The iPhone 11 is the best-selling smartphone of 2020. Demand for the device will also be high in 2021. Apple still sells the device itself, but more and more refurbished copies are offered by third parties. To what extent is the price difference worth the purchase of a refurbished iPhone 11?
Advice: refurbished iPhone 11, good idea or not?
The term ‘refurbished’ stands for ‘renovated’. A refurbished iPhone therefore consists of both used and brand new parts. The device is extensively tested and then the worn parts are replaced. It is therefore possible that a refurbished iPhone has a number of scratches, but you can be assured that it functions properly.
1. Price difference
The main reason for choosing a refurbished smartphone is the price. The amount you have lost is lower than the new price. However, the iPhone 11 is still fairly new: the device is less than a year and a half old. As a result, the value has not fallen dramatically. Since Apple also sells the smartphone itself at a lower price and providers are scattering discount deals, the price difference is currently low.
In the refurbished world, three conditions are used: visibly used, lightly used and as good as new. Visibly used is of course the cheapest option. This means that there are some scratches and maybe some small dents in the device. Do you want a refurbished iPhone 11 that looks like new? Then the price difference compared to a completely new iPhone 11 becomes even smaller.
2. Is the iPhone 11 future-proof?
You don’t have to worry about the software of the iPhone 11 yet. iPhones usually receive software support for about five years. For example, the iPhone 6S from 2015 is still completely up-to-date. We therefore expect the iPhone 11 to receive updates at least through 2025, if it is no longer.
A problem is the lack of 5G. If you buy an iPhone 11 now and want to keep it for the next two or three years, you won’t be able to use the fastest available internet all that time. That is especially unfortunate in the longer term. In 2022, the faster version of 5G will be rolled out in the Netherlands.
Also interesting: Explanation: Why the iPhone 11 does not have 5G
3. Durability
By buying a refurbished iPhone instead of a new one, you help the environment a bit. Every year the number of smartphone users is increasing and so production is also increasing.
Unfortunately, iPhones contain substances that are harmful to the environment. By purchasing a refurbished iPhone 11, these harmful materials are also reused. After all, every bit helps.
How Good Is The iPhone 11 In 2021?
The editors of iPhone recently tested the iPhone 11 extensively. In our review update, we said the following about it:
The question is mainly how long you want to use the device. The iPhone 12 is clearly a device that is ready for the future. You can use the new MagSafe accessories, which Apple will undoubtedly continue to respond to in the coming years. And you have the new design, which will probably also be used in the coming generations. 5G is also an important addition.
Do you think those things are not that important, or do you only want a new device for the coming year without paying the main price? Then the iPhone 11 is still an excellent smartphone in 2021.
→ Read more in the review update of the iPhone 11 in 2021
Buy a refurbished iPhone 11
Do you want to buy a refurbished iPhone 11 after reading this article? Check the price comparison below, where you can easily find the model you are looking for. We help you make the best choice.
Buy a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro
Is photography very important to you? Then you might want to go for the more luxurious iPhone 11 Pro. A refurbished iPhone 11 Pro is considerably cheaper than a new one and with the comparator below you can filter offers by price, condition, color and more.
Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max refurbished
If only the best of the best is good enough for you, consider the 11 Pro Max. This one has the best camera of the trio and the largest screen. You can quickly and easily filter refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max offers via the price comparator below.