Amazon Refurbs: A Quick Recap
When we reviewed an Amazon refurbished phone, the results were surprisingly good. The device was advertised as “like new,” and despite minor imperfections, it lived up to the expectations. I gave the refurb job a solid 10 out of 10, making me a happy customer. While the device wasn’t exactly new as advertised, it was in excellent condition, and the experience left little to complain about.
Best Buy’s Marketplace: The Good, the Bad, and the Uncertain
Best Buy’s online store has garnered a reputation for its lack of quality assurance when it comes to refurbished products. Unlike Amazon, Best Buy’s refurbished devices are often sold by third-party sellers, which means the quality can vary significantly. With no direct refurbishment by Best Buy themselves, it becomes a bit of a gamble.
The Deal: iPhone 11 Pro for CAD 570
After scrolling through the listings, we found a promising deal—an iPhone 11 Pro for CAD 570. This price seemed reasonable compared to the local used market. The seller had a 3.9-star rating, which, while not stellar, appeared decent at first glance. However, a closer look revealed a mix of both glowing five-star reviews and worrying one-star reviews. With such mixed feedback, it was hard to know what to expect, so we decided to take the plunge and see for ourselves.
Unboxing the iPhone 11 Pro
Upon receiving the phone, the first thing we noticed was the packaging. It arrived in a generic white box, accompanied by a case, a 20W Apple charging cube, and a charging cable. The inclusion of these accessories was a pleasant surprise, though the overall presentation lacked polish.
Cosmetic Condition: A Closer Look
Once unboxed, we inspected the phone closely. The cosmetic condition was generally good, but there were several noticeable scratches on the screen. These scratches weren’t severe enough to affect usability but were prominent enough to lower the score. Based on this, we rated the cosmetic condition a 7 out of 10. While the device was functional, the description of “like new” was slightly misleading.
Functionality Check: Initial Setup and Battery Health
We powered on the device and went through the initial setup. The screen appeared to be an Apple original, which was a good sign. Once set up, we checked the battery health, which was not terrible but not great. This is something buyers should keep in mind when purchasing refurbished devices from marketplaces like Best Buy’s, as battery health isn’t guaranteed.
Testing with Third-Party Tools
To further assess the phone, we used a tool called 3uTools, which allows us to verify the authenticity of various components. According to the verification report:
- Rear and front cameras were original.
- Battery was original.
- No major component replacements were detected.
The accessories provided, including the USB-C to Lightning cable, were also confirmed as genuine, which was a pleasant surprise.
Performance Tests: All Systems Go
Next, we downloaded an app to run a full diagnostic test on the phone. This app checks various functions, including NFC, sensors, and display responsiveness. The device passed all tests without any issues. While the exterior showed signs of previous use, the internal components appeared to be in good shape.
Teardown: What Did We Find Inside?
Curious about the quality of the refurb job, we decided to open up the phone. Using a specialized mat to keep track of the screws, we carefully disassembled the device. Upon inspection:
- There were no obvious signs of major component replacements.
- The internals were clean, with no dust or residue, indicating minimal prior tampering.
The only indication that someone had worked on the phone was a faint line near the battery, likely from a previous repair or inspection. Overall, the internal condition was impressive, and we found no major red flags.
The Verdict: Proceed with Caution
While the phone we received was functional and mostly original, buying refurbished devices from Best Buy’s marketplace comes with risks. The lack of direct refurbishment by Best Buy means quality can vary significantly between sellers. Additionally, there’s a 10% restocking fee for returns, and some buyers have reported being charged for return shipping. These policies, combined with mixed seller reviews, make it essential for buyers to exercise caution.
Final Score: 7/10
Given the cosmetic imperfections, slightly misleading description, and overall experience, we’d rate this refurbished phone purchase a 7 out of 10. While the device works well and includes genuine accessories, the scratches and lack of guaranteed battery health detract from the overall value.
