Purchasing high-end smartphones are getting more and more costly. Lest you wait for special sales and promotions, anticipate paying at least $1000 for a new high-end phone. With this, refurbished phones are more exciting. This article looks into AT&T refurbished phones and where you can buy them. The article also has tips and tricks to help you make better purchase decisions. With our review of the list of phones, you will discover the cheap phones around if you want something new.
AT&T refurbished phones usually refer to AT&T Certified Restored Phones. The phone category consists of phones that are not new; they have either been opened, displayed, or used. The phones have been refurbished to a new-look condition, packed in original boxes, and even come with a warranty. The carrier defines AT&T Certified Restored phones as initially opened or used phones that undergo rigorous tests and inspections. They may be refurbished or remanufactured. The devices meet a higher visual cosmetic standard compared to Certified Pre-owned devices. In addition, the phones can be up to four years old.
AT&T does not specify whether their AT&T refurbished phones have been refurbished by their phone experts or sent to their manufacturers for the manufacturer refurbishment. You can also see that AT&T has AT&T certified Pre-owned phones which contain scratches and other visual flawlessness. This article will not focus on that phones. The AT&T refurbished phones get always referred to as new-look phones.
What are generally refurbished phones
Putting AT&T aside, there are two available refurbished options: manufacturer refurbished and seller refurbished. It would be best to aim for the manufacturer refurbished from the two as it is more advanced options.
AT&T seller refurbished devices
The carrier has a team of phone experts that carry out the refurbishing process. The quality of refurbishment depends on the type of carrier. I don’t recommend to you phones of this kind. However, in the case of most reputable carriers such as AT&T, the quality of the seller refurbished can be as worthy as the manufacturer refurbished.
AT&T Manufacturer refurbished devices
These are phones refurbished by the manufacturer that produced them initially. The phones are tested at the highest standards, and the original parts are used. For instance, Apple refurbishes iPhones, Samsung refurbishes Samsung phones, Motorola refurbishes Motorola devices, etc.
What are the 8 best AT&T Refurbished Phones
You can purchase AT&T refurbished phones from their online store. The phones are top-rated due to their price, and usually, there is a small selection for you to choose from. AT&T can offer the phones as AT&T deals for existing customers, and you should always check for these deals regularly on their website.
Moreover, the phones are unlocked; thus, you can quickly bring them to AT&T based on their BYOP program. Not all the reviewed phones below are currently available at AT&T’s online shop.
1. Samsung Galaxy A71
The phone is your all-access pass to the 5G revolution, combining the extraordinary speed of next-generation connectivity with turbocharged performance. Take professional-grade photos with a versatile quad lens camera, take smooth, stable video while moving and see it all on a bright 6.7-inch super AMOLED display.
The device gets powered by a lost-lasting and fast-charging battery. The fast-charging capability is through the provided charger. The screen size is 6.7 inches in the entire rectangle and 6.6 inches, accounting for round corners. It requires an ideal 5G network connection, available in select markets.
Pros
- Dedicated external memory
- Use Android 10.0
- Have 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Battery capacity at 4500 mAh
Cons
- The battery is not removable
- Does not have an Infra-Red sensor
2. LG Velvet LM-G900TM
The model supports AT&T 5G network and is unlocked to other carriers. It consists of a single SIM slot, and no SIM card is included in the box. Save your files in an ample storage capacity of 128GB.
RAM size of 6B is sufficient for the phone. It is certified refurbished by a specialized third-party seller and approved by Amazon. It may have a few minor scuffs or scratches. The device gets tested, and complete functions are ready to reuse. No other accessories get included in the package.
Pros
- Overall solid OLED display
- Premium build, exquisite color schemes, IP68 rating
- Great battery life
- Great selfies
Cons
- Slow charging
3. Apple iPhone 11 Pro
The phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks like AT&T. Take amazing videos and photos with ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. With the phone, capture your best low-light photos with Night mode. You can experience extraordinary performance with A13 Bionic for gaming, amplified reality, and photography.
It has the brightest Super Retina XDR iPhone display to watch HDR movies and shows. Moreover, it is tested for battery health and guarantees a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
The phone has successfully passed a full analytical test which ensures like-new functionality and deletion of any prior-user personal information. Finally, the device does not come with headphones or a SIM card but includes a generic charger and charging cable.
Pros
- Improved battery life
- Interesting audio tech
- 4K HDR video boost
- Slick matte design
Cons
- No USB-C
4. Google Pixel 4a
The new Android phone allows you to change carriers like AT&T, among others, and choose your plan like AT&T mobile hotspot unlimited data plan. With phone capture great photos on the 12MP dual-pixel rear camera with features like Live HDR+, Night sight, and portrait mode. The adaptive battery lasts up to a day as it learns your favorite apps and reduces power to those you rarely use.
Get stuff done with just your voice: send message texts, get directions and reminders, and multitask on your phone with the help of google. With Google’s Personal Safety app, if the phone senses you are in danger can help you reach 911 for you.
Pros
- Great display
- Comfortable, compact size
- Ample RAM and storage
- Headphone jack
- Smooth, snappy software
Cons
- Battery life is average
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
It is a fully unlocked cell phone. The phone’s fast charging, long-lasting intelligent power, and super speed processing endure whatever you throw at note 10+. S pen’s state-of-the-art evolution offers you the command of air gestures, a remote shutter and playlist button, and handwriting to text, all in one magic baton.
With a bursting set of Pro lenses, super stabilization, and live video bokeh, capture your photos and videos as a Pro photographer and videographer. Note 10+’s nearly bezel-less Infinity display offers an immersive, cinematic quality to whatever you are watching. The phone has Bluetooth v5.0 for sharing your files.
Pros
- On-screen fingerprint sensor
- Fast wireless charging
- IP68 waterproof and dustproof
- New S Pen features
Cons
- The screen doesn’t have a high refresh rate like rival phones
6. Samsung Galaxy S21
The refurbished product gets skillfully inspected and tested to work and look new. The phone is unlocked and compatible with the AT&T GSM network. The phone guarantees you a minimum battery capacity of 80% with tested battery health.
The device does not come with a headphone or a SIM card but does include a generic charger and charging cable. Once you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from AT&T. Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the service and start enjoying AT&T deals for new customers.
Pros
- IP58 rating water resistance
- Ample internal storage with 128 GB
- use Android 11
Cons
- Does not have an external memory slot
7. LG Stylo 6 Android Smartphone
Show who you are to the world with the new LG Stylo, a phone that improves your mobile life and how you live it. Whether experiencing, producing, or sharing content, the phone offers limitless potential, even if you are on a restricted budget.
From the 6.8 inch FHD plus FullVision Display to three spectacular rear cameras and the built-in stylus pen, celebrate how you live the StyloLife. A 4000mAh battery powers the device.
Pros
- Immense battery life
- Sleek layout.
- Excellent sound experience.
- Full HD+ resolution screen
Cons
- No fast charging
8. Apple iPhone XR
The phone is unlocked and compatible with AT&T on GSM and CDMA networks. The phone guarantees you have a minimum battery capacity of 80% with tested battery health. Effectively passed a full diagnostic test which guarantees like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
With the iPhone XR, you get a big 6.1-inch display, fast enough performance from Apple’s A12 Bionic processor, and good camera quality in a dazzling design and reasonably priced package. Apple has involved the all-new Liquid Retina LCD as the display on the iPhone XR. Apple free the iPhone XR with a few color options.
Equally, the glass back and the metal frame are glowingly colored. The glass uses an in-depth seven-layer color practice to achieve the gorgeous finish and the Apple-exclusive aluminum alloy anodized to match. As an alternative to 3D Touch, the iPhone XR duplicates the experience through “Haptic Touch.” Progressive Face ID lets you securely unlock your iPhone and log in to apps with just a look.
Pros
- High-end design
- Multiple Color Options
- Powerful Internal Components
Cons
- Display Quality Is Slightly Lower
What should you consider before purchasing an AT&T refurbished phone?
The information provided below will help you choose the right refurbished phone that fits your need. Consider the info as the refurbished buyer guide.
i) Vendor
You should buy your refurbished device from reputable vendors. Nowadays, many shady vendors sell refurbished phones just like clean, used phones. It is difficult to say that reputable vendors don’t do that, but they have strict policies. You are on the safer side if you focus on reputable vendors.
ii) Warranty
Ensure that every refurbished phone you purchase comes with a warranty. The warranty is like that of new devices for manufacturer refurbished phones in most cases. Still, the vendor will offer you a three-month warranty that is not great but better than nothing. It is essential to consider what the warranty covers to avoid future negative surprises.
iii) Price
Considering the price of the refurbished phone will save some money for you. Always do research and find a phone model that is within your budget. The price of refurbished phones varies depending on the seller, and this can save you a lot of money if you for the cheapest one.
iv) Vendor return policy
Ensure the vendor from where you purchase your refurbished phone offers a return policy. Always it essential to remember that refurbished phones must be the same as the new ones and they always come with some return option. If the vendor doesn’t do offer a return policy, don’t buy your refurbished phone from it.
AT&T refurbished phone return Policy and replacement
You can replace your refurbished phone by either following the return policy or your AT&T refurbished device warranty. Further, you can get insurance for your phone to extend your warranty and coverage. Either the case, you must meet their conditions to get a replacement phone.
AT&T backs its refurbished phones with its standard 14-day return period and a 90-day warranty on devices and accessories. The warranty period is one year if the phone is received as a replacement over AT&T mobile insurance.
In the event of a return policy, you may request a replacement phone or a money refund. Moreover, if your phone malfunctions (not to your careless handling) within the warranty period, it can either be repaired or replaced with another phone which is not essentially the same model as your current phone. You can activate a replacement phone on the AT&T network online or in-stores.
Where to Buy AT&T refurbished phones?
Since the phones are unlocked and can get used with any carrier, you can purchase them anywhere and take advantage of the AT&T BYOP program. Here are some places where you can buy refurbished phones directly.
- AT&T store: Refurbished phones available in their online store. Visit their website to explore these devices.
- Amazon: The marketplace offers a wide range of refurbished phones. They can be seller or manufacturer refurbished.
- Best Buy: A reputable electronic store safe to purchase your phone. They offer a wide range of refurbished phones.
- Walmart: Get a wide variety of refurbished from Walmart. The AT&T prepaid phones Walmart purchased are safe, and it makes sense to check them out.
- Official Samsung store
- Apple in-stores
Bottom Line
AT&T refurbished are not such cheap, but you can save no more than $150 by purchasing them at AT&T’s online store. You can also look at other places to save more. Note that the quality of refurbished devices should always be high. The whole point is that refurbished phones be LIKE-NEW. So, if the vendor or manufacturer does what it is supposed to do, the refurbished phones meet the quality of new ones.