Choosing between a new and refurbished monitor is one of the most important decisions you will make when making a purchase. Before making a purchase, consider the benefits and drawbacks of each options.
On the one hand, buying a new monitor means getting the latest model with all of its new features and specs.
New monitors often come with the longest and most comprehensive warranties as well. Being the first owner and unboxing a shiny new monitor is also a certain satisfaction.
However, new monitors can be quite expensive. Refurbished monitors provide significant cost savings over new ones.
At the same time, not brand new, refurbished monitors undergo extensive inspection, testing, and replacement of any defective parts by the manufacturer. This process ensures they are in like-new condition.
Refurbished monitors typically have shorter warranties than new ones, but the warranty lengths are often still substantial. Refurbished monitors can deliver excellent value and quality for those on a tight budget or looking for a good deal.
When debating between new or refurbished monitors, it’s important to weigh factors like upfront cost versus long-term value, warranty coverage, specific product features, availability of desired models, and environmental impact.
This guide by Invicta PCs will explore the key differences in-depth to help buyers make the optimal choice for their needs and budget.
Contents
Cost Savings
One of the biggest advantages of buying a refurbished monitor instead of a new one is the cost savings.
Refurbished monitors can be found for 20-50% cheaper than a new monitor of the same make and model. This discount is given because another customer returned the monitor or has some light cosmetic wear and tear. However, the internal components have been thoroughly tested and restored to like-new condition.
The retailer can pass these savings down to you. If you’re on a tight budget or want to get more for your money, a refurbished monitor is the way to go. Depending on the original retail price, you could save $50-200 on a monitor with little to no difference in performance and picture quality. Even high-end monitors can be refurbished for hundreds less than a brand-new model.
Product Quality
Product quality is one of the main considerations when choosing between a new or refurbished monitor.
Refurbished monitors undergo rigorous testing and refurbishing processes by the manufacturer or a third-party partner. They inspect each monitor for any physical damage, repair if needed, install new components like cables and batteries, update firmware, and thoroughly test the display, ports, buttons, and other functions.
Refurbished monitors often look and function like new ones. Since each one is inspected and repaired, quality issues in brand-new models coming right off the production line are generally resolved. Many manufacturers claim their refurbished products undergo even more stringent quality control than new ones.
The refurbishing process weeds out any defective or underperforming monitors. If product quality and reliability are priorities, a refurbished monitor that has passed testing will likely meet or exceed expectations. Ultimately, buying refurbished gives consumers confidence the monitor has been vetted to work properly.
Warranty
One key difference between new and refurbished monitors is the warranty coverage. New monitors typically come with a 1-3 year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects and malfunctions. This gives you peace of mind that any issues will be repaired or the monitor replaced within that timeframe.
The shorter warranty highlights the increased risk you take when purchasing a refurbished monitor. While you save upfront, any issues down the road could lead to a costly repair or replacement. Those saving money with a refurbished monitor should consider purchasing an extended warranty for more coverage over the monitor’s life.
Latest Features
Purchasing a brand-new monitor guarantees you can access the newest features and specifications because technology is advancing quickly.
For example, a new monitor may have a high 144Hz or 240Hz refresh rate for silky smooth visuals, while a refurbished model could be capped at just 60Hz.
Superior Visual Quality
And you’ll typically get superior panels on new monitors, with inky blacks, vibrant colors, and high brightness/contrast ratios. This makes everything more visually spectacular and immersive, whether you’re working on creative endeavors, gaming, or watching movies.
Long-Term Benefits
Going with a newly manufactured monitor ensures you’ll be set for years with a display that can handle the latest technologies and visual demands. Refurbished displays with older specs may feel dated much sooner. If cutting-edge visual performance is important, choosing a new monitor over a refurbished one is usually the wise option.
Environmental Impact
Purchasing refurbished monitors reduces electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste refers to discarded electronics and electrical equipment, which is growing at an alarming rate globally. According to EPA estimates, approximately 15–25% of US e-waste is recycled; the remainder is disposed of in landfills, where potentially dangerous materials might seep into the groundwater and soil.
Choosing refurbished monitors means giving a second life to equipment that would otherwise be tossed out. Refurbishing allows the maximum utility to be extracted from each device before being recycled responsibly when no longer functional. This saves raw materials, reduces manufacturing pollution, and lessens the environmental impacts of electronic disposal. With monitors having a typical lifespan of around five years, a refurbished monitor often has several years of use remaining.
Refurbishing and reusing electronics is an important strategy for making technology more sustainable. Opting for refurbished monitors makes it easy for consumers to lower their electronics footprint. While buying new monitors feels shiny and exciting, the reduced environmental impact of purchasing refurbished monitors is a compelling reason to consider going retro.
Availability
Buying a new monitor often means accessing the latest models and a wider selection of sizes, resolutions, panel types, and features. Stores typically stock far more brand-new monitors versus refurbished ones. The newest monitors with cutting-edge display specs or extra capabilities will likely be found new. While you may find a great deal on a refurbished monitor, your options will be much more limited in terms of available brands, models, and specs. If having the widest selection is a priority, such as wanting a monitor with a specific size, resolution, panel technology, or features like USB-C ports or HDR support, your best bet is buying new. The greater availability of new monitors allows you to choose from countless options to find your perfect model easily.
Reliability
A crucial factor to take into account when deciding between a new and reconditioned monitor is reliability.
Compared to reconditioned devices, new monitors often have a lower failure rate. New monitors tend to have a lower failure rate than refurbished models. Manufacturing techniques and quality control processes have improved, so newly built monitors often incorporate the latest advancements that increase reliability.
Brand-new monitors have typically undergone rigorous testing to identify defects and ensure a low rate of hardware issues or pixel faults. As monitors age, components can degrade, which leads to a higher chance of failure. Refurbished monitors may have some signs of wear or components near the end of their lifespan. While refurbished monitors are tested before resale, they don’t go through the same stringent verification as new models.
Opting for a new monitor means you can expect it to work flawlessly out of the box and continue functioning properly for years of normal use. With a refurbished monitor, there’s a slight risk you may encounter issues sooner. However, purchasing an extended warranty can offset this risk. Still, those looking for the most reliable option that requires the least maintenance or troubleshooting down the road will want to consider a brand-new monitor.
Customer Service
One advantage of buying a new monitor is that dealing with defects or issues will be easier. With a new monitor purchase, you can return to the retailer if you discover dead pixels, backlight bleed, or other problems early on. Retailers tend to have more flexible return policies on brand-new items.
On the other hand, buying refurbished generally means you are purchasing from a third-party seller or reseller. They may have more restrictive return policies, and you’ll likely have to deal directly with the manufacturer for warranty claims. The manufacturer may require more effort on your end to diagnose issues before approving a repair or replacement. Buying new means less hassle if you receive a defective or damaged unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Main Differences Between New and Refurbished Monitors?
New monitors are brand new and have never been used. They come with the latest technology and full manufacturer warranties. Refurbished monitors, on the other hand, have been previously used and then restored to a like-new condition. They may have been returned due to defects or simply opened and returned by customers.
How Reliable Are Refurbished Monitors?
Refurbished monitors can be very reliable, especially if they are certified by the manufacturer or a reputable third party. These monitors undergo rigorous testing and repairs to ensure they meet specific quality standards. However, they might have a shorter lifespan or more wear and tear compared to new monitors.
Do Refurbished Monitors Come With a Warranty?
This varies by manufacturer and seller. Some refurbished monitors come with a limited warranty, while others might not have any warranty at all. It’s important to check the warranty details before making a purchase.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Refurbished Monitor?
Check for a certification from the manufacturer or a trusted third party. Also, look at the warranty and return policy, and read reviews or ask for a detailed report on the condition of the monitor.
In Conclusion
When deciding between a new or refurbished monitor, there are pros and cons to consider for both options.
On the pro side, buying refurbished can save you significant money upfront. Refurbished monitors also tend to have less environmental impact since they reuse existing products rather than create new ones. Many reputable retailers thoroughly test and inspect refurbished monitors so their quality and reliability match those of new monitors.
However, buying new means you’ll get the latest features and technology. New monitors also come with a full manufacturer’s warranty, typically 1-3 years. And there’s greater availability and choice for new monitors if you need a specific brand, size, resolution, or feature set.
If you’re looking to save money, don’t need the latest features, and purchase from a trusted source, buying refurbished monitors from Invicta PCs can be a smart option. Get a quote today!
