Buying a used cell phone online: what should you look out for when buying?
Whether in the evening on the couch, at lunchtime in a café or in the morning on the bus – our mobile phones have become our most loyal companions in everyday life. Be it to play or just to browse, we all use every free minute to surf the web with our smartphones. Cell phones are now a dime a dozen and the manufacturers keep surprising us with new and cool functions. But buying a smartphone of the latest generation every year is not only very expensive, it also doesn’t make a lot of sense. It is therefore no surprise that more and more users looking to save some money are opting for a used model. While buying a used smartphone is cheaper, in some cases it can be a disappointment. To prevent this from happening to you, in this article we will tell you what to look out for when buying a used cell phone online!
Always having the latest or most expensive smartphone is becoming less and less important for users and the market for used cell phones has been booming in recent years. In the wide world of the Internet, sooner or later we come across online platforms that offer almost all devices at real bargain prices. Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong when buying. If you want to buy privately, it can definitely save you a lot of money. However, there is always a certain risk as to whether the device really works properly and optical defects are often concealed by the sellers. At the Buy cell phone online so it would make much more sense if you opted for a middleman such as Cleverbuy. Certified, used smartphones undergo important tests, have a limited warranty, and therefore offer buyers a little more security.
Buy a used cell phone online: Always compare the prices!
The prices of smartphones are constantly changing and as soon as a new model appears on the market, the price of the predecessor usually decreases. When you know exactly what your new phone should do, the first thing to do is set a budget. Because depending on the functions and features, prices can vary from 200 to over 1,000 euros. Even if retailers’ smartphones are usually a bit more expensive, you will receive a tested device and a warranty of around 12 months. No matter where you buy your used cell phone online, you should always read the fine print in the contract and familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of sale and return. This ensures that you can return the purchased device within a predetermined period of time if it does not work as expected.
If you want to buy a used cell phone online from a private person, do not rely solely on the condition description, but ask the seller for additional photos. Caution is advised, especially if the offered price is significantly lower. It is possible that the device is partially defective or has rough signs of use and scratches. To avoid buying a stolen or found smartphone, it is recommended to check the IMEI. In addition, you should always insist that an invoice and the original packaging are included.
Take the battery life into account and don’t buy a cell phone that is too old
There is always some risk involved when we buy a used cell phone online. When buying, please bear in mind that the battery ages over time and that most batteries only have around 50 percent of their initial capacity after around 800 charging cycles. Since the cost of replacing the battery is between 50 and 250 euros, depending on the model, you should focus on models that are not too old. Smartphones that are 1 to 2 years old generally have around 80 percent of their original battery life. It is also important to know that older devices will no longer receive software updates after 2 to 3 years. While older iPhones work flawlessly for many years with the latest software, updates for Android phones usually end after 2 years. An up-to-date operating system is not only very important for the newer functions, but also to eliminate any security gaps.
Buy a used cell phone online: Check the condition of the smartphone
Have you followed all of the above steps and your dream smartphone is finally in your hands? Congratulation! But to avoid unpleasant surprises, you should check the condition of the cell phone thoroughly as soon as you receive it. Are the display and the case intact? Can you see major damage and scratches? If possible, remove the battery cover and check the phone for water damage. These can be recognized by a small square sticker with purple crosses. If this water indicator is red or pink, the smartphone is definitely water damaged. Then you have to test the most important functions such as surfing speed and if there are no hidden problems, then you’ve done everything right!
