Apple's handhelds are still one of the most popular in the smartphone industry, despite the constant backlash and sheer number of worthy competitors that it has. But one thing that has always set back the iPhone line is its hefty price tag. But to combat this, the Cupertino-based company has officially made it possible to purchase all the best of an iPhone without the payout.
As Apple Insider notes, Apples is selling refurbished iPhone 6S and 6S units on its online store. Currently, the prices are discounted by more than 15 percent from new models. A 16GB 6S model, for example, is now available for US$449, while it would originally sell for US$549. Meanwhile, the 16GB 6S Plus refurbished model can be purchased at US$529, while a new model would set back a buyer by US$649.
Granted, the price is still relatively heavy when compared to the rest of the offerings from the smartphone market - but it is a lighter burden to bear for those that continuously eye the iPhone. And the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are still considerably new in the market. But there are more reasons to take advantage of Apple's sale of refurbished devices.
For one, a purchase will arrive with a 1-year warranty, which comes standard with every new purchase of an iPhone device. So while cheaper refurbished iPhone devices are available, Apple has provided these particular units with its seal of approval and is even throwing in warranty for it. Other third party providers may boast of Cupertino quality, but these refurbished iPhone 6S and 6S Plus devices are of actual Apple quality.
The resold devices will also come with new batteries and new outer shells, so interested buyers are sure not get cracked or bent units. Moreover, the replaced parts are sure to be original pieces. The setup, at this point, is ideal because buyers will get all of the perks of the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, without the same payout.
This is only the first time that in a while that Apple has officially sold refurbished smartphones - the last of which was in 2008 when iPhone 3G devices were being resold. The reason as to why the decision was made has not been publicly made, but it is likely because sales of the 6S and 6S Plus have not been at par. In fact, they have been underwhelming in comparison to their direct predecessors.
In all possibility, Apple may be selling refurbished units in order to provide better competition, or clear out inventory. With the release of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the Cupertino-based company has to keep looking forward. However, clearing out its older units must also still be a priority.
As Digital Trends reports, the iPhone 6S has a 4.7 in display, is 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches all around and weighs just 5.04 ounces. While it runs on iOS 9 straight from the box, it has just 2GB of RAM and comes in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB storage options. Its rear camera is 12 megapixels and its front camera is 5 megapixels.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 6S PLus has a 5.5 inch display, measures 6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches and comes in at 6.77 ounches. Unlike the smaller options 14 hours of 3G communication, the 6S Plus can clock in 24 hours worth of talk time while on 3G. It does, however, share the same camera system and storage options as the iPhone 6S.
