Crucial Aspects to Keep in Mind When Buying Second-hand Phones

 Smartphones have now become a crucial part of our everyday modern life. However, with each latest model update, the prices seem to exceed the average feasible budget of consumers. This has led consumers to question whether they should instead opt for second-hand, preened or refurbished phones which are predicted to be the more affordable option. Buying second-hand phones in Sydney also reduces the impact it has on the environment upon disposal. In many cases, parents whose children are just about to start their secondary education, do not find it justifiable to buy their kids a brand new expensive smartphone. They can consider buying secondhand or even refurbished phones that offer a better bargain price. Let's have a look at what aspects should they keep in mind.

Should you go for Secondhand, Pre-owned or Refurbished?

Second-hand phones can be segregated into different types, for instance, refurbished phones and used phones. Used phones are those sold directly by their previous user through a website like eBay or via specific local retailers.

Refurbished or Reconditioned phones can be divided into two types - manufacturer-refurbished and retailer-refurbished.

Manufacturer-refurbished phones are those which have been fully reconditioned. This means it has been pretty much transformed into a new phone, including a brand-new battery or outer body. Refurbished phones coming directly from the manufacturer are typically more expensive. They come included with their default accessories (charger and headphones) and a full warranty. Those who desire a new phone with a lower environmental footprint can go for this option.

Retailer-refurbished devices are slightly low on upgrades. They feature no replaced parts and are fully checked for any issues. The retailer may carry out repairs if necessary, however, it may depend on the condition of the phone. Retailer-refurbished phones are more affordable than manufacturer-refurbished phones. These phones are often sold in different grades which details the condition in which the phone is in.

These grades are not a legal definition and tend to vary among retailers:

• Grade A: The condition of Grade A phones is virtually identical to a brand new one. These are devoid of any marks or scratches and come with their original accessories and box. These phones are usually returned by the customer instead of being traded in.  

• Grade B: These phones are in perfect working condition but don't appear brand new. There may be the presence of scratches, dents and nicks. However, they include all original accessories.

  

• Grade C: These are still in proper working condition but are visibly worn out and do not include the original accessories.  

• Grade D: These phones are usually sold to third-party repair shops that strip the phone of its parts or use it as a spare.

Should you opt for Protection?

Second-hand or non-refurbished phones are typically priced the cheapest. However, it is crucial to be extra careful when purchasing from private sellers, for they do not share the same legal protection as manufacturer-sold phones.

Although the private seller may not misrepresent the brand of the phone they are selling, they may still choose not to disclose any of its faults. They are most likely not going to provide a warranty. In some cases, a second-hand phone is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, but this warranty may be voided if the previous owner had used it for conducting repairs.

On the flip side it is crucial to ensure that the phone being purchased second-hand is not a stolen device. This can be done by checking the 15-digit identification number or IMEI which is entered into a database for stolen devices. Make sure to inspect the listings diligently. Also, go through the reviews and testimonials of the reseller to make sure they are genuine.

Things to Look Out For when Buying Second Hand

Once you have decided to purchase a second-hand or refurbished phone, there are certain attributes of the phone which you must remember to review:

·         Working State of the Battery: The life of a smartphone battery is shorter than the phone itself. They typically wear out sooner and can charge to only 80% of their original capacity. Its capacity tends to degrade after 500 charging cycles or generally two years of charging every night. You should confirm whether the battery has been replaced before purchasing the second-hand phone.

·         Condition of the Charging Port: Checking the charging port for damage is quintessential to buying a refurbished or second-hand phone as they are the first component that wears out or breaks.   

·         Condition of the Respective Buttons: It is important to check if all the physical buttons on the phone are functioning properly, even without pressing too hard. These buttons include the power button and volume control keys. Buying a phone with faulty buttons can be very expensive to fix later.   

·         Compatibility with Choice of Network: Some second-hand phones remain locked to a specific service provider by their previous user and need to be unlocked before transferring ownership to their new user.

·         Inclusion of Unauthorized Parts: Not every part replaced in a refurbished phone is from the manufacturer. This could be a potential issue in some cases.

Conclusion 

Second-hand and refurbished phones are a good option for those with limited budgets. People who only require a phone temporarily, for instance, tourists can choose to buy used phones in Sydney. Either way, the guidelines provided in this blog should help come to the right decision.