Yes, you can buy a refurbished or used cell phone to save money. While a refurbished phone is a used one, it was returned to the manufacturer or a qualified retailer who has since inspected and repaired (if needed) it prior to resale. Because it is no longer new, it is sold at a significantly reduced rate. For seniors on a tight budget, this can be a great way to purchase a cell phone they would otherwise not be able to afford. Refurbished phones generally come with a warranty, although it is usually much more limited than is the warranty on new phones. When searching for a refurbished cell phone, do your research and make sure the dealer is reputable. Reading reviews written by previous customers can be very helpful. They will shed light on their satisfaction with the dealer and the refurbished phones.
Purchasing a used cell phone can also save a lot of money, often more money than buying a refurbished phone. However, it does come with more risk. This is because the phone is being sold by the previous owner and a manufacturer or qualified retailer has not looked it over and repaired any existing issues. In addition, used cell phones generally do not come with any type of warranty. Trust needs to be placed in the seller, and if purchased online, buyers need to be aware that photos may not show cosmetic damage.