GoKawiilIs it me, or is life becoming more expensive every day? Maybe you've been eyeing a Nintendo Switch 2 or the latest iPhone, but the cost of essentials, like gas and groceries, is making it nearly impossible to pay hundreds of dollars for new tech.
On top of that, the RAM shortage, dubbed RAMageddon, is increasing prices on tech devices, even those already on the shelves. The boom in artificial intelligence has sucked up RAM and DRAM storage -- which most personal devices need. Now, the shortage is causing manufacturers to raise prices on tech. You may even see prices increase for devices already in stores, but this price hike may vary depending on the retailer. There's one way you might be able to save money on that Galaxy S25 or Apple Watch you've been eyeing -- buy it used or refurbished.
CNET polled more than 2,600 US adults and found that nearly half (48%) have considered buying refurbished tech within the past year. Several factors contribute to the push for secondhand tech, including cost-effectiveness, the high cost of newer models and environmental benefits. And some generations are more inclined to buy refurbished tech than others.
Here are CNET's findings and what you need to know before you buy tech secondhand.
Key findings Nearly half (48%) of US adults have eyed refurbished tech within the past year, and Milennials and Gen Z lead the way.
Several drivers led US adults to consider used devices, including cost-effectiveness (31%) and newer models being too expensive (25%).
You can still find deals on used devices, like tablets and smartphones, despite higher tech prices. Some retailers sell second-hand tech, including Apple and Amazon.
Over half of millennials and Gen Zers have considered refurbished tech
Nearly half of US adults (48%) have considered refurbished tech. However, there's a generational divide among US adults when it comes to buying second-hand tech. CNET found that over half of those in younger generations are considering secondhand devices, but it's less than half for older generations -- especially Boomers.
Over half of millennials and Gen Zers (57% and 56%, respectively) have considered buying refurbished tech in the past year, but only 46% of Gen X and 34% of Boomers have considered it, suggesting they are a bit more hesitant.
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