Apple’s online certified refurbished is stocked with last year’s iPhone 13 lineup, so should users save a few bucks on an older smartphone instead of buying a new one? Some buyers might steer clear of refurbished products, and for good reason. But there is a huge difference between a secondhand seller claiming their product is refurbished and a first-party manufacturer making the same claim. And Apple’s certified refurbished program is a step above the competition. The certified refurbished store is filled with devices that have brand new outer shells and fresh batteries. By outright replacing the most consumable parts of an iPhone, these certified refurbished products are like new.
However, not every product is available in certified refurbished condition at a reduced cost. Availability varies, and good deals often sell out fast. Moreover, Apple strategically makes products available in certified refurbished condition so as not to weaken the appeal of its newest devices. The iPhone 13 series is now making its way to Apple’s certified refurbished store, with discounts of up to 15 percent off. Due to the limited changes between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 model years, buying a certified refurbished iPhone 13 can be a great way to upgrade and save some cash.
Related: iPhone 14 Pro Max Vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max: What’s New?
The Pros And Cons Of Buying An iPhone 13
For buyers that often purchase smartphones through a cellular carrier, buying certified refurbished might not be the best option. Carriers usually offer compelling deals on new devices that allow users to pay a low monthly rate over a long installment period, which can be more appealing than buying at full price. However, buyers that purchase their iPhones in full or need an unlocked device should consider certified refurbished devices. In those cases, people can slash hundreds of dollars off of the normal sticker price of an iPhone.
The appeal of certified refurbished products is even greater this year because the iPhone 13 and 14 aren’t all that different. The latter uses the same design, display, and chipset as the former. When taking into account the price of the current iPhone 14 and the certified refurbished iPhone 13 Pro, the decision is made even easier. While the iPhone 14 starts at $799, a certified refurbished iPhone 13 Pro can be had for just $849.
For $50 more, users get a better overall device when going for a certified refurbished model. The iPhone 13 Pro has double the storage as the iPhone 14, a ProMotion display, and Apple’s Pro camera system. With certified refurbished iPhone 13 models hitting the shelves, the iPhone 14 becomes an even tougher sell.
More: iPhone 14 & 14 Plus: Everything You Need To Know
