Buying a new phone or laptop in Zimbabwe can feel like a luxury. Prices are high, the USD crunch is real, and yet we all need tech — for school, work, and even side hustles. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank.
You can get cheap or refurbished tech gear that’s reliable, durable, and much cheaper than brand-new. The trick is knowing where to look, what to avoid, and how to make sure you don’t get scammed.
Here’s a complete guide.
1. Understand the Difference: Refurbished vs Second-Hand
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Refurbished: A device that was used but has been tested, repaired, and restored to near-new condition by sellers or certified shops. Usually comes with some warranty.
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Second-hand: A used device sold “as-is” by an individual, often without warranty. Cheaper, but riskier.
👉 Pro Tip: Always choose refurbished over random second-hand if you can afford it.
2. Best Places to Buy Refurbished Tech in Zimbabwe
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Authorized Tech Shops – Shops in Harare or Bulawayo sometimes sell refurbished phones and laptops imported from South Africa, UK, or Dubai.
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Online Marketplaces – Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp groups, and classifieds (e.g., Classifieds.co.zw) often have cheaper deals.
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Local Refurbishers – Many tech shops in town now buy old laptops, fix them, and sell at affordable prices.
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Cross-Border Importers – Friends or relatives in South Africa can bring in refurbished gear (Johannesburg has many refurb stores).
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask if the device is ex-UK or ex-SA refurbished stock — these usually last longer than locally repaired second-hand ones.
3. Check the Specs, Not Just the Price
It’s easy to be tempted by a cheap device, but always check:
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Battery health (especially for iPhones and laptops)
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Storage capacity (avoid phones with less than 32GB storage in 2025)
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RAM (minimum 4GB RAM for smooth performance, 8GB for laptops)
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Operating system updates (make sure the phone can run modern apps)
👉 Pro Tip: On iPhones, check Settings > Battery Health. On laptops, test boot speed and keyboard before paying.
4. Always Demand to Test Before You Pay
Scams are common. Before you hand over money:
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Insert your own SIM card and test calls/data.
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Connect to WiFi and check internet speed.
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Test the camera, speaker, and charging port.
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For laptops, check that all keys work, battery holds charge, and no overheating.
If the seller refuses testing, walk away immediately.
5. Compare Prices Before Buying
Typical ranges in Zimbabwe (as of 2025):
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Refurbished smartphones:
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iPhone 8/SE – $80–$120
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iPhone XR/11 – $180–$280
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Samsung A-series – $100–$200
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Refurbished laptops:
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Basic HP/Dell business laptops – $180–$250
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Mid-range (Core i5/i7, 8GB RAM) – $300–$450
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💡 Pro Tip: If the price is “too good to be true” (e.g., $50 for an iPhone 11), it’s probably a fake or stolen.
6. Look for Warranty or Return Policy
Some refurb shops in Harare and Bulawayo offer 1–3 months warranty. Even a short warranty is better than none. Avoid buying expensive gear from sellers who refuse any returns.
7. Accessories Matter
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Always ask if the device comes with an original charger.
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Fake chargers can damage your device or battery.
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For laptops, ensure you get the correct power adapter (cheap ones don’t last).
8. Protect Yourself from Scams
Zimbabwe’s black market is full of shady deals. Protect yourself by:
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Meeting in public places (cafés, malls).
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Avoiding night-time or rushed deals.
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Bringing a friend who knows tech to help test.
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Asking for a receipt if buying from a shop.
9. Don’t Ignore Alternative Options
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Trade-ins – Some shops let you trade your old phone/laptop + cash for an upgrade.
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Local repair shops – Sometimes upgrading your current device (RAM, SSD) is cheaper than buying “new.”
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Installment Plans – Some tech shops now offer payment plans if you pay in USD.
Final Word
Getting a good phone or laptop in Zimbabwe doesn’t have to drain your pockets. If you buy smart — refurbished instead of brand new, test before paying, and compare prices — you can walk away with a device that lasts years at half the cost.
💡 Always remember: it’s better to buy a slightly older genuine device (like an iPhone XR or Dell i5 laptop) than a shiny fake or clone that dies in months.
