In case the buyer experiences indiscriminating joy in buying a used phone, it simply means that he or she loves exploring every flagship that is released by the manufacturers. To explore the specs and performance, buying new phones every time becomes taxing on our pockets. To fulfill such cravings, the best deal is to purchase used phones.
Though second-hand phones come at much lower prices, you should follow a checklist of features to make a fair decision and pay a reasonable amount for it. If you do not follow the steps below before buying a refurbished phone, chances are you will end up paying an undeserving price for it.
Decide the model or the specs you want
Begin your search with a firm decision on what you want. Do not stick to a particular model or brand and remain clear about the specifications you require. This will make your search easier and you will find the right phone quicker.
Make sure you are not paying for a fake phone
The market is filled with fake models of branded phones. One cannot probably make out the difference with naked eyes because they are made identical to their genuine counterparts. Therefore, you have to resort to other intelligent methods.
The best way to find out about the genuineness of the phone is by taking it to your nearest service center. Experts will be able to tell immediately if that’s a fake one. However, if you do not have much time or the flexibility to carry it around, explore the phone’s settings to find out the model number. Match it with the sticker on the battery or the back cover. Or else you can ask the seller for the device’s specifications and match them online with the manufacturer’s site or any e-commerce site.
Furthermore, you can ask for the original receipt received during the purchase of the phone. The paper will bear all the authentic information.
Examine the phone thoroughly
Whether you will be bluffed or not depends on how thoroughly you inspect your phone. You should examine both the functionality and the aesthetic aspect minutely. Below is the list of areas you need to check.
Screen - See if there are any scratches or cracks. Turn on the phone to see the brightness and display quality. Also swipe through to see if the touch is properly responsive.
Camera - Take a few pictures with the front and rear camera to check if they are working alright. The pictures will bear testimony to the fact that the camera is free of dead pixels or scratches. If there is a flash, test it too.
Power Button - Press the power button a number of times to ensure its quick response.
Port and Audio - Check if the port is distorted or not. Do not do this with the naked eye but by inserting a USB cable for charging it. See if the phone is receiving charge at a normal rate. Do the same with the audio port as well. Check the sound quality and speaker function by plugging in your earphones.
Battery - Remove the back cover to see if the battery belongs to the phone manufacturing brand. Also check if it is swollen or discolored. Charge the phone for few minutes and see if it drains quickly.
Examine the accessories if any, like - the adapter, charger, earphones etc. Since you will be charged extra for these, you must ensure they are not faulty.
Choose a seller who is familiar
Buying a phone from a known person always gives you an added advantage. Both in terms of price and trust. Announce your need for a second-hand mobile phone in social media, spread the word among your relatives or colleagues. You will get the best price for such a deal, plus the advantage of knowing the phone’s condition from a trusted source.
Determine the fairness of the price
Depending on the factors discussed above determine whether the price quoted by the seller is justified or not. If there are some aspects which do not match his words, cancel the deal or bargain for a lower price.
Before you hand over the money to the seller, equip yourself with knowledge. Do a thorough research and ask for expert advice as this will help you to be at the winning end.
