We are living in the age of technology and gadgets. Ever so often we see a new gadget becoming an integral part of our daily routine. One such gadget that has made inroads in recent times is a tablet. Portable, compact, and handy, tablets have arrived in a big way, and they are here to stay.
As useful as they are, tablets come at a price, pun-intended, that not everyone can afford. And that is where refurbished tablets come in. They are quality-certified and come at a substantially lower price. However, assessing a refurbished tablet can be hard.
In this blog, we will guide you on how to assess the quality of a refurbished tablet. It will help you make an informed decision and safeguard you against any possible scams. So, let’s begin.
What is a Refurbished Tablet?
Although, we reckon you will know what a refurbished tablet is, we explain it briefly. A refurbished tablet is a pre-owned device tested, restored and revamped to look and behave like a new tablet. It is resold at a considerably low price with a new warranty. It is also known as reconditioned, revamped, or renewed tablet.
Difference Between a Refurbished and Used Tablet?
It wouldn’t be out of place to distinguish between a refurbished and a used tablet here. Many people wrongfully think they are identical. They are the same in the sense that they are both second-hand devices, but the similarity ends here.
Unlike a refurbished tablet, a used tablet is sold on “as-is basis”. There are no quality tests done on a used tablet and certainly no restoration or repair work. It may or may not have a warranty and is sold without any quality assurance.
Major Factors to Consider When Assessing a Refurbished Tablet
Let us now discuss some major considerations when assessing the quality of a refurbished tablet.
Know the Seller:
The first factor that will help you determine the quality of a refurbished tablet is the source of refurbishment. If you are buying a refurbished tablet from the original manufacturer, you can be sure about its quality. Buying a refurbished iPad directly from Apple will always be a win-win situation for all and the same goes for other manufacturers.
When you buy a refurbished tablet from a third-party, you need to be extra careful. It could end up being a hit or miss affair. Ensure that the seller enjoys a sound reputation, enjoys customer support, and knows what the refurbishment process entails.
Run a thorough background check on the seller, and in this time, it is not difficult to all. Google reviews, client testimonials, and social media comments would help. These measures will help you safeguard your interests.
Key Takeaways:
- Ask about the refurbishment process. What it entails and how did they do it.
- Is there a warranty assigned to the refurbished tablet? Insist on warranty or move on.
- A money-back guarantee or after-sale service and support would also mean the seller is trustworthy.
Physical Condition of the Refurbished Tablet:
Another important factor which may be used in evaluating the quality of reconditioned tablets is their current condition and usage history. Though a tablet that has been restored cannot be compared to a ‘new’ tablet, as one taken directly off the shelf, it should be presentable and in functional condition.
Refurbished tablets often come with various labels describing their cosmetic condition, such as:
- Grade-A: Minimally used with no obvious signs of wear and tear
- Grade-B: Small forms of defects such as slight scratches, marks or dents
- Grade-C: Dents, chips, rough or worn surface, cracks, scratches, blemishes, and dirt, etc.
Some sellers categorise them as ‘Excellent’,; Like-new’, ‘Good’, ‘Fair’, ‘ Average’ you get the idea, right?
While a few scratches may not even hinder the use of the tablet in any way, but deep scratches or broken screen is a sign for concern.
Key takeaways:
- Thoroughly check the general condition of the tablet
- Always look for detailed description of the tablet, if any, or go further as to take pictures of the device before purchase and share with friends for suggestions
- Ask questions about the usage history of the tablet, like where it was used and who used it, etc.
Battery Life and Performance:
Another important facet of reconditioned tablets is about their battery life. Eventually, batteries deteriorate, and you must be wary of that. An extensively used tablet is likely to have a depleted battery life, so again usage history counts.
When evaluating the quality of 2nd-hand tablets, ask about the battery health. In a good refurbishment process, it is common to change the battery or to guarantee that the battery retains not less than 80% of its capacity. Lack of information about the battery condition is concerning, and you should think twice before buying from such a source.
Some tablets have the option to monitor battery health through system diagnosis. For example, if using an iPad you will go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to view the maximum battery capacity.
As for Android tablet users, they can use apps such as AccuBattery to see a battery health and charge cycle breakdown.
Key Takeaways:
- Has the battery been replaced?
- What is the current battery health, how many charging cycles has it been through?
- Is the battery covered in a warranty or guarantee?
- Clear picture portrayal and display protection:
Display Quality:
The screen is perhaps one of the most important aspects in any tablet, for it has a direct influence on the user. Refurbished tablets should not have any compl issues like cracks, dead pixels or discoloration of the screen.
You should check for the following:
Brightness uniformity: Make sure the brightness levels are the same for the whole display on the screen. Sudden changes in brightness depict a picture which suggests internal damage or a substandard repair work.
Colour accuracy: Ensure that all colors displayed by the screen are normal. Any purple hue or obviously lightened colours are suggestive of a bad display panel.
Dead or stuck pixels: Dead pixels are the blackish speck on an electronic display and stuck pixels are pixels that are fixed permanently on a certain color. Either of the two may mar the aesthetic look of the tablet.
Touch responsiveness: Make sure that there is optimal touch sensitivity of the screen right from the edges to its centre. Check if there are any areas on the screen that do not read your touch input, this is usually referred to as dead zones.
Key Takeaways:
- Run a test video, preferably the one you have often seen and compare its quality
- Ensure that the colour reproduction is spot on and there are stutters or graphical flaws
Ports and Buttons:
When it comes to cheap refurbished tablets, all the aspects of their physical construction must be checked including ports and buttons. The ports maybe worn down due to constant usage or connectivity whereas the buttons, especially touch ones, could issues with functionality and responsiveness.
Inspect the following:
Charging port: Check the quality of charging when the tablet is connected to the power source. One of the most common issues with reconditioned tablets are flawed charging ports. It means you cannot charge the tablet.
Headphone jack: If the headphones are connected via a headphone jack, then check if the sound is clear without crackling.
Volume and power buttons: These buttons should feel tactile and reactive. Sometimes unresponsiveness can be a result of underlying hardware problems.
Speakers and microphone: Test the tablet’s speakers by playing your favorite audio song or watching a video. The sound should be clear with no or low level of hissing sounds. In the same way, check the microphone by using the voice memo option to make a recording, then listen to the recording to assess its quality.
Key Takeaways:
- Physically inspect ports and buttons of refurbished tablet pcs
- It’s common for these buttons and ports wear out, so pay close attention to their condition
Hardware and software:
When reviewing the quality of a refurbished tablet, don’t forget to evaluate its inner parts and software. Let’s discuss them.
Processor and RAM: Check the efficiency of the processor (CPU) and the memory (RAM). A tablet with insufficient amount of RAM or low processor clock rate will be slow when it comes to multitasking or running complex app, in which case the gadget will not be very helpful.
Load the tablet to its maximum by actively using applications that enable you to determine whether the tablet efficiently switches between applications; check if it takes too long to load or freezes at some point, either way, it may present a sign of hardware problems.
Storage Capacity: Verify the storage space and ensure that the offered storage is real. Due to the devices being old models, taken and refurbished some may come with a reduced storage capacity. Ensure the storage aligns with your needs, especially if you intend to save items like videos or games.
Software Updates: Try to get a tablet eligible to receive future updates to the operating system. This is particularly relevant with respect to security and compatibility with the applications. A tablet that is running an old version of iOS or Android may not be able to operate on the most up to date options of the tablet or updated secure technology.
Key Takeaways:
- Check if the tablet is in its latest Operating System
- What are the prospects of future updates
- Any symptoms of hardware issues that decelerates software performance
Warranty and Return Policy:
Reasonable warranty offers or return policy are healthy signs of reconditioned tablets’ quality. If the seller is confident in the product’s durability and functionality, they should offer some form of protection in case you encounter problems.
Key Takeaways:
- A warranty period (ideally 6 months to a year) that covers both hardware and software malfunctions
- A clear return policy that allows you to return the device for a refund or replacement
Price Comparison:
One of the major reasons for purchasing a refurbished tablet is to save money. However, this doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality. The price of a refurbished tablet should reflect its condition, the level of refurbishment, and its specifications.
Key Takeaways:
- Be sure to compare the price of the refurbished tablet with both new and used options.
- A price that’s too low could be a red flag for poor refurbishment
- A price that’s too close to new may not justify buying a refurbished model
Make an Informed Purchase Decision:
In the end, assessing the quality of a refurbished tablet comes down to a combination of factors: the source of refurbishment, the tablet’s cosmetic and functional condition, internal hardware, software updates, and the warranty provided by the seller. By paying close attention to these aspects and asking the right questions, you can confidently purchase a refurbished tablet that offers great value without compromising performance.
When done right, buying a refurbished tablet can be a smart investment that allows you to enjoy the latest technology at a fraction of the cost. Always research your seller, review their refurbishment process, and thoroughly test the device as soon as you receive it to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
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