Blog

Most people have bought, or at least seen, a refurbished device. What’s the difference between a refurbished and a used device though? Every body that refurbishes devices have a different process, but they all include three general steps: fixing, reconditioning, and testing. While some companies skim over the steps, at Phoenix Tech we follow a rigorous process to bring any used device up to its best possible condition.

Fixing

When we receive used devices the first step that they go through is the diagnosis stage. Not all devices will require repairs, but they are fully examined to ensure that any issues are found and that any cosmetic damage is noted. Small defects like light scratches are normal for refurbished devices, but worse issues, such as cracks, holes, or missing parts, are noted so that they can be addressed during refurbishing.

After devices are fully diagnosed they enter the repair stage. All functionality related issues are fully repaired and the cosmetic issues are closely evaluated. Lesser cosmetic issues, such as small cracks, can sometimes be repaired with appropriate techniques. In more severe cases the effected portion will have to be replaced.

Reconditioning

Once the device has been brought back to good functional and physical condition it is then thoroughly cleaned and reconditioned. The device is completely disassembled and each piece is cleaned with an attention to detail.

Plastic parts, including frames, shells, and buttons, are soaked and degreased before. After their soak, they are scrubbed to remove any remaining debris. They are then dried and set aside to be reassembled.

Electrical components like circuit boards are hand cleaned. They are dusted to remove any physical dirt or debris and then cleaned using isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue from soldering based repairs or corrosion on metal components. Any thermal paste or other expendable cooling materials are then replaced and prepared for reassembly.

At this point common wear and tear items such as batteries, springs, or button membranes are evaluated and replaced as needed so the device functions like new and has a guaranteed long life. The device is then reassembled with the freshly prepared parts.

Testing

At this point this device is ready to sell, but it is passed through in depth testing for quality assurance. Every function of the device is manually tested to ensure it functions just like a brand new device. The device is also subjected to a stress test to ensure that there are no underlying issues that could have been missed. During this stress test cooling systems and wear and tear items are evaluated to ensure that they will not be subject to premature failure.

Once a device passes all of the tests with flying colors it is then packaged away to keep it clean and safe until it is given a second life with its next owner.