Top 7 Tips To Consider Before Purchasing A Second Hand Mobile Phone

By Author: Angelika Muderris
Total Articles: 13
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Mobile phones these days are at the higher tier, so to speak, because of their premium design and impressive specs that their retail prices are guaranteed to leave a hole in your savings. Although you can say that they are worth the investment, ask yourself if you really need to buy such a high-priced smartphone when a second hand mobile phone can give you more without the exorbitant price tag?

Used or Refurbished - What’s the Difference?

Second-hand mobile devices can be two things: refurbished and used. There are some who believe that these terms are interchangeable, but they aren’t. Used smartphones are those that show visible signs of wear and tear. If the previous owner was meticulous with handling their smartphone, then you are in luck since it will look like new. However, a user device can mean that it will have flaws such as a poor battery, damaged screen, scuff marks on the body, and so on. Plus, there is no option to have it repaired by the seller.

A refurbished ...
... smartphone, on the other hand, undergoes a series of testing which includes:

Initial testing to determine if there are any parts that are damaged or are malfunctioning.
Malfunctioning parts will be fixed or, when needed, be replaced with new OEM parts.
Another round of testing will ensue to see if all parts, from screen to battery, to ports, are functioning properly.
The technician will then check the software installed to see if it is running properly.
Once the technician determines that the whole unit works as it should then it will be restored to factory setting then sold at a lower price.

Refurbished phones are typically pristine or like they are new in terms of condition. They are cheaper too which is one of the reasons why getting a second hand mobile phone appeals to many these days.

Choosing a Second Hand Mobile Phone

There is no shortage of second hand handheld devices in the market today, both in physical stores and online. The question though is how to check second hand mobile phones especially when there are several retailers that you can approach. If you want to land the best smartphone for your needs as well as your budget, then you should start considering the following.

Condition. The current condition of the mobile phone should be one of the factors that you definitely need to look into. If you are able to visit the retail store for second hand gadgets, you can go over the handset to check if it has flaws, such as scuff marks, a chip on the body, or perhaps one of the buttons is not working properly. If you are going to shop over the internet, then ask for more photos of the product from various angles to judge its condition. As much as possible, look for retailers who are offering pristine condition refurbished handheld devices. 
Unlocked.  What other tips should you consider on how to choose a mobile phone? Well, you can narrow down your search by going for an unlocked model. Usually, mobile devices are typically locked to a carrier when you purchase them brand-new. However, when it comes to refurbished, go for a unit that comes unlocked so you can decide for yourself which carrier to use. Although you can have a mobile phone unlocked, this will be an added expense and they will not come in cheap too. 
Seller Aside from what condition the second hand mobile phone should be, the next thing that you should consider is the seller. If you want a guarantee that the refurbished device being sold is legit and that it is working like it is new then approach the manufacturers themselves. Normally, you will find that they are selling refurbished models too at lowered prices so there’s that. If you will be purchasing from third-party retailers, then you will have to do a bit of background check first. After all, you don’t want to be scammed out of your money, right? Aside from the usual haunts for refurbished devices like Amazon, you should also check out other sellers too since they may offer better deals than what you can find from Amazon. 
IMEI  How to check second hand mobile phones if they are legit or not? Ask the seller to provide you with the IMEI of the unit. The IMEI can help you determine if the unit has been reported stolen or not. This is an important step to take especially if you will be buying from an individual since there is no guarantee that what they are selling is legit or not. You can always double check the IMEI inside the phone with what is written on the box. Of course, this extra step can be avoided if you simply purchase from trusted sellers.They can give you the guarantee that all mobile units that they have refurbished are legit and that they will not have any issues when used. 
Prices  One of the reasons why people buy a second hand mobile phone is because of its price. But before you settle with the cheapest, make sure that you have compared rates and deals from different sellers first. Scour the internet for the best deals for the refurbished device that you are interested in and see what the price entails. The cheapest price may not mean that the unit is of good quality, since pristine condition second hand phones are reasonably priced. Again, check the condition of the device against the retail price that it has to see if it is worth getting. Make it a point to compare prices as much as possible with several retailers so you will know whether you are getting good value for your money. 
Warranty  The warranty serves as your guarantee that the retailer has refurbished the unit based on the standards of the manufacturer which means that this should also be a factor when you are out to buy one. Trusted retailers can offer you up to 12 months of warranty wherein you can have your bought unit repaired or even replaced depending on its condition and cause of the problem. You will have to meet the requirements for the warranty first. If the damage was due to your negligence, such as dropping it in the pool, the warranty may be void. 
Accessories When buying a second hand mobile phone, ask the seller if there are any accessories included. If you know where to look, there are sellers that do offer free accessories, but they will not be original. Some will sell only the unit and you have to pay extra for the headphones or earbuds and charger. If you prefer getting original accessories even when you purchase refurbished, then you should buy directly from the manufacturer. Any accessories included should be double checked as well to determine what their condition is. After all, you don’t want your user experience to be a negative one, right?

Where is the Best Place to Buy Second Hand Phones UK?

Now that you know how to check second hand mobile phones, from the seller, the condition of the phone, as well as any warranty attached to it, you should figure out where to get one. Like it was mentioned before, you can purchase directly from the manufacturer since they do have refurbished models available. But their discounts are not as big as outside parties. However, the advantage of purchasing from them is that there is a guarantee that they have been professionally refurbished and will include accessories too depending on the unit and brand.

So, where is the best place to buy second hand phones UK if not from the manufacturers? Amazon is usually the first place people go to for refurbished devices, but there are other places to shop. The internet is a good place to browse for second hand phones which is actually convenient especially when we can’t just go out these days. By checking potential retailers online, browse through their collections, and even compare rates, landing a good device is just a click away.

The price shouldn’t be the only factor when you shop. You should also consider the factors mentioned above. The condition of the device, the warranty that it comes with, and whether the accessories come with the deal should be checked out as well. After all, buying second hand doesn’t always mean that what you are getting is less than the original. There are sellers out there that do offer pristine and unlocked smartphones that can still compete with the new ones in terms of condition and performance.

Angelika Muderris is a passionate writer who heads the operations at QwikFone , A UK-based company for refurbished phones.