Welcome to AcelStore

Your one-stop shop for high-quality refurbished iPhones

We are passionate about offering you Apple devices like new, but at a much more accessible price. At AcelStore, every iPhone has been rigorously inspected and restored by experts to ensure impeccable performance and the premium experience you expect from an Apple product. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your smartphone or take the leap into the Apple ecosystem, at AcelStore you’ll find the perfect device for you, backed by a warranty and a team committed to your satisfaction. Discover a new way to enjoy technology with us!

What is a refurbished iPhone?

These types of phones are also known as “used” and consist of those that have been purchased by a first owner who later decided to sell them to another user. In this sense, we are talking about products that are in proper working condition, so they do not differ much from new ones.

Differences between second-hand phones and refurbished phones

If you are currently searching for your next phone, you may have come across some devices labeled as “second-hand” or “refurbished.” You may have even seen English terms like “second hand” or “refurbished” on foreign websites, which mean exactly the same as the words mentioned above. At AcelStore, we have a wide collection of refurbished devices of the best quality and at the best price. If you need help choosing the option that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget, we are ready to advise you and explain the most relevant aspects to consider when making your purchase. We understand how important it is for you to know all the features to evaluate regarding the condition of your new phone, so we want to explain what second-hand and refurbished devices are, as well as the similarities and differences between them.

Main advantages of refurbished iPhones:

The main difference between new and second-hand phones is that their prices are significantly more accessible, making them a great option for people who want to acquire high-quality technology with great features but don’t have the budget for a brand-new product. Sometimes, the “refurbished” label is given to a phone whose box has already been opened but has never been powered on; other times, it refers to devices that have been used for a short or long period. Logically, the more a device is used, the greater its market value depreciation, or in other words, the lower its sale price.

Features of second-hand iPhones

In the case of second-hand products, it is likely that the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, meaning no rights associated with it can be exercised. Additionally, when a device has been used for a long time, it is expected to be closer to the end of its useful life compared to those that have been used for a shorter time. Moreover, a device that has been used for a long time is more likely to have unfavorable aesthetic details such as scratches, nicks, or stains, which are not usually present in open-box or briefly used devices.

Disadvantages of second-hand phones

One potential downside of second-hand devices is that some of them may have significant functional issues related to their internal components, which might not have been detected initially. These faults could become apparent shortly after the purchase and, in more severe cases, might even render the phone unusable. This occurs more frequently in transactions between individuals.

Recommendations when purchasing refurbished phones

Considering the above, it is recommended to buy used products that have undergone a thorough inspection process by accredited and experienced technicians to ensure you are getting the best quality for your money. In our tech store, we assure you that you will get fully functional devices with well-preserved, aesthetically pleasing looks so that you can have a phone that will last you a long time. All the products we offer have been evaluated by our specialists, who guarantee that you will get a device with no hidden issues.

Similarities between second-hand and refurbished phones

As mentioned before, neither second-hand nor refurbished phones are “new,” strictly speaking. In both cases, their boxes have been opened, and they have likely been powered on and used for some time. While second-hand devices may have been used for an extended period, there are cases where refurbished ones may have been handled for a maximum of 2 years (a period during which their warranty is still valid). Similarly, both types of phones are more affordable than their new equivalents, offering savings to the buyer. It is worth noting that the price reduction can vary depending on the seller’s criteria and the device’s condition. Generally, both used and refurbished phones can be between 30% and 70% cheaper than new devices. Another common factor between the two options is that the devices may be outdated compared to the latest technological trends. However, this is not necessarily true for all cases, as you may find very recent second-hand or refurbished phones that are on par with the most cutting-edge products. The decision to buy a more recent or older device will be up to you.

Differences between second-hand and refurbished phones

Although there are several similarities between both options, the differences are numerous and quite significant, helping you choose the best option when buying your new smartphone. A crucial difference between second-hand phones and those that have undergone refurbishment is that the latter come with manufacturer or refurbisher warranties, whereas second-hand phones do not offer such guarantees. As a result, you gain a higher level of security when purchasing a refurbished product. Additionally, refurbished phones are sold with the aim of looking and functioning like new. For this reason, they tend to maintain an intact aesthetic appearance and optimal functionality. On the other hand, second-hand phones may have gone through one or more users before reaching you, so their condition will depend on the level of care their previous owners provided, which can cause significant variation in results. Moreover, some stores allow you to purchase refurbished phones with installment payments, making it a good option if you want to acquire such a device but do not have the liquidity to pay upfront. In contrast, second-hand devices from individual users or local stores tend not to offer this type of payment flexibility. When buying your refurbished phone from reputable stores, you can be sure that the device has been inspected and necessary repairs or modifications have been made to ensure the best appearance and functionality. In contrast, second-hand devices may have undetected issues with their electronic components.

Where to buy refurbished iPhones?

Talking about Apple’s iPhones means referring to the highest quality in technological devices. These devices are made from the most durable materials with excellent aesthetics, in addition to having modern designs, the best cameras on the market, the most useful and versatile apps, efficient interaction between their operating systems and hardware, and long lifespans, among many other features. When you purchase a refurbished iPhone, you are betting on a device that will stay with you for a long time in the best condition. It is a device that has received the necessary modifications to be sold as new, so there may be no difference from the latest generation models. In our tech store, we offer refurbished iPhones that have been adapted to meet the features you’re looking for in your new device. We guarantee the best performance and a clean appearance with no damage or negative alterations.

What are locked phones?

This type of phone is not very common nowadays, but they can still be found in some mobile stores around the world. Essentially, these are devices designed to work with the SIM cards of a specific carrier. SIM cards are plastic pieces that incorporate a chip, storing the user’s phone number and network credentials. These small elements are inserted into the slot designed for them in our phones. Locked devices recognize the SIM cards of a particular carrier, allowing them to perform essential functions such as making calls, sending texts, or connecting to the Internet. However, these phones are not enabled to operate with SIM cards from competing carriers. When one of these cards is inserted into such a phone, it will be marked as invalid, preventing access to the network of other carriers and consequently restricting the previously mentioned actions. This approach ensures that the phone can only carry out basic communication tasks using the services provided by the original carrier. It’s a strategy used by companies to secure long-term contracts with customers, ensuring recurring revenue over a significant period. From another perspective, limiting users’ ability to freely use their phones might be considered a restriction on their consumer rights. However, it’s worth noting that all GSM (the most widely used technology worldwide) phones are manufactured to work with any carrier across various frequency bands. In essence, they are unlocked by default. The locking is applied through software modifications and protected by numeric codes. Once these codes are obtained, the lock can be removed, allowing the phone to recognize SIM cards from other carriers. Depending on the country’s legislation, these codes may be provided by the carrier that sold the phone once the full payment for the device has been made.

Advantages of locked phones

Although the information provided might lead you to believe that locked phones only impose limitations on users, it is worth clarifying that there are still people who choose to buy locked or contract phones, as they offer important advantages. One positive aspect of locked phones is that they tend to be more affordable than unlocked ones. This is a strategy employed by carriers to attract customers, which can be appealing to those who don’t have the budget to buy an unlocked phone. Additionally, these devices are often given to the buyer after making a partial payment that covers only a small part of the total cost, with the rest paid in monthly installments over a set period. This reduces the financial burden of purchasing a phone outright. Likewise, carriers may offer insurance plans for locked phones that are often more affordable and/or beneficial for the buyer than those offered by manufacturers themselves. Additionally, managing these insurance policies is typically easier through carriers, which often have numerous customer service centers across various countries. Lastly, if any doubts arise about your phone’s functionality or if it needs repairs, you can visit any carrier store to resolve the issue.

Disadvantages of locked phones

The main disadvantages related to locked devices have to do precisely with the impossibility of using SIM cards from other telephone companies. This is especially problematic if we decide to travel abroad, because in order to use the mobile services of our company we will have to pay the roaming charge. At the same time, we will not be able to choose to use a different SIM card that allows us to enjoy the wireless services of another company. Finally, it can also be an obstacle if we decide to move to another location where our operator does not have sufficient coverage. When you buy a locked mobile phone, you will have to sign a contract with the mobile network service provider, which can sometimes last for several months or years. During this time you will only be able to communicate through their services, which can be seen as limiting your freedom of choice. This has prevented some users who are unhappy with the services provided by an operator or with tariff increases from switching to another service provider when they choose to do so. Another important restriction related to this type of mobile phone is that not all operators have the model you want to buy. In this regard, it is worth remembering that operator shops sometimes carry only a few specific brands. This can leave out many others that might be more suited to the level of quality and features you require. Once the contract period has expired and the device has been fully cancelled, you may still have difficulty getting hold of the unlock code supplied by the operator. Generally, you will need to contact the carrier and request this information, which should not be too difficult. However, some companies may take two months or more to respond to your request, extending contract-related limitations. A very annoying and recurrent aspect of these models is that they often have pre-installed applications that take up a lot of storage space and generally do not provide any benefit to the user. This type of software is called bloatware and is very difficult to uninstall from our devices. Superuser services are required to carry out this process. However, it can sometimes happen that when we try to remove the applications we alter the functioning of the operating system, causing our mobile phones to stop working or present problems.

Why buy refurbished iPhones instead of new?

Como ya hemos indicado más arriba, existe una alternativa a los móviles bloqueados que se denomina móviles libres. Este tipo de equipos están habilitados para operar con las tarjetas SIM de cualquier operadora. Para disfrutar de los servicios de redes móviles de las distintas compañías solo deberemos asegurarnos de que nuestros dispositivos puedan operar en las bandas de frecuencia de aquellas e introducir la tarjeta en la ranura correspondiente. Estos aparatos suelen provenir del fabricante, pero en algunos casos excepcionales pueden ser ofrecidos por los proveedores de los servicios de telefonía celular. Sin embargo, en el momento de adquirirlo, no tendrás que firmar un contrato en el que se establezca que debas utilizar tu móvil con una compañía específica, otorgándote un mayor grado de libertad y autonomía. De igual modo, un dispositivo móvil puede convertirse en libre tras haber estado bloqueado durante un tiempo a través de la introducción del código suministrado por la empresa al que hicimos referencia anteriormente. En nuestra tienda podrás adquirir el equipo que siempre has deseado tener sin tener que pagar de más. Todos los móviles que ofrecemos son libres y cuentan con la mejor calidad de materiales y la funcionalidad que requieres, avaladas por nuestros experimentados técnicos. Estaremos encantados de orientarte en tu compra para que encuentres la opción que mejor se adapte a tus necesidades y preferencias.

Where to buy cheap unlocked iPhones?

At ACELSTORE we have an extensive stock of mobile devices that includes a wide variety of brands and models, so we are confident that we will provide you with a solution to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a high-end, state-of-the-art device or a more modest one, with us you can get the best quality that is certified by our technicians. Still wondering where to buy a cheap iPhone? We offer you the best value for money on the market, so what are you waiting for? We are waiting for you!