When choosing a smartphone, it isn’t easy to choose between Android and iOS, especially with a higher budget. The selection becomes even more challenging when you are in the market for a refurbished phone. The question then becomes: which OS works best in a refurbished phone?
There is no simple answer, but I will explain things as clearly as possible in this comparison between Android and iOS in a refurbished phone.
Refurbished Android vs iPhone: Market Overview
Before we begin, I wanted to share some insights about the growth of the refurbished Android and iPhone smartphone markets.
Refurbished programs are becoming more popular in light of the push for environmental friendliness and reusability. Especially in the US, you can get refurbished devices directly from the manufacturer, which offers better warranty options, among other benefits.
Nonetheless, Android and iOS do not share the same user base or popularity in the refurbished smartphone market. Here’s why.
People have multiple concerns about choosing a refurbished phone over a new one. One of them is whether the hardware is future-proof. In this respect alone, iPhones enjoy an advantage: the optimization that Apple provides with iOS. This does not seem to be the case with Android for obvious reasons.
Still, let’s make some informed decisions about these two choices.
Performance: Difference Between iPhone and Android
Performance is, and should be, a significant criterion when choosing between an iPhone and an Android as a refurbished phone for your daily needs.
Aspect | iPhone | Android |
Processor Longevity | – Custom silicon retains performance – 2-3 generations old models remain usable | – General ARM processors – Performance degrades with updates – Struggles with new OS versions |
Software Optimization | – Optimized for limited devices – Snappy experience on older devices | – Less optimization – Performance issues with updates |
Battery Life | – iOS optimizes for usage patterns – Stable, long-lasting battery life | – Larger batteries but lack optimization – Reduced battery life with software updates |
There are three aspects you need to consider in this process, and I will explain each of them in detail.
Processor longevity
Processor longevity refers to the duration for which you can expect substantial performance from the CPU of the device. As you might know, iPhones have been using custom silicon processors for a long time, and they are famous for retaining better performance over time.
Of course, iOS and its resource usage play an essential role in this process. But at the end of the day, you are likely to find iPhones having a processor that you can work with for a more extended period. Even if you get an iPhone that is 2-3 generations old, you can get enough processing power for almost all your purposes.
Android smartphones, on the other hand, use ARM processors that are made for the platform in general and not device-specific. Therefore, as you update your device to a later version of Android, the processor might not offer the same performance.
For instance, you cannot buy a 5-year-old Android smartphone and expect it to run Android 15/14 smoothly. Even if it does, you may not have access to the entire feature set or optimizations. Thus, while technical compatibility says one thing, it does not translate well to Android refurbished devices.
Therefore, iPhones have the edge in this aspect.
Software optimization
A custom-made processor is one thing, but it does not work without proper software optimization. This is a unique aspect where Android and iPhone differ the most. It is more so because you are buying a device after it has been used for a few months—or a year.
In addition to optimizing its software for the limited set of devices, Apple does a great job of maintaining a snappy experience even when the device gets old. Let’s compare two devices: an Android smartphone released three years ago and an iPhone released at the same time. In general, you would enjoy better speed and performance from an iPhone compared to the Android counterpart.
On the other hand, the Android smartphone may show a noticeable lack of speed, especially if you install a recent software update.
So, if you are looking for better optimization and an overall snappy smartphone experience, you are better off with a refurbished iPhone.
Battery life considerations
Even though Android smartphones generally come with larger-capacity batteries, they do not have a direct impact on battery life. This, once again, happens due to the lack of timely software optimization. Therefore, a refurbished Android smartphone may not offer the standard battery life the device provides out-of-the-box.
On the other hand, iOS does a better job of optimizing the device’s performance to offer longer battery life. That is, iOS will learn your usage practices and adjust the performance so that you get a full-day battery life as you used to.
Therefore, if you prioritize stable battery life, you should go for an iPhone among refurbished options. The other option is to go for an Android smartphone with a super-large battery so that you get a full day of juice even after accounting for the lack of optimization.
Software Updates in Refurbished Phones
At the basic level, smartphone software updates are essential for security and features. However, you may have additional concerns if you are a Pro user looking for additional options that come with upgrades. In the case of Android and iOS, there are differences in terms of the frequency and influence of software updates.
| Aspect | iPhone | Android |
| Frequency and Duration of Updates | Annual updates | Varies by manufacturer |
| Security updates occasionally | ||
| Pixel devices get timely updates | ||
| Upcoming iOS 18 for iPhone XR (2017) and later | ||
| Updates typically once a year | ||
| Impact on Refurbished Phone Performance | Newer models (last 3 years) maintain performance | Flagship devices remain snappy |
| Older models may trade performance for battery life | ||
| Non-flagship may have performance issues | ||
| User Experience: Security, Features, Stability | Optimized updates for security, features, and stability | Low/mid-range get mostly security updates, a few extra features |
| Stable and smooth experience | ||
| Low/mid-range get mostly security updates, few extra features |
Frequency and duration of software updates for Android and iOS
On Android, the frequency of software updates depends on the manufacturer and model. For instance, on Pixel devices, you benefit from on-time software updates. However, other manufacturers like Samsung or Nothing may take more time to release software updates. But you can expect software updates once a year, typically a few months after the official Android release.
Apple keeps things simpler by limiting the number of software updates to once a year. It means you do not have to worry about these issues. However, you may come across security updates once in a while. Even so, iOS software updates treat refurbished devices well. For instance, the upcoming iOS 18 update will work on iPhone XR and later.
For reference, the iPhone XR was launched in 2017. It is difficult, if not impossible, to find a 2017-released smartphone device that gets Android 15.
Impact of updates on refurbished phone performance
Like other aspects, software updates may have varying effects on Android smartphones. You do not have to worry about this aspect if you get a flagship smartphone from a manufacturer. For instance, even with a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23, you can have a snappy Android experience. However, we cannot say the same about non-flagship devices.
On the other hand, the impact of software updates on refurbished iOS devices is different. If you have a new iPhone from the last three years, you can expect the same speed and performance. However, older devices may trade performance for battery life. This is likely the case if you install iOS 18 on an iPhone XR, as it will have a noticeable impact on performance.
In short, unless you plan to get a refurbished smartphone 2-3 years old, you can expect a smooth experience on both Android and iOS.
User Experience: Security, Features, and Stability
On Android smartphones, software updates do not affect stability. There are two reasons. First, you do not get frequent updates unless you have a flagship device. Two, since low or mid-range smartphones receive only security updates, they do not impact stability. You do not get many extra features in the package.
Things are better when you get a refurbished iPhone. Because these updates are optimized at the device level for security, features, and stability, you shall have a smooth experience. While there could be occasional changes to performance, you will have a stable and balanced iPhone experience.
App Availability and Ecosystem: Best Phones Refurbished
App store availability and support for older devices
Unless you are getting a refurbished device older than five years, you do not have to worry about the respect of app availability. If you check the Play Store or App Store, for instance, you can find that most apps offer support for older versions of Android.
Similarly, unless an iOS app uses one of the unique features of a recent iOS version, you won’t have trouble. You can run most apps and games without any issues. However, there could be some issues in terms of top-level performance.
Ecosystem integration (e.g., compatibility with accessories, and other devices)
Android smartphones rarely introduce new features that rely on specific hardware designs. Sure, there could be some camera placement changes and changes in the design philosophy. Nevertheless, you can expect a standard level of compatibility. However, there may be additional ecosystem integration based on the manufacturer and the model. For instance, you need a newer Pixel model for wireless charging.
On the other hand, iOS smartphones are primarily reliant on hardware elements. The best case is MagSafe, a convenient feature that lets you charge your iPhone and other accessories. However, you may not have full support for MagSafe accessories unless you have a newer iPhone model. In a more recent context, you can get the AI-powered features on iOS only if you have an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
So, even though a refurbished iOS device may offer deeper ecosystem integration, you may not get specific features.
Hardware Quality in Refurbished Android vs iPhone
While we cannot draw generalizations in this respect, here are some insights.
Build quality and durability in refurbished Android vs. iOS devices
The platform—iOS and Android—does not matter when it comes to build quality and durability. When you go for a flagship device on both iOS and Android, you can expect decent durability. However, when you get a refurbished device, you must get a protective case.
Common issues with hardware in refurbished devices
Display-based problems are more common on refurbished Android smartphones than on iPhone models. For instance, the infamous green lines and dots on Android smartphones can give you a hard time. You are less likely to come across these issues when you get a refurbished iPhone, especially one from Apple itself.
Cost-Effectiveness of Best Refurbished Phones
Price comparison: Refurbished Android vs. iOS devices
In terms of pricing, a refurbished iPhone may cost more than an Android counterpart. However, this extra initial investment may provide you with additional longevity and performance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a low-cost alternative, you should stick to Android refurbished devices.
Warranty and After-sales Support
It might make better sense to go for Apple devices if you need better after-sales support. Of course, it works only when you purchase the device from Apple’s Refurbished program. Therefore, in the long term, it is better to go for an iOS option.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking for a less expensive option to get a flagship device, you should buy a refurbished phone. If you get a suitable device from a trusted maker, you can ensure great value as well.
Refurbished phones are pre-owned devices that are checked for issues and repaired. This process is done by manufacturers or third-party entities. They are better than pre-owned devices in general.
Given that you have reset the device, it is safe to use an old or used phone. However, you may have some concerns over speed and performance depending on the model and budget.
Choosing between Android and iPhone depends on your preferences, ecosystem, and value proposition. In most cases, people who need better customization favor Android over the iPhone, whereas the iPhone is loved for its integration.
Conclusion
In the end, you can see that choosing between Android and iOS for a refurbished device is about what you need.
If you are expecting balanced performance for a longer period, it makes sense to get a refurbished iOS device.
On the other hand, if you are looking for versatility and customization, you can go for Android ones. As long as you get a refurbished device from a trusted entity, there are no concerns over performance.
2 Comments
Great job to these companies for keeping useful devices from being thrown away and making them affordable for people who need them.
The value in a refurbished phone isn’t the fixes that they did, it’s knowing that the phone you are getting is working properly.