing one. Although owning the latest and most sleek gadget is tempting, there are pros of purchasing a used one. As a matter of fact, there are incredible second-hand devices available in the market and can serve just as efficiently as a new one would.

In this article, we shall look at some of the upsides and downsides of getting a used device, to help guide you through your purchasing process. 

The upside

Save on price

The first and perhaps the most compelling reasons to get a used device is the price. Since they are already used, they tend to be cheaper than the new ones. Picture this, a new model mobile phone can go for $1099, but the same version that’s pre-owned can cost $800. You can even get a far much better deal if you decide to go for an earlier generation. What’s more, there are usually only a few differences from one smartphone generation to another. So, you may buy a used phone if you’re keen on saving some money and still get to enjoy the best features.

Contribute to the green movement

 Another great reason why people get second-hand gadgets is to contribute to preserving the environment. If you think about it, any time a person is not using a gadget, or when they buy a new one, they are likely to discard the old one. Unfortunately, these devices aren’t biodegradable, so, they will often end up in landfills, garbage, or even ocean. This is not just wasteful but can be potentially hazardous. By purchasing second-hand gadgets, you get to keep it in circulation and prevent it from ending up in a landfill.

Open to more choices

The technological world is moving pretty fast, and many people are looking to own the latest and most sophisticated devices. If you don’t fall into this category that yearns to stay abreast with the industry developments, you have an option of getting an old one. And the best way to do this is by getting a pre-owned device. If this is the case, you have a vast selection to pick from. Retail stores and carriers often provide the latest devices that became available in recent months or years. Other platforms offer a broad range of gadgets, including those that were launched some years past. And the best part is these devices are cheap.

You may not need a new one

There are times when getting the latest device is not a necessity, like when you intend to use your phone for calls, social media, reading blogs, and so on. A mid-range tech from any generation in the past few years can work fine. This applies to computers, phones, and cameras too. As an average IT person, a mid-range computer won’t make a big difference, so a used computer is perfect.

The Downside

Buying a used gadget isn’t all rosy – it also comes with its fair share of problems as you will realize below.

Unknown lifespan

When you purchase a new gadget, you won’t know its lifespan, but you have a rough idea of how long you expect it to last. Usually, you’ll get at least two-three years of heavy use out of a mobile device and about three-four from a laptop without facing lots of issues. But with a used machine, you may not be aware of the kind of wear and tear it has experienced, so, it could withstand years of use or just a few weeks. You can’t tell.

There’s no warranty

Unlike a new device that comes with a two-year (give or take) warranty, a used one won’t come with any. So, if it has an issue, you will have to pay for the repairs, or even replace it if all else fails.

Buying a used device As with most things in life, purchasing a used machine comes with a set of upsides and downsides. The best thing to do is to ensure that you are working with a trustworthy dealer with a reputation for selling quality second-hand devices. This way, you can rest easy knowing you are getting value for your money.