The dos and don’ts of buying a second-hand smartphone
Looking to save some money when buying a smartphone? Buying used or refurbished devices are certainly a great way of saving cash, albeit if you know what to check and what to avoid. If you’re like most of us, you’d want to lay hands on the latest and greatest of smartphones, but sometimes, our budgets get in the way of our goals. So, if you are ready to save some money and opt for a 1-3-year-old premium device – one that still packs a punch, you can certainly check out Apple’s refurbished iPhone XS Max unlocked.
However, not all sellers are genuine, and sometimes people do report minor problems. So, if you are ready to give the process of buying a second-hand or pre-owned device due diligence, here are a few tips to keep in mind. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Things to consider while buying a refurbished iPhone XS Max unlocked
- Know what you’re looking for: If you’ve made up your mind about owning a refurbished handset, you should first know what you wish to buy. This may not mean the exact device. Even a rough idea about what you’re looking for or at least any brand preference is a step in the right direction. Start by deciding the minimum specs that you’d be able to live with, the screen size that works best for you, and the camera quality.
- Know where to buy it from: Once you’ve got a good idea about what device you want to own and how much you’re willing to spend on it, the next step is to figure out from where you want to procure it. While you can always opt for brick-and-mortar stores that claim to offer genuine refurbished devices, I like to stick to online sellers. What makes such sites so compelling? Well, chiefly because there’s less hassle to deal with. Moreover, online platforms or sellers dealing in refurbished iPhone XS Max unlocked tend to offer a better price.
- Inspecting the phone: Whether you buy the device from a local store selling second-hand handsets or from an online platform, always power the device on and check if the device runs as intended. A preliminary visual examination would help you find out if the device comes with scratches and dents, and if the keys wobble. Put a SIM card in to check if the device is fully functional. Check if the cameras are good and if there’s any software issue.
- Social networks and word of mouth: Sometimes, you can find someone close selling their old phone online. That way, you can get a better deal. However, when you opt for a device from someone over social media channels, make sure he or she is a close acquaintance. Knowing where they live doesn’t hurt either. That said, you can also use social networks to find the best and reliable second-hand phone sellers nearby, or check their online reviews/ testimonials.
Key takeaway
If you take time, inspect the device thoroughly, and stay away from shady stores or platforms, you would definitely find a reliable device in the form of a refurbished iPhone XS Max unlocked to suit your needs. When you buy a device from a reliable source, you can rest assured about it having gone through several quality checks. Moreover, some of the best, used phone sellers even offer a warranty on smartphones, which further sweetens the deal.
When buying used smartphones there are no guarantees, although warranties do make the decision a lot easier. So, don’t let negative comments scare you. I know many who buy refurbished phones online quite often and they’ve never come across any trouble. However, in case you ever face difficulty, the warranty gets you sorted. So, without further ado, get yourself a premium second-hand device, at a fraction of its original price tag.