When it comes to buying electronics like a tablet, it’s easy to get caught up trying to get the latest and greatest models.
But if you’re on a budget or just looking for a good deal, a refurbished tablet might be a better option than a brand new model.
That’s why we offer a wide variety of professionally refurbished electronics on our online store: so our recipients can feel empowered to get connected with the tools that make the most sense for them.
That being said, there are some things you’ll want to look for when shopping for a second-hand device to ensure you’re getting the best value. So, we wrote this short guide about what you should consider when shopping for a refurbished tablet.
Table of Contents
- Make sure the overall condition of your refurbished tablet is good
- A refurbished tablet should have a decent battery life
- Second hand tablets should possess an adequate amount of storage space
- Refurbished tablets should come with at least a 6-month warranty
- Paying for a refurbished tablet should feel like an exceptionally good deal
- Be brand-conscious during the buying process
- A refurbisher should be able to speak to their refurbishment process
- Where to buy low-cost refurbished tablets
Make sure the overall condition of your refurbished tablet is good
The condition of the device should be your first and primary concern when buying a refurbished tablet. Any secondhand tablet will show some signs of use that are acceptable. Small blemishes or scuffs on the screen, as well as minor dents on the corners can be expected. However, there’s a certain level of degradation that shouldn’t be accepted when buying a refurbished tablet.
When evaluating a secondhand tablet, look for visible signs of extraordinary wear and tear like large cracks, scratches, and dents on the case or screen. You’ll also want to see whether or not the buttons on the tablet’s front or sides still look like they can be easily pressed. Additionally, you should be sure that all of the ports on the device appear clean and without defects. This is especially important if you intend on connecting your tablet to an external device, such as a printer or a hard drive.
A refurbished tablet should have a decent battery life
A tablet with a shorter battery life may not be as convenient to use, as you may have to charge it more often. This can be particularly inconvenient if you rely on your tablet for tasks that require a longer battery life, such as watching movies or working remotely. Additionally, a tablet with a shorter battery life may end up costing more in the long run if you have to charge it more often, or if the battery dies earlier than expected.
Keep in mind that the actual battery life of the refurbished tablet may be shorter than the manufacturer’s specifications, as the battery may have degraded over time. Still, you should try to find information from both the original device manufacturer and the refurbisher about the expected battery life of the tablet you’re interested in. If you’re buying from a refurbisher, you can also directly ask them directly how they ensure their batteries’ performance and longevity.
There are a few different tests that a tablet refurbisher might conduct. A full charge and recharge test, where the device’s battery is fully charged then used until it’s depleted, can help them determine the overall capacity of the battery and how long it lasts under normal use. Refurbishers will typically pair these tests with battery performance tests, where they measure the rate of battery drain when performing different tasks. Batteries may also be exposed to different temperatures during testing to ensure the device can perform well in different climates.
Second hand tablets should possess an adequate amount of storage space
If you plan on using your refurbished tablet for things like editing photos and videos, playing video games, or making music, you’ll want to make sure it has adequate storage space. For most users, 32GB is a decent enough amount of storage. However, a tablet running on newer versions of operating systems may have less free storage space. So, if you need a refurbished tablet that can perform high-intensity tasks, you may want to look for a newer model with more built-in storage space.
Keep in mind that most tablets – especially slightly older models – still allow you to expand the storage with a microSD card if needed. This can be a convenient way to add additional storage space to the tablet without having to purchase a new model. However, it’s important to check the tablet’s specifications to ensure that it is compatible with a microSD card and to determine the maximum capacity of the card that it can support.
Refurbished tablets should come with at least a 6-month warranty
It’s important to stay protected in case the refurbished tablet you bought develops any issues or defects. One way to do this is by looking for a seller who offers a warranty on refurbished electronics.
Warranties provide you with peace of mind and protection in case anything goes wrong – which is especially important for price-conscious shoppers who can’t afford to buy a new device if their’s breaks. Most reputable refurbishers will offer a minimum 6-month warranty for a variety of hardware defects. Typically, top refurbished tablet sellers like Human-I-T will offer a one-year warranty.
If a seller is unwilling to offer a warranty or has very strict terms, it may be a red flag that they’re not willing to stand behind the quality of their refurbishment. In these cases, it may be best to consider purchasing from a different seller who is more willing to offer a warranty with a reasonable time frame.
Paying for a refurbished tablet should feel like an exceptionally good deal
It’s understandable to want to save some money when buying refurbished tablets. However, consider what a device like a tablet can offer: access to limitless opportunities online, and a chance to explore your interests and hobbies whenever you want. With that in mind, think about what features your device needs to have to do for it to deliver the most value to you.
After you’ve narrowed down what tablet makes and models meet your needs, go and research the average price for those tablets from different refurbished electronics sellers. This will help you get a sense of what a fair price for the refurbished tablet is, and will allow you to make an informed decision.
Be brand-conscious during the buying process
It’s important to consider the brand of the device you’re looking at when shopping for a refurbished tablet. Some brands are known for producing high-quality tablets that can capably meet a variety of performance requirements and stand the test of time. Other brands may not have the same reputation for build quality and may deliver products that are prone to defects or breakdown.
Before buying a refurbished tablet, take time to read the one-, two-, and three-star reviews from customers who bought the same make and model you’re interested in. Look for reviews that specifically mention the tablet’s durability and any issues that users have experienced. These testimonials and reviews will give you a good idea of the frequency or severity of any problems these tablets present.
It’s also a good idea to research the brand’s customer service and support policies if the refurbishment was performed by the original manufacturer. If you do experience any issues with the tablet, you’ll want to know that you can get help and support directly from the manufacturer. Look for brands that have a good reputation for customer service and support, as this will make it easier to get any problems resolved.
A refurbisher should be able to speak to their refurbishment process
It’s essential to do your research and make sure you’re buying from a reputable and trustworthy refurbisher when purchasing a refurbished tablet. Look for a refurbisher with a good track record and positive customer reviews that praise the quality of their refurbishments.
Top tablet refurbishers often use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts during their refurbishment to ensure the device’s reliability. Additionally, reputable refurbishers will have a robust quality control process that ensures the device functions at the same high standards as new devices.
Refurbished electronics sellers should be able to cite a number of different tests they can conduct to ensure they’re performing high-quality refurbishments. In addition to basic hardware testing, every refurbished tablet should have its pre-loaded software tested, including its operating system and pre-installed apps, to guarantee the systems work fine. The battery and display should also be tested to find and correct any issues such as a lack of ability to hold a decent charge or the presence of dead pixels or color inaccuracies.
Look for refurbishers who can explain how they test and repair any defective components, and who thoroughly clean and sanitize each refurbished device. By considering these factors, you can be more confident that the refurbished tablet you purchase has undergone a high-quality refurbishment process that maximizes its durability and reliability.
Where to buy low-cost refurbished tablets
Keeping these things in mind is important if you want to find a great deal on a refurbished tablet that meets your needs.
Or you could just go to the Human-I-T Online Store and find a low-cost, high-quality tablet today!
Happy shopping!
