When choosing a used smartphone, there are many factors to consider - from the external state of the smartphone to the frequencies used when working in 4G networks. What you should pay attention to when buying a smartphone from your hands, how not to stumble upon scammers and not get a "pig in a poke" - in the material "Gazeta.Ru".

The physical condition of the smartphone

One of the main factors to look out for when buying a used gadget is its physical condition. Almost all modern smartphones are equipped with a plastic or glass case with a plastic or iron frame, and all of these materials are capable of rubbing and scratching. If the previous owner carefully used the smartphone and carried it in a case and with a protective film or glass, the risk of buying a pig in a poke is slightly less.

You should also pay attention to scratches and dents on the case, check how the buttons react to touches and pressing - they should not be tight and should not play. The ports for charging or headphones can also tell you about the state of the smartphone - the frames around the holes should not be worn or scratched, and the inside of the connectors should be more or less clean. With careful use, the connector can remain clean even after two years.

When buying even the simplest smartphone, you need to check the camera lenses for scratches, cracks and the presence of dust under the glass. It's worth checking out the camera with one or two shots.

In order for the device to perform its primary tasks, you also need to check the quality of communication, as well as the microphone, speakers and screen, and make sure that all parts are working properly.

When buying, it is worth discussing with the seller a visit to the service center, where the master would check the device for opening and repair, since it is difficult to determine "by eye", especially if moisture gets inside the smartphone.

In the case of buying a smartphone from Apple, namely iPhone 6S and newer, you can check which parts are used in the smartphone - original or uncertified. This feature appeared in iOS 15.2 and is available in a separate item in the settings. On iPhone X and above, it is also important to verify that FaceID is working properly. Many sellers hide the fact that it became inoperative due to self-repair or when contacting an uncertified service center.

When buying an iPhone, there is a whole range of features to consider. First, you need to clarify whether the phone is a refurbished one. An Apple refurbished gadget is an officially refurbished device with all parts being original and true. When buying a refurbished smartphone from Apple, for example, on AliExpress, the smartphone will most likely be unofficially refurbished and the parts may not be original.

The main advantage of buying a refurbished smartphone on the used market is that it should be cheaper than a regular used iPhone - savings in choosing a used device is a major factor. Such an iPhone supports an official warranty if it has not yet expired and the seller has a receipt from the purchase. Therefore, you can be sure that if something goes wrong, the user will be protected.

Battery

The battery is an essential component of any smartphone and is often very worn out after a period of use. The easiest way to check the battery status on an iPhone is by going to Settings. This shows the battery wear as a percentage, and with a recent update it also marks its originality.

To check the battery wear on Android, you will have to turn to third-party applications for help. It may take some time for a complete diagnosis.

It is also important to pay attention to the temperature of the smartphone when checking - the more the smartphone heats up, the faster the battery will degrade. Sometimes severe overheating leads to a breakdown of the gadget.

At the same time, do not forget about charging. To do this, you need to check how quickly the smartphone is charging from the complete unit. If this happens faster or longer than other users or reviewers of this model, chances are that the battery is in poor condition.

Receipt and Warranty

An important thing to check when purchasing any used item, electronic or not, is the proof of purchase. The seller must present a receipt so that the buyer can verify that the device is not stolen. It is also worth asking about the availability of a valid warranty for the device.

Year of release

The release date is important if you plan to use the gadget for a long time. Unlike iPhones, which are supported by Apple for up to 6 years, an Android smartphone, on average, remains relevant for two years.

Buying a device a year or less after release is a good time to go, as it will still receive OS updates and security patches.

Smartphones not from Russia

Before buying a smartphone, you should definitely check with the seller for the serial number or model code name, and then check on the Internet for which region the device is designed for. Often, online sites offer smartphones imported from China. In most of them, the main drawback is the lack of support for certain frequencies required for 4G to work in Russia.

So, for example, the Poco X3 GT smartphone officially unavailable in the Russian Federation does not support the main frequencies band 7, band 20, and band 38 - of the widespread in Russia only band 3. There is a great chance that it will not work in networks 4G with the operator and at the location of the future Russian buyer.

If you buy a used Samsung Galaxy S or Note smartphone, you should also clarify the region for which it was intended. For example, for the American market, the South Korean company equips flagship smartphones with Qualcomm chips, while in Russia and the CIS countries, the branded Exynos is used. The advantages of the Qualcomm solution are more performance.

Package Contents

Genuine accessories are always better than third-party alternatives. When buying a used Android phone, be sure to inquire about the availability of the original power supply and data cable. First, most Android smartphones support fast charging. In some cases, the price of one power supply unit alone can reach 5 thousand rubles. and higher.

If the seller reports that he does not have charging and wires, while the new smartphone comes with these accessories, you can try to negotiate a reduction in the cost of the smartphone in proportion to the price of charging and wire, taking data from the manufacturer's official website.

Price

Prices for used smartphones usually depend on many factors, including the physical condition of the device, release date and more. There is no one-size-fits-all pricing guide for used gadgets, so to get an idea of ​​the average cost, you need to look at existing marketplace ads.

The best period for buying a used device is immediately after the release of a new model in the series. For example, if a new iPhone 13 or 12 seems expensive, you might want to look at used iPhones 11-12, where the difference in price is very noticeable.

bbabo.Net