You can save quite a bit of money by purchasing refurbished mobiles instead of shelling out significant cash for new devices. But, not all refurbished phones are the same, so you need to understand what you're looking for before you make your purchase. Here are some tips for buying refurbished phones to help you get a high-quality device at a reasonable price.
Refurbished Doesn't Always Mean Used
Most people associate the word "refurbished" with the word "used," but not all refurbished phones are used. They also often think that refurbished phones are old phones that don't have the newest technology. Both of these assumptions are myths because you can find refurbished phones that aren't used and aren't old. While they might not have the most recent technology available, refurbished phones can undoubtedly keep up with the newest models.
Many refurbished phones are simply customer returns, and most of those weren't even returned because something was wrong with them. They were returned because the customer didn't know how to work the phone or didn't like it. The phones can no longer be sold as "new" and are refurbished to meet original manufacturer standards. These like-new phones can be purchased at a significant discount over their new counterparts.
Choose a Refurbished Phone Wisely
There is always a little bit of a risk when buying a refurbished phone, but there's a risk when purchasing a new phone too. Sometimes, you get a product that just doesn't work. If you're buying a new phone, that usually isn't a problem because they come with a warranty, but with a refurbished phone, you might not have that option. So, before you buy a refurbished phone, make sure the company accepts returns and offers a 90-day warranty.
Most companies should allow you to exchange the phone for another if it doesn't work the way it should. If they don't, that should be a huge red flag not to buy from that company. Additionally, you really need a warranty so that if your phone stops working within a few months of getting it, you can return it for replacement or repair. A 90-day warranty is standard for refurbished devices, so keep looking until you find a company that offers this perk.
Make Sure Accessories Are Available
This is becoming less of an issue as refurbished phones catch up to current technology, but you do need to be aware that if you buy an older refurbished phone model, it might not come with accessories such as a charger or case. You will need to track these items down and spend more money if it doesn't. And sometimes, that's not an easy task, depending on how old the phone is. If you have to choose between a slightly more expensive refurbished phone with accessories and a cheaper model without accessories, it's almost always better to spend a little more on the extras.
Conclusion
There are some great deals to be had by purchasing refurbished phones, but as with anything, you must be careful. Check out the warranty and return policy from any seller you're considering and make sure you're able to get accessories if the phone you want doesn't come with them.
Smartphone use in the UK is at an all-time high with ownership now up to 78.9%, topping off a decade of digital dependency among the population. As smartphones reach a saturation point in western markets, brands are striving to offer devices at a wider range of price points to meet varying requirements and preferences. This is also driving a thriving resale market of refurbished and second hand devices. The enduring popularity of smartphones is rooted in reasons beyond their primary roles as communication and web browsing utilities. Smartphones have effectively become many people's primary computing device, and as such are relied on for a huge range of tasks.
Content Consumption
Smartphones are increasingly used as entertainment devices, with the average UK owner using their smartphone around 2.5 hours a day. This takes the form of everything from checking feeds on social media platforms like Instagram, to consuming video content on YouTube and Netflix. Smartphones are also increasingly becoming the preferred gaming device for UK adults, with around 30% of the population stating that they frequently played mobile games, of which 9.2%, or 6.2 million people, said they play daily. This is perhaps unsurprising given the ease of access afforded to mobile gamers. Not only can players utilize platforms such as VegasSlotsOnline to play mobile casino games optimized for all devices through their web-browser, but they can choose from among the nearly 1 million games on the App store. Hardware developments, from larger battery capacity, to higher resolution displays and faster data connections all contribute to making modern devices a compelling alternative to traditional games consoles.
Market Preferences
With people using smartphones in such diverse ways, the markets reflect these requirements. Devices that offer competitive features at an affordable price point have displaced the preponderance of flagship, business oriented phones that were the norm in the late 00s. Below we're taking a look at the most popular mobile phones currently available in the UK, based upon data collected in a government survey in Q4 of 2021.
Most Popular Phones
#5 Samsung Galaxy S7
Kicking off our rundown is the Samsung Galaxy S7. A former flagship model, the S7 went on sale in March of 2016 for £569/$750. It launched alongside the S7 Edge, a version with matching internals but the addition of a wrap-around display. Now 6 years old, the S7 has experienced strong sales on the refurbishment market. For those who don't need all the latest bells and whistles the S7 boasts a solid feature-set, now for around £100/$130.
#4 Samsung Galaxy S10
Like the S7, the S10 was once the premier flagship device in Samsung's Galaxy line. The S10 launched in 2019 and came in a range of different specs and price points, from the budget model S10E £699/$749, to the S10+ 5G £1099/$1299. This device remains a competitive and attractive option in 2022, especially so given it can now be picked up second hand for around £200/$260.
#3 Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Last year's flagship device from Samsung went on sale at a range of price points topping out at a formidable £1329/$1379 for the max storage Ultra model. With high refresh rate displays, up to 16GB RAM and a 5000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is among the most powerful and advanced devices available on the market today. Now with the arrival of the S22, the S21 can be picked up for as little as £500/$650 refurbished.
#2 Apple iPhone 8
Much like the Galaxy S7, the iPhone 8 experiences ongoing popularity as it strikes the right balance between aftermarket affordability and competitive performance. It went on sale globally at the tail end of 2017 for £699/$699, and can now be found for around £100/$130, depending on the model.
#1 Apple iPhone 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 Pro is the immediate predecessor to Apple's current flagship line. First released in 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro now benefits from a price cut from £/$ down to £/$ on the second hand market, thanks to the arrival of the iPhone 13. The 12 Pro sits in the sweet spot between the more budget friendly iPhone 12 Mini, and the power-user focused iPhone 12 Pro Max.
If you're looking to book a sunny summer holiday, you can't do any better than Mykonos. This stunning Greek island is the stuff of dreams, with it's crystal clear ocean, white sandy beaches, beautiful ports and exciting nightlife, it has everything you'll need to have the perfect holiday. Finding the right place to book your holiday can be tricky. Luckily, adorno suits mykonos provides you with the best tools to help you find the accommodation that's perfect for your needs. But what's the best way to book your holiday to Mykonos? In this article, we'll outline what way is best and why.
When it comes to actually booking your Mykonos holiday, mobile is definitely king. Smartphones now are just as capable as most computers or laptops and one of the key things they have over those devices is that they can fit in your pocket. You can also take them on the move, meaning you can search and book your next holiday all from your smartphone! This is ideal when travelling with others, as you can arrange to meet up, decide where in Mykonos you're going and when, and book it all online at the same time, saving you time and effort sitting at your computer.
Gone are the days when you would sit at your computer to book a holiday, texting and calling your friends or family to arrange and confirm the details. Remember having to print off boarding passes, your accommodation and transfer booking confirmations, and having to carry that all with you? Now, you can carry everything that you need to visit Mykonos in the palm of your hands. Our airports are now smarter, too. In most airports, you're able to scan your boarding pass from your phone to go through the automatic barriers. This means you also spend less time standing around to get on your flight.
When travelling to Mykonos in a group, you may need to share information with other people in your party, such as boarding passes, flight information, transfer details or the address of your accommodation. Having all of this information to hand to be able to share instantly on your smartphone is the very definition of convenience. No need to meet up early at the airport anymore to dish out the printed information to everyone travelling. You could even share information with people travelling from a completely different airport with private messaging apps such as WhatsApp allowing you to send and receive information quickly and easily.
All things considered, it makes sense to book your next trip to Mykonos on your smartphone device instead of a computer or laptop. The beauty of smartphones is that they just keep getting smarter, too. This means it will only get easier and easier to arrange all aspects of your holiday from one single handheld Apple or Android device. So, get with the times, ditch the laptop, and book your next trip to Greece using your smartphone now!
Smartphone cameras have progressed to the point where they can compete with point-and-shoot cameras. In fact, photography skills can be acquired using only a smartphone. However, most camera phones usually are expensive and with so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming to find an affordable smartphone. Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of the best camera phones available, spanning from high-end to low-cost options.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 series was recently launched, expanding the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. The iPhone 13 Pro, for example, features a slightly refined design and the all-new Super Retina XDR Display with ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The latest iPhone model is also powered by the unrivalled performance of the A15 Bionic, which is more powerful than its competitors.
The three-lens array is essentially the same, but it has been significantly improved with new Ultra-wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras that capture spectacular photos and videos. When you compare an image from an iPhone 13 Pro to one from an iPhone 12, you'll notice a significant difference.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the company's flagship smartphone for 2021, and it's a beast. The Samsung phone is attractive to the eye, thanks to its curved 6.8-inch screen and smooth Gorilla Glass back with a matte texture. For the first time in a Samsung phone, the S21 has a QHD+ resolution as well as a 120Hz refresh rate.
Samsung has included S Pen support, but even without it, this is a stunning device with a quad-lens camera that can achieve 10x optical magnification. On the rear, the S21 Ultra sports two telephoto lenses. One has a 3x zoom while the other has a 10x magnification, reaffirming Samsung's position as one of the best zoom lens makers in the industry.
Google Pixel 4a
The Google Pixel 4a is a smartphone featuring a camera designed for 'point-and-click' photographers. It has a 5.8-inch screen and runs Google's version of Android, so you'll be among the first to receive Android updates. The Pixel 4a features 6GB of RAM, which is just enough to keep apps from closing in the background.
Like its predecessor, the Pixel 4a continues to be an excellent compact camera phone. It features the same 12MP camera sensor as the Pixel 3a, but its final product is unrivalled due to the excellent software optimization. The Pixel 4a includes Super Res Zoom, which improves the quality of digital zoom, as well as Night Mode, which allows you to photograph starry skies.
Huawei P40 Pro
If you don't mind not being able to run Google apps, the Huawei P40 Pro is the best Huawei phone for the money. It's an upgrade over the Huawei P30 Pro, with a brilliant quad-lens camera and curved glass on all four front edges. Released just a year ago, the stylish smartphone may not be the latest model, but it still offers everything you need in 2021 and beyond.
The Kirin 990 chipset in the P40 Pro delivers high-quality performance, including an excellent screen with a high 90Hz refresh rate. In terms of photography, Huawei has a reputation for equipping its phones with exceptional cameras. The Huawei smartphone comes with four lenses, including a standard zoom, a super wide-angle lens, a 5x optical zoom lens, and a depth-sensing lens, making it one of Huawei's top camera phones.
Motorola Moto G Power
If superior battery performance is a must-have feature in your smartphone, the Motorola Moto G Power should be on your list. The Moto G Power can last for several days due to its sizeable 5,000mAh battery. Other specifications are modest, but you get excellent performance for casual use.
Moreover, Moto G Power is a good choice for the price because it can take some great photos, especially with the main sensor. Motorola dropped the ultra-wide camera for this model, leaving you with 48-megapixel wide and 2-megapixel macro cameras, as well as an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Photos taken in bright outdoor light have a lot of detail, although the colours can be a bit washed out. Regardless, you can expect decent overall performance from the Moto G Power.
Unlocking a cell phone removes SIM restrictions from a phone that has been programmed to reject other types of SIM cards.
When you unlock your cell phone, you can use it with another carrier's service after unlocking as long as the new service provider uses the same radio frequencies. Prepaid phones can also be unlocked, opening up their use to foreign carriers' networks.
Why Do You Need To Unlock Your Phone?
If you plan to travel internationally and buy local SIM cards for your stay, you will have to unlock your existing mobile phone. In this way, you will avoid very high roaming fees and save money while using your device abroad.
Even if you don't plan to travel out of the country but want more choices in choosing your phone carrier, you need to unlock your cell phone. Unlocking phones is legal and very easy these days, with software that you can download online at no cost.
But sometimes, manufacturers make it very difficult for customers to do this on their own. They may want you to buy a locked device from them to get an unlock code or want you to use their service provider to get it unlocked for a fee.
You may not know, but most carriers will not push updates via OTA (over-the-air) if your mobile phone is unlocked. Yes, even Sprint! So if you buy a new smartphone by signing up with AT&T or Verizon, the chances are that it will probably be usable only on their network without an unlock.
However, if your device is already unlocked, all you have to do is update the system version from time to time, and it becomes reflected in less than an hour.
10 Reasons Why You Need To Unlock Your Phone
- It saves money buying a local prepaid SIM card while traveling abroad.
- It avoids paying high international roaming charges while traveling abroad.
- By unlocking your cell phone, any other person can use their own SIM card in your mobile phone for free calls or data usage anywhere around the world.
- It allows you to use the latest software updates from Google on your smartphone after the manufacturer or carrier has stopped updating it with OTA.
- New phones will usually be unusable on any other network without being unlocked by the carrier that owns them.
- Free unlocking is now possible using online software, which is legal and reasonably practical these days.
- Your cell phone will not be blacklisted due to unpaid bills from another network service provider, so this means no more roaming charges ever again!
Why Is Your Phone Locked?
Most carriers lock phones they sell during shipment or shortly after activation to force you to utilize only their service for an agreed period. It is called 'SIM lock.'
Carriers do this to ensure that you are committed to using their services for the duration of your contract, not only because it guarantees them income but also because most smartphone companies offer deals on phones along with a plan.
Many mobile phones are now being sold unlocked out-of-the-box. However, many devices have various forms of "locking" mechanisms -- including carrier-specific software locks, hardware locks, user-inputted passwords when making changes in the phone's settings, and SIM locks.
When you buy a new mobile device, the chances are that it is locked to one carrier and can work only on their network.
Unlocking a Mobile Phone
It is possible to unlock your cell phone, but this can be time-consuming, and sometimes it may require even more than one code from the provider. The exact timeframe for how long it will take depends on whether you've purchased a premium service or an automated no-cost system.
It also depends on your particular mobile model number and technical specifications, such as its unique IMEI, which identifies each cell phone in any GSM wireless telecommunications network.
Precautions:
- Be sure that you have a SIM card from another telephone service provider. If you don't have one, then purchase an unlocked cell phone to avoid getting yourself in trouble.
- Be sure you have not unlocked your cell phone before without the permission of your original carrier, and they will not still be able to track it.
- You must write down or remember your unlock code if the provider provides it instead of using an automated no-cost service.
Summary
You can unlock your cell phone with the help of an unlock code. After unlocking your cell phone, you will get the freedom to use any SIM card in your device anywhere in the world. This process is very safe and does not make any changes to your phone's software or hardware settings.
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