Looking to save some money on your next phone purchase? If so, you should definitely consider buying a secondhand device. You can save anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent off the buying price – which can translate into hundreds of pounds depending on the brand and model under consideration – by simply choosing to get something used.
However, before you fork out your hard earned cash, it is important to make sure that you are getting value for your money. Simply put, getting the right phone for the money will help you avoid spending more on repairs, a replacement or an upgrade, sooner than anticipated.
Used phones tend to be more affordable than their newer counterparts; and, you can use the information below to make sure that you make the most out of the lower asking prices.
Why Buy A Used Phone?
As it stands, about 10 percent of all phone sales around the world are composed of used phones. As previously mentioned, you can save a lot of money on your next phone purchase by choosing to go with a secondhand option. This can be quite significant especially considering the fact that new phones from some of the world’s top brands are going for obscene amounts.
Over the recent past, technological advancements have led to better quality, improved battery life and increased storage sizes in phones. This means that even phones that are a couple of years old can still meet the needs of today’s phone users – thus, making for suitable and affordable options. You can still get a phone that will match your requirements, at a fraction of the price of a new one, in the secondhand market.
What To Consider When Buying Used Phones
To make sure that you make the most of today’s affordable used phones, and get the highest value for your money, be sure to consider the factors below when making a purchase.
Find The Right Marketplace
You can buy a used smartphone from a variety of online marketplaces such as Fonez – you can discover the available options using a quick search on Google. To get a better idea of the reputation of a marketplace, be sure to check out the reviews and ratings left by users.
In addition to looking for quality secondhand phones on offer, the best marketplaces also offer buyer protection and warranties – which can be quite helpful but also may add to the asking price.
Alternatively, you can buy a used phone from stranger on a classifieds site or a social media marketplace. Remember to insist on meeting any strangers in a public place, avoid handing over any money before seeing and inspecting the phone and where possible, insist that they bring the phone’s original box.
Check The IMEI and Serial Number
Whether you are buying a pre-owned phone online or in person, it is essential that you check the IMEI and serial number. In fact, this is the first thing you should ask to see. You might be looking at a fake or stolen phone, if the seller is unwilling to provide these essential details.
Confirm these details against those printed on the box, if provided, once the seller shares the information. To find out everything you need to know about the phone, enter the IMEI number on an online tool – this will give you a clear idea of whether the phone is legit.
Inspect The Condition Of The Phone
You can find out if the phone has been looked after properly or not with a detailed inspection. Carefully inspect the headphone jack, screen, camera lens and charging port for any damage, if you are buying the phone in person.
You can also detect signs of damage or repairs by carefully inspecting the photos posted by the seller. You can also ask the seller to provide you with a close up video of the device in question, to better assess the condition of the phone before making a final decision.
Inspect The Ports
Your phone’s ports are necessary for proper function. With that in mind, you should take some time to carefully inspect the condition of all ports – charging and headphones jack – before making a purchase.
To make sure that these ports are working effectively, consider bringing your own headphones and charger to the in-person meeting. Alternatively, you can ask the seller to film the phone while charging or using headphones, as visual proof in an online sale.
Consider The Battery Life
Battery health is also essential when it comes to getting the most out of lower priced used phones. You should look for a phone with a healthy battery, if you want to avoid spending more money on a replacement. If you are buying a newer phone, you can find out more about the condition of the battery under the battery settings.
You might have to get the battery replaced, if the score is below 80 percent; anything between 80 and 90 percent is considered average, while 90 to 100 percent is good.
Evaluate The Phone’s Functions
After giving the phone a comprehensive physical inspection, find out if the main functions work. You should take a picture, record a video, make a call, send a text, play something to test the speaker, create a hotspot, connect to a WiFi network and load a website, among others.
Make sure that you buy a device that comes with warranty cover, if you are dealing with an online seller and are unable to check all these functions yourself. This way, you can get your money back if there’s a problem.
Final Thoughts
You can save a lot of money by buying a used phone. And with the above tips in mind and in practice, you can make sure that you lock in the cost saving advantages of choosing a secondhand device over something new.
