After reading i7 vs. i5 for a couple of ads, check out some refurb laptop listings ('board certified' and you'll only see two names, i5 and i7, over and over again. Most people assume that the i7 is the safer choice. This is also why they all get stuck in between a refurbished i7 laptop and a refurbished i5 laptop wondering if it is worth the extra money.
But the catches are: The i7 stamp does not automatically make it better. Other aspects such as the CPU generation, RAM, SSD, and battery health can be equally important. Hopefully, this guide will help guide you toward a comparison and decision on a laptop based on your true usage.
What Is a Refurbished I7 Laptop?
A refurbished i7 laptop is basically a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor that has been inspected and prepared to be resold to buyers in India who see it online. The i7 is the processor family. No age/condition/testing info: These terms are commonly mistaken for each other, so here are the differences:
i7 used laptop: A laptop having i7 already owned and technology used. Might not have been inspected and fixed.
Used i7 laptop: This is the same as a normal used laptop. Generally sold as is by a small dealer or private person.
Refurbished i7 laptop: A used laptop that the seller claims has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired as needed. Exactly how deep this goes depends on the seller.
Certified refurbished i7 laptop: A refurbished laptop that has been put through a number of inspection programs. Don't take someone's word from the listing and check this certificate for yourself:
I mean, what's the difference? Sellers toss around these words loosely. Ignore the checks and think whatever refurbished means, it is thoroughly tested and covered. Consider every label a claim you should verify.
Refurbished i7 vs. i5: What's the Difference?
An I7 is just a high-end processor from intel compared to an I5 processor. Can also have, sometimes, more cores or threads for higher clock speed and cache as well. It may help for the more demanding tasks.
But margin will depend on generation of processing and the laptop. Within a generation, the i7 tends to be the stronger chip. Between generations, however, that is not the case. For some models, there is a rambling closeness of i5s and i7s in one generation than their names sound.
So if you are comparing a refurbished i7 laptop with an i5 laptop, don't just look at the badge. Look up the actual processor model and then consider what you'll be using the laptop for.
Why i7 vs. i5 Processor Generation
A new i5 can sometimes beat an old i7. Each generation tends to improve efficiency and speed, so age is a big factor.
Consider two examples. For example, a refurbished i7 8th gen vs. an i7 10th gen: same name i7, different generation. The new one might be snappier for daily usage, depending on what model you go for. The same is true for an older i7 compared to a newer i5.
With that said, compare these things together, not separately:
Processor generation: Know not just "i7" or "i5" but also the exact model.
RAM: See how much RAM the laptop has and if it's expandable.
SSD: The type of storage affects the speed of the laptop.
Battery life: A poor battery doesn't allow much difference to be working for sometime.
Laptop condition: The condition of the hinges, keys, screen, and body are all telling of how the laptop has been treated.
Intended use: A student is an entirely different class of needs than a video editor.
I won't quote performance numbers here, as these vary by model and workload. Specifically, check the models you're interested in.
Expect in a Refurbished i7 Laptop under 30000
Reality: The majority of buyers shopping for a refurbished i7 laptop under 30000 are looking for a high-end machine. It manages the expectations well.
You can find low-end business-series laptops for that price that are older. Some may even have an old i7 CPU. It is contingent upon the seller and then what they happen to have in stock at the time. Listings can differ greatly in processor generation, RAM, storage and physical condition.
Don't make the mistake of assuming any / all of these really cheap ones will have an SSD warranty or 16GB RAM or whatever. Some will. Many will not. Read each listing line by line.
Prices and availability, conditions, and warranty and return policy differ with each seller so keep these in mind. Sometimes a lower price but inferior product and no returns could actually cost more in the long run than a price just a wee bit higher but under rock solid terms.
Do you get a better deal? A refurbished i5 laptop under 20000?
If you are simply a basic user, a refurbished i5 laptop under 20000 might be the better value for you. If you are not going to use that extra power, then why pay more for an i7?
Here are the things an i5 laptop will do:
University lesson online
Surfing the Internet
Office Microsoft
Chat
Chattering on video
Some coding
Office stuff
If that's your day, then a good refurbished i5 laptop India listing could be your mate. A new i5 with an SSD will probably feel snappier than an old i7 with an HDD.
But don't ignore the basics. How much RAM, what warranty, what a seller does with the battery, and if it has SSD. You need to make these checks and you shouldn't skip them because of the low price.
Refurbished Laptop 8GB vs 16GB of RAM
The RAM Keyword: RAM determines how many things your laptop can do simultaneously.
8GB RAM: Web surfing, MS Office, online classes, multitasking. 8GB RAM i5 refurbished laptop is a favorite and economical choice among students and office goers.
16GB RAM: For industry work, coding, heavy multitasking, big spreadsheets. You're more sensible with a refurbished i5 laptop with 16GB RAM if running a couple heavy programs side by side.
With that said, RAM alone is not a performance indicator. A laptop with 16GB RAM, but with an old processor and a slow HDD can still be slow. It relies on processor generation, a speedy SSD, healthy batteries, etc.
Also ask whether you can upgrade the RAM later. Some laptops have a spare slot, and others have the memory soldered to the board. Checking this will save you from painting yourself into a corner if you think you'll want the option of additional memory later on.
SSDs and HDDs: Which Do You Need?
The type of storage has an effect on daily speed that shoppers often miss:
SSD: Boots faster and loads apps and files faster.
HDD: Slower for daily use, and the laptop can be sluggish.
If you have an i7 laptop, a refurbished one with an SSD will generally feel snappier than the same machine with an HDD. An SSD is also capable of making an older laptop feel much more responsive.
Don't just believe what's listed. Confirm the actual type and size of the storage. The performance section of Task Manager in Windows will tell you the drive type. And if it only states "fast storage," then that's not good enough.
Refurbished office, i7 laptop and coding video
Different jobs require different hardware. All types of users should look for this.
A refurbished laptop for programming
Refurbished laptop for coding spec:
16+ GB RAM (if you can)
SSD disk drive
A quality keyboard
Good wi-fi
Screen readable
Refurbished laptops for video editing
Refurbished laptop for video editing: What to look for:
16GB+ of RAM
Life-fast SSD storage
Decent cooling
Dedicated graphics (needed for heavy editing)
Better screen resolution
Observations: Not all i7 laptops are great for video editing. A lot of business-series models come with integrated graphics and can struggle with heavy projects. Don't fixate on processor name; focus on the graphics and cooling.
Refurbished office laptop
Buying refurbished laptop for office work:
RAM of 8GB or 16GB
...SSD storage
Webcam and Mic
Long battery life
Comfortable keyboard
Cheap Refurbished i7/i5 Laptop Brand
There is no universally applicable best refurbished i7 laptop. But they are frequently part of some business series lines, and it's easy to see why.
Lenovo
Lenovo: ThinkPad i5 and i7 laptops are popular business laptops due to their keyboards, build, and professional appearance. Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad i7 laptops are a popular computer for a heavy typist.
Dell
Dell: Good picks for businesses would be the Latitude i5 and i7 laptops. But reconditioned Latitude Dell i7 laptop is very often seen as a good option for daily work.
HP
HP: The EliteBook and ProBook i5 and i7 laptops are a top pick for business. You can often spot listings for used HP EliteBook i7 laptops, for example.
Being known as a good brand doesn't mean all units are good. Each brand sells units with different spec, port, screen and build variations. Make sure you know the model, generation, and condition of the unit you are buying. Availability and price may vary, so make sure to check this with the seller.
How to Safely Buy Refurbished Laptops Online
A lot of people opt to buy refurbished laptops online due to the greater selection. The downside is that you cannot try the device first. That will reduce the risk.
Search for a full product description. A vague listing is a red flag.
Check for the processor generation. Be sure you have the exact model and not just "i5" or "i7."
Look for memory and storage. Obtain actual numbers.
Determine if the laptop has an SSD. And insist on a straight answer.
Request product-grade information. If the seller gives a condition grade, read what the grades mean.
Check warranty terms on the product. Pay attention to the length of the duration, exclusions, and claim processing parties.
Confirm the period for returns/exchanges. Check the days and conditions.
Look up the seller's contact information and feedback. Get a functional contact number with constant reviews.
If applicable, ask for a GST bill. Proper bill will help you in claiming for warranty.
When it arrives, make an unboxing video. Start the timer when you open the pack.
Start using the laptop right away. Don't wait until the return window is nearly over.
Some sellers term their laptops as certified refurbished. That's worth investigating. And ask who certified it and what is and isn't covered by the warranty. The certification varies from seller to seller and does not imply that the laptop is new.
Refurbished Laptop Battery Health Counts
Refurbished laptop battery health can be often an overlooked and sometimes an expensive unpleasant surprise.
Batteries wear out over time. Each charge takes its toll on their ability to hold power. So your laptop that used to last hours now only stays on for a fraction of that after a couple of years' use. That's normal wear and tear, but it will differ from unit to unit.
What to do:
Ask for the health of the battery. Ask for a battery report or clear backup time statement.
Get the battery tested at the time of delivery. Plug it in to a full charge, unplug it, and run the laptop normally and see how long it will last.
Check it in Windows. You can generate a battery report from command prompt with design capacity and current full charge capacity.
There isn't any magical acceptable percentage. It is contingent upon how you use your laptop. A person who works in close proximity to a socket can afford a poor battery. A student using the laptop for the day can't.
Bad battery means money in the future. Replacement batteries also vary in quality and cost, and some laptops are harder to get inside than others. Keep that price in mind as you make your decision.
Checklist for Buying a Used Laptop
This used laptop buying checklist works for any second-hand or refurbished purchase. Look out for these once you receive the laptop (if you've purchased it online).
Processor Model/Generation: Check the model in system settings.
RAM: Verify what is installed and if there is an empty slot.
SSD/HDD: Check the storage type and capacity.
Battery health: Inspect the battery report and run or restore a back-up test.
Screen & dead pixels: Display solid white, black, and color screens to see if any dead pixels or pressure marks are evident.
Keyboard and touchpad: Test each key, click and gesture.
Webcam and microphone: Place a brief test call.
Speakers: Play some audio and listen for crackles.
USB, HDMI, and charging ports: Plug in a pen drive, monitor cable, and charger.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Program your device to work with Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth network.
With original or matching charger? Verify what's there. No charger = cash to do so.
BIOS or company lock: Enter BIOS setup and make sure that you are not locked out by a password or management lock.
Windows activation: Make sure you have an activation of Windows with a genuine license in Settings. Avoid pirated software or illegal activation tools.
Receipt: Get a proper receipt that includes the details of the laptop.
Written warranty: If a warranty is promised, request for the clauses in writing.
Return/replacement policy: Terms and days.
FAQs
1. Is a refurbished i7 laptop worth more than an i5 one?
Not necessarily. Usually newer generation i7s will be more powerful, but a new i5 can beat an old i7. Other health benefits include battery, ssd, and ram. It's not only the name (i5 or i7) of the processor but the exact generation of the processor AND your type of work.
2. Is it worth buying a refurbished i7 laptop in India?
It is if you need the additional power for your work and the unit being in good shape. Just make sure first that you check the generation, RAM, SSD, and battery health. A refurbished laptop i7 with good warranty and return risk terms is better than a cheaper laptop with no paperwork. The terms are decided by the seller.
3. Refurbished laptops, How Much RAM Do I Need.
8GB RAM is sufficient for browsing, for MS Office, for online classes and normal multitasking. 16GB is better for coding, some heavy multitasking, large spreadsheets and professional work. You also want to gage whether the RAM can be upgraded (soldered memory in some laptops will refuse to take additional memory).
4. SSDs vs HDDs: What to Look for in Refurbished Laptops?
In general, SSD is the way to go. It's much faster at booting up and loading apps, and it can make an old laptop seem speedier. Performance: An HDD tends to be slower for everyday use. Check the actual storage type and capacity before you pay.
5. Are refurbished laptops covered by a warranty and return policy?
Not all the time. Some sellers have a warranty and a return time; others do not. The terms differ with each seller, so verify the terms before you buy. Ask for an invoice that specifies warranties, duration, exclusions, who will repair, and time frame for replacement/return of the laptop.
Briefly:
It's not just the label, it's the whole enchilada: the i5/i7 difference. If you want the extra power and it's put to good use but in decent condition, then a refurbished laptop i7 can be a smart purchase. If you're not into heavy workload, a refurbished i5 could be a better purchase.
With all products, check for generation, RAM, SSD, battery health, condition, invoice, warranty, and returns policy before buying. Check the laptop upon receiving it, and keep any paper records. Not every purchase is guaranteed, so check. Prices, stock, conditions, warranty, and return policy will vary with seller.