There is a vast reason why you may consider buying a used smartphone. One of the reasons might be due to a low budget. As for me, its always a good option to buy a used device, especially if you are on a low budget. It will always allow you to buy and use high performance and luxury smartphones for less.
In this concise article, I will be writing about the things to consider and check when buying a used smartphone. From the above title, you can deduce two keywords, which are: consider and check. It would be best if you put so many factors into consideration before hitting the dealers shop. Essential things to consider are your budget, the purpose of buying the device, and spare parts’ availability if it becomes faulty.
When you talk about things to check, you talk about the battery, the network, connectivity, the Body, etc. These are the things to check thoroughly with all carefulness when buying a used phone. I will take time to explain every subheading in detail to understand and apply them when next you are buying a used phone.
Things to consider when buying a used phone
It is the first thing to consider when buying a used phone. It would be best if you put so many things into consideration; this will help determine the best device that suits your budget and job.
- Your budget:
The budget is always number one on the list due to its vast advantage. Your budget will determine the device you will be purchasing. It would help if you took the time to map a specific budget that will not break your bank account.
- The purpose of buying a new smartphone:
This is always next in line. You must write down the purpose of buying the device; this will help you determine the minimum specifications you need. For example, if you deal with big files, this aspect will help determine the type of phone to buy to accommodate all your files without bricking or hanging.
Things to check when buying a used smartphone.
This is what you will be checking out at the dealer’s shop. They include the battery, the battery, etc.
- Check the exterior [Body] for scratch or cracks:
This is the first step to take once you walk into any dealers shop or outlet. Once you lay your hands on the device, it’s always advisable to take time and conduct a thorough check on the device body. In most cases, the shop might be a bit dim due to the fancy lightings, and I always advise my clients to walk outside so you can check the device thoroughly for any cracks or scratch.
Please turn on the device and watch it boot: Most people don’t take this seriously, but to be on the side of caution, turn on the device and watch it boot. This will help you detect some hidden issues.
- Check the screen for water damage:
Once the phone is turned on, take time, and inspect the screen thoroughly to know if the device came in contact with moisture. Most times, there is always some line to detect this, and most times, there is always a blurry look on the screen.
- Check the screen for cracks and lines:
This is very important, for the fact that you are buying a used device, that shouldn’t be a reason to buy a faulty device. Take time and check the whole screen for cracks. You should also check the screen for any line. Once you detect any line drawn on the screen, I will advise you to let go of the device and walk out or request another one.
- Check the buttons:
All the buttons must be thoroughly checked to ascertain their level of responsiveness. The power button, the volume buttons, and every other additional button should be thoroughly checked to ascertain its responsiveness level.
- Take some shots with the camera:
Take some fresh shots with the camera, it shouldn’t be a beautiful photo, you may take some random photos to ascertain if the camera is working perfectly well. Also, take a closer look at the photo to ascertain if the camera lens has any cracks.
- Take an in-depth check on the battery health:
The battery life of any device is significant unless you want to buy a device that will be equivalent to an old desktop PC. iPhone users don’t bother much with this because iOS devices have options that will determine the battery life in percentage. Android users have to dedicate a day or more to use the device and ascertain the battery life.
- Check all the ports on the device:
All the ports on the device must be thoroughly checked. This includes the headphone jack, the USB port, and every other port available on the device.
- Confirm that the device is not locked:
Buying a locked device might land you in prison. Once you inspect a device and its locked, don’t even try buying it. Most times, the price is always compelling, but always remember that no one will be going to jail for you if the deal goes wrong. Most locked devices are stolen devices; in severe cases, the device owners might be killed to get hold of those devices.
- Ensure the device network is not locked:
This is very important, if you buy a device with a network lock, you may spend more when you want to unlock it. Always go for an unlocked device to avoid had I known.
- Check the speakers, earpiece, mouthpiece, etc.:
This is very important. Trying to play some music, even if it’s the ringing tone, to ascertain the speaker’s life. As for the mouthpiece and earpiece, try making some calls and thoroughly listen to the voice conversation to make sure they are working correctly.
- Compare the smartphone’s price and specifications online:
This is very important, so you don’t get scammed. If you are looking forward to buying a Samsung phone, you can check the price of used iPhone here. You browse the price of other devices online, so you don’t get scammed.
In conclusion, take the time to check the device thoroughly. In a situation where you are not a techie, you can take your friend along. Take time; I always advise people to devote a whole day if possible to make sure you don’t buy a dead device.
