Should You Buy Your Next Phone on Amazon?
Hey there! As an expert Amazon seller who has sold thousands of phones, let me walk you through everything you need to know about buying phones on Amazon. I‘ll answer common questions about pricing, authenticity, deals and more – plus share plenty of insider tips to help you buy with confidence. Let‘s dive in!
Are Phones on Amazon Authentic?
This is one of the biggest concerns about buying phones on Amazon – are they genuine? Here‘s the deal:
Amazon direct and fulfilled phones are real: Any phone shipped and sold directly by Amazon or fulfilled by Amazon is guaranteed authentic. Amazon inspects inventory and strictly prohibits counterfeits.
Third party sellers can be risky: Some third party sellers in the Amazon Marketplace may sell used, counterfeit, or stolen phones. Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals from sellers with limited history or reviews.
Watch for warning signs: Fake phones often have missing accessories, differences from photos, faulty IMEI or serial numbers, and issues activating service. Inspect carefully upon arrival.
Amazon Renewed = rigorously vetted: For assured authenticity, choose Amazon Renewed phones which undergo a 30-point inspection and diagnostic testing.
So are phones on Amazon real? Stick with reputable sellers or Amazon Renewed and you can be confident you‘re getting a genuine phone. Do your due diligence to avoid scams.
Is Buying a Phone on Amazon Safe?
Shopping on Amazon is generally safe due to their excellent return policies and buyer protections:
A-to-Z Guarantee: If you receive a defective, damaged or materially different phone, you can file a claim to get a full refund.
Hassle-free returns: Most new, unopened phones are eligible for free returns within 30 days of receipt. For issues, start a return request in your Orders.
Amazon Prime perks: Prime members get extra benefits like free expedited shipping and free returns. Look for "Prime Eligible" listings.
Research sellers: Vet each seller carefully before buying by looking at their ratings, reviews, return policies, and profile. Avoid sellers with red flags.
So yes – buying a phone on Amazon is safe when you stick with trustworthy sellers or buy directly from Amazon. If any issues come up, you‘re backed by strong buyer protection.
Amazon Phone Pricing and Deals
One of the main benefits of shopping on Amazon is scoring great deals, especially on renewed and older model phones. Here‘s how Amazon‘s pricing works:
Competitive pricing: Prices for new phones are competitive with major carriers and retailers. For iPhone 14, prices start at $799 just like directly from Apple.
Daily deals = big savings: Watch for Lightning deals and limited time sales where prices get slashed 30% or more. These daily deals rotate quickly so check back often.
Renewed/used phones are discounted: Refurbished phones see major discounts. A Galaxy S20 FE Renewed is $349, 40% off the new price. Used phones get cheaper the older the model.
Carrier deals: Amazon partners with major carriers like Verizon and AT&T for exclusive phone bundle offers. Unlocked phones avoid carrier markups.
Open box savings: Amazon Warehouse sells used phones in open box condition for 20% or more off retail prices. Items are inspected and discounted based on condition.
Price tracking: Use CamelCamelCamel to track price drops and snag phones at historic low prices. Sign up for price drop alerts.
Best Times to Buy Phones on Amazon
Timing your phone purchase right can maximize the savings:
Amazon Prime Day: Huge sitewide sale in July with exclusive phone deals for Prime members only.
New model releases: When new phones are announced, older models see big discounts. Great for buying last gen.
Holiday sales: Keep an eye out for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas deals on phones.
End of quarter: Late March, June, Sept., Dec. are good months for deals as sellers push to hit quotas.
Does Amazon Sell Refurbished Phones?
Yes, Amazon sells extensively tested and inspected refurbished phones under the Amazon Renewed program. Let‘s compare buying refurbished vs new:
Refurbished | New | |
---|---|---|
Price | 15-40% less than new | Full retail price |
Condition | Used but functions like-new | Brand new in box |
Warranty | 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee | Full 1-2 year OEM warranty |
Availability | Limited quantities, older models | Latest models in stock |
Returns | Usually 30 days | Typically 30 days |
Key takeaways:
- Refurbished pros: Deep discounts, inspected quality, warranty. Great deals on flagships!
- Refurbished cons: Limited availability, shorter warranty, may have light wear.
- New pros: Latest models, mint condition, full OEM warranty, easy returns.
- New cons: You pay a premium price vs refurbished deals.
Evaluate your budget, needs and the specific phone before deciding. For big savings on gently used phones, try Amazon Renewed!
Does Amazon Sell Unlocked or Carrier Phones?
Amazon offers both unlocked and carrier-locked phones:
Unlocked = maximum flexibility. Use on any compatible network. No contracts or early termination fees. Can change carriers any time. Initial purchase price is higher.
Carrier-locked = deals and financing. Locked to networks like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint. Get carrier subsidies on pricing plus 0% financing offers. But less flexibility long term.
Amazon‘s carrier partners: Amazon sells phones directly for AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile/Sprint, MetroPCS, Mint Mobile and other networks. Shop carrier exclusives.
SIM card needed: An unlocked phone still requires a compatible SIM card from a carrier to connect and use cellular data/calling. Factor this cost in.
I generally recommend buying unlocked to keep your options open, unless you get an exceptional carrier deal/promotion that makes the trade-off worthwhile.
Is Amazon an Authorized iPhone Reseller?
- Amazon is authorized to sell refurbished iPhones backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
- Amazon is not authorized to sell new, unopened iPhones.
- Avoid sellers claiming to sell brand new iPhones well below Apple‘s MSRP – likely counterfeit.
- For authenticity, only buy iPhones sold directly by Amazon (renewed/used) not third party sellers.
- Or buy directly from Apple/carriers to get brand new models.
Amazon has partnered directly with Apple to receive refurbished inventory and provide a trustworthy source for discounted iPhones. But stay away from sketchy "too good to be true" iPhone deals from random sellers.
What Brands of Phones Does Amazon Sell?
Reputable phone brands commonly sold directly by Amazon include:
- Apple iPhone
- Samsung Galaxy
- Google Pixel
- Motorola
- Nokia
- LG
- OnePlus
- Blu
- ZTE
- Alcatel
I recommend sticking with major brands like Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel for the best experience, support, and resale value. Avoid off-brands selling cheaper phones with dated specs.
Amazon also allows third party sellers, where you may find less common brands like Asus, Sony, Kyocera, and Panasonic. Again vet these sellers carefully before purchasing.
Can You Buy Used/Pre-Owned Phones on Amazon?
Yes, buying used and pre-owned phones is common on Amazon. Here are a few options:
Amazon Renewed – Extensively tested refurbished phones backed by a 90 day warranty. Ideal for grabbing flagships at discounts of 25-40% off.
Amazon Warehouse – Open box and used phones discounted because of cosmetic defects like scratches or dents. Inspected and graded.
Third Party Sellers – Individual sellers list used, pre-owned phones from brands like Apple, Samsung and more. Higher risk, so check seller rating and item condition closely.
Buyer protections – For all purchases, you‘re covered by A-to-Z Guarantee in case issues arise. Test phones immediately and return if needed.
If seeking big savings, buying quality used phones can make sense. Just be diligent in your purchase decision.
Pros and Cons of Buying Phones on Amazon
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
π² Competitive prices and frequent deals | β Some counterfeit risk from untrusted 3rd party sellers |
π Wide selection of brands/models | β οΈ Must thoroughly vet sellers before purchasing |
β Easy and flexible returns | β Questionable quality for lesser known brands |
βοΈ Strong buyer protections | π Potential shipping delays compared to in-store |
β‘ Fast free shipping with Prime | π§ Used/refurbished phones have shorter lifespan |
π Convenient one-stop phone shopping |
My Top Phone Picks on Amazon
Ready to grab a new phone on Amazon? Here are my top recommendations:
Overall Best Seller – Apple iPhone 14
The new iPhone 14 packs great cameras, performance, and features into a premium design. $799 unlocked.
Best Value – Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
With 5G, quad cameras, 6.5β 120Hz AMOLED display, the A53 is a feature-packed phone under $500.
Best Refurbished Deal – Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Renewed
Flagship-level specs including 5G and 120Hz screen for just $349 renewed. Packs great value.
Best Budget Phone – Motorola Moto G Power (2022)
Amazing battery life from the 5,000 mAh battery. Reliable performance and camera for only $199.
Best Affordable iPhone – Apple iPhone 11 Renewed
Refurbished iPhone 11 for under $400 renewed gives you premium Apple quality and features for less.
Ready to Shop Phones on Amazon?
Hopefully this guide gave you all the answers on safely buying authentic phones at great prices on Amazon. Let me know if any other questions come up during your search!
The key tips are:
- Vet sellers and avoid deals that seem fake
- Compare prices against other retailers
- Consider refurbished for big discounts
- Use Prime and price tracking tools
- Leverage Amazon‘s return policies if needed
Armed with this advice from my years as an Amazon seller, you can shop phones with confidence. Enjoy your new gadget when it arrives!