How to Identify a Refurbished vs Original Phone in Nigeria

As the smartphone market in Nigeria continues to grow, distinguishing between original and refurbished phones is more critical than ever. Brands like Infinix, Tecno, and other Chinese manufacturers are highly popular, but their prominence has also led to an increase in refurbished phones being sold as new. To avoid being misled, it’s essential to understand how to differentiate between an original phone and a refurbished one.

What is a Refurbished Phone?

A refurbished phone is a pre-owned device that has been restored to a working condition by fixing hardware or software issues and often involves resetting to factory settings. These phones are not necessarily damaged or of low quality, but they have undergone repairs and repackaging before being resold. This is different from a fake phone, which is a counterfeit product.

How to Identify a Refurbished Phone

Here are some ways to spot a refurbished phone:

1. Price Too Good to Be True
   If you find a phone being sold at a price significantly lower than the market value, it could be refurbished or stolen. For instance, if a Tecno Camon 15 is typically sold for ₦70,000 and a vendor offers it for ₦40,000, chances are it’s refurbished. While everyone wants a good deal, be cautious when the price drop is suspiciously large.
2. Check the Seal at the Back
   The seal is a crucial indicator of a phone’s authenticity. This label, often found at the back or inside the phone’s housing, displays the model and IMEI number. An original phone will have tiny, engraved text that is imprinted into the label, whereas a refurbished phone might have bold, pasted text that looks different. If you’re familiar with the brand, checking the seal is one of the easiest ways to tell.
3. Casing or Housing Differences
   The physical casing of a phone can give away whether it’s refurbished. Refurbished phones often have a different texture and color compared to new ones. The color of a refurbished phone may appear thicker or shinier, while original phones have a lighter, more refined finish. If possible, compare the phone side-by-side with a confirmed original to check for discrepancies.
4. Software and Programming
   Upon switching on the phone, observe the display quality. The screen of an original phone is often LED-based, showing vibrant and sharp colors, while many refurbished phones may have LCD screens with duller contrasts. Additionally, check the icons and user interface—refurbished phones might have inconsistencies, glitches, or outdated software.
5. Sound Quality
   The sound of a refurbished phone can be noticeably different from that of an original. When you switch on the phone, listen for the welcome tone or any startup sound. An original phone will have crisp and clear sound, while a refurbished one may have distortions or sound like it’s struggling, as though debris has entered the speakers.
6. IMEI Number Verification
   The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a unique identifier for every phone. To check if a phone is original, copy the IMEI and enter it on the manufacturer’s official website. If the phone is original, the IMEI will match the device. If not, it’s likely a refurbished or fake phone.

The Consequences of Buying a Refurbished Phone

While refurbished phones are not inherently bad, they may come with potential drawbacks:

1. Memory Issues: Refurbished phones may display a “memory full” message, even when only a few files are stored.
2. Browsing Problems: In some cases, refurbished phones may struggle to connect to the internet or experience slow browsing speeds.
3. Overheating: Refurbished phones may have hardware problems, causing the device to overheat after short usage periods.
4. Software Glitches: The phone may show frequent pop-up messages like “Android.com has stopped working,” making the user experience frustrating.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, the smartphone market is filled with both original and refurbished devices. Being able to distinguish between them is essential for making informed buying decisions. If you’re looking to purchase a phone, remember to check for signs like pricing, seals, casing, software, sound quality, and the IMEI number. Understanding these differences will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure you get value for your money.