The prices of flagship smartphones keep climbing higher and higher.

But before you do that, its a good idea to take a look at refurbished smartphones.

What is a refurbished smartphone?

Thats why its important to note the words refurbished, certified refurbished, and renewed, are used interchangeably.

Other than that, there is no fundamental difference between a new or refurbished smartphone.

Check for a warranty.Just because youre buying a refurbished rig, doesnt mean you dont get a warranty.

see to it your equipment at least has a couple of months of warranty before making the purchase.

Many popular companies like Apple and Samsung have their own certified-refurbished programs.

Read the fine print.Before buying, check that that everything is on the up-and-up.

Most refurbished smartphones are unlocked, but its something you should check before buying.

But its best to buy a smartphone thats a year old (or two, at the most).

While refurnished phones are cheaper compared to new models, the good ones wont bethatcheap.

Gazelle

Gazelle is one of the most popular places for selling used smartphones.

They make the process very easythe used gadget goes through a lengthy certification process to ensure it isnt faulty.

In this process, any glaring issues are fixed using replacement parts.

Back Market

Back Market shines with it comes to transparency.

It has a transparent grading system for each gadget, for both appearance and technical condition.

Every gear goes through rigorous testing, and if there are any issues, they are fixed.

Back Market offers a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.

Apple

The best place to buy a refurbished iPhone is, unsurprisingly,Apple itself.

All repairs are done by Apple themselves.

Samsung

Samsung has a similar certified Re-Newed Smartphones program.

These smartphones are refurbished to a like-new condition, and they come with a one-year warranty.

Amazon Renewed

Amazon also has its own refurbishment program.

Under Amazon Renewed, youll get refurbished devices at competitive ratesand a 90-day warranty period.

Amazon Renewed products are professionally inspected and the batteries are more than 80% capacity.

Best Buy

Best Buy offers a selection of used, open-box, and refurbished smartphones.

Popular carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T all do.

Youll get the same flagship equipment at a lower rate, with an easy monthly payment option.