Buying a used iPhone or Android smartphone: Keep these important points in mind


Smartphone enthusiasts often droll over the new launches, and it is quite often in modern times. The manufacturer introduces new amenities to enhance your user experience with every new device. But, purchasing a new phone is not a feasible choice every time as the new models are expensive. In that case, opting for a second-hand phone can be a more sensible choice.

The money factor comes into play when you face a financial crunch or when you know you will buy a new gadget again. So that's when you should choose a second-hand phone. But beware, my dear friend, before proceeding with the purchase. The second-hand phone market is flooded with many fake and faulty cell phone models, and they don't have any warranty cover. So make sure you check the second-hand phone before you buy it. Otherwise, it is nothing but a rip-off.

So what should you check before buying second-hand phones?

Here are a few tips to help you purchase a second-hand phone, be it an iPhone or an Android one.

  1. Check whether the second-hand phone is stolen or not

The first thing to check before buying a pre-owned mobile phone is whether it is a stolen one. Since buying or selling stolen devices is illegal, it can cause trouble for you. Moreover, the parts and condition of the mobile phone also remain questionable in such cases.

How can you check whether the gadget you are buying is stolen or not? The best remedy for this is that you can ask for registration papers or purchase vouchers while purchasing. Usually, stolen goods have no paperwork associated with them.

Next, you need to look for an IMEI or international mobile equipment identification on the voucher. Then, just type in *#06# on the phone and compare for retrieval of its unique IMEI number and match this serial number on the bill on the packaging box. This method works on both iPhones and Android phones. The details should match at every step.

  1. Check whether the phone is a fake or not 

Many counterfeit devices in the market look the same but are mere replicas. The quality of these phones is so bad that they will cease to function shortly after your purchase. To check whether the model is a genuine one or not, go to the phone's 'Settings' menu, where you will find its model number plus other specifications. Compare these details to the phone or battery's rear. You could also go to an authorised service centre to decipher the phone's genuineness within a few minutes.

  1. Undertake an exhaustive physical inspection of the phone

To know whether the second-hand phone is stolen or fake, examine the phone from all possible angles. If you have the phone physically, ensure there are no jagged ends, dents, or broken edges. Check the phone's functionality by checking whether the screen and all the other apps are in working order.

A few scratches may be okay, but anything broken or faulty means you do not need to go ahead with the purchase. Also, check the memory card slot and the SIM card slot. Check whether the USB charging port is functioning properly or not. You can do this by plugging in the charger and checking whether the power supply is okay or not. Also, check whether the phone's microphone and speaker are in working order.

  1. Take a service code test

Both GSM and CDMA phones have service code enablement that allows users to unlock the special menu of the phone. This test can be normally performed on the phone's dialler. It helps you check the phone's various parts like the battery, receiver, vibrator, sensor, screen dimmer, touch feature, phone LED, camera RGB, battery and speaker.

  1. Check all the accessories and software of the phones

Check whether the charger is working or not by charging the phone for some time and keep examining it from time to time. Then check the battery, whether it is getting heated too quickly or too frequently, and how quickly the battery power is draining out. If everything is okay, then head toward the next step. Analyse the earphones whether they are functional or not. Next, check whether the SIM card remover is okay or not. Also, check whether the phone's software is upgraded to the latest version. Only after checking all these should you go ahead with the purchase of the second-hand phone.

To sum up, purchasing a second-hand phone directly from a user or a seller is a good idea, but it includes the risk of getting a worn-out device with damages and issues of different kinds. So, you can use the tips mentioned above to ensure you are not making a bad decision.

On the other hand, to mitigate this, you can opt for refurbished smartphones. Here, you will get a device that has gone through quality checks and necessary repairs to ensure that you get a quality product.

In this regard, you can look at Mobex as an option to buy refurbished phones. The company conducts 65+ quality checks before putting a device up for sale. This ensures that you get a product of top-notch quality. Also, the 1-year warranty gives your further peace of mind. 


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