Should I get a more expensive phone refurbished or a brand new cheaper model?

[Android Central Question]

I'm looking to spend about $300 on a new phone. Looking at something like the galaxy s9 refurbished from backmarket or a brand new samsung a50.

 

[mustang7757]

ll leave a Link to register so you can communicate here as a guest account you can only post questions but can't reply.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=409154

 

[mustang7757]

[Moved to buyers Forum]

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Does it have to be Samsung? I'd recommend the Pixel 3a or 3a XL.

 

[Laura Knotek]

How about a Nokia 7.2?

 

[VidJunky]

Well I went and looked at Backmarket and they have really decent reviews. About 4.5 stars on Trust Pilot with 2,900 reviews. The reason I mention all of this is because buying a referb or used device really depends on who you buy it from. If you'd said Craig's list or something I'd say keep your money and get the new device but with good ratings like that I wouldn't imagine that you will be taken, or get stuck with a device that isn't worth the price.

So you've found a dealer with a good rep and a device that you like there's just a few more things I would consider.

1. Buying an older model that's about reached the end of it's update cycle means that besides security patches there's not much new coming your way. If having the latest OS is something that is important to you a new device might be the way to go.

2. Are you ready to test the device and put it through its paces? Even buying from a dealer with a good rep doesn't guarantee that the device will be without flaws, not cosmetic but internal. It looks like Backmarket does offer warrantees on some of their products so having a return/exchange window would be important especially with a used device, where with a new device the pressure to test it will be less and you know you're getting all of the manufacturer's warranty and the seller's exchange/return policy on top.

3. If you can live with the first two or they aren't that important to you, it comes down to which device meets your needs? Size, features, specs and to a lesser degree cosmetically. You're probably looking to hold on to a new device for X amount of time, which offers the most of what you're looking for in that period of time?

Just a few things that I would consider given your situation regardless of which new or used device you're considering.

Best wishes.