How to Properly Purchase, Test, and Use a Pre-Owned Phone.

Buying a pre-owned phone can be a great way to save money and reduce electronic waste. However, it can also be risky if you don’t know what to look for and how to test the phone before using it. We will share some tips and tricks on how to properly purchase, test, and use a pre-owned phone.

How to Purchase a Pre-Owned Phone

The first step is to decide which phone model you want to buy and how much you are willing to pay for it. You can compare the specifications and features of different phones online and check the current market price after discounts. You should also factor in the phone’s age, condition, and warranty status.

The next step is to find a reputable source to buy the phone from. There are many platforms and marketplaces that sell used and refurbished phones, but not all of them are reliable and trustworthy. Here are some of the best places to buy a pre-owned phone:

Swappa: Swappa is a platform that connects buyers and sellers of used tech products. Every phone listed on Swappa is verified by a photo with a listing code and monitored by Swappa staff. You can also see the seller’s ratings and reviews and ask questions before buying. Swappa offers buyer protection and a refund policy in case of any issues.
Gazelle: Gazelle is a company that buys and sells used phones. Unlike Swappa, you are not buying from random strangers, but from Gazelle itself. They inspect and test every phone they sell and offer a consistent rating system across all devices. You also get a 30-day return policy and a one-year warranty on some phones.
eBay: eBay is one of the most popular and oldest online marketplaces for buying and selling anything, including used phones. You can find a wide variety of phones and prices on eBay, but you also have to be more careful and do your homework. You should check the seller’s ratings and history, the phone’s serial and IMEI number, the condition and description of the phone, and the return policy before buying.

How to Test a Pre-Owned Phone

Once you have bought the phone, you should test it thoroughly to make sure it works properly and has no defects or damages. Here are some of the things you should check and test on a pre-owned phone:

Serial and IMEI number: The serial and IMEI number are unique identifiers for every phone. You should check if the serial and IMEI number on the phone match the ones on the box and the receipt. You should also verify the IMEI number online to see if the phone is authentic, unlocked, and not blacklisted or reported as stolen.
Physical condition: You should inspect the phone physically for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, cracks, or water damage. You should also check the buttons, ports, speakers, microphones, and cameras for any dirt or damage. If the phone has a removable battery, you should check if it is swollen or leaking.
Display: You should check the phone’s display for any dead pixels, burn-in, or color distortion. You can do this by using a white or black background and looking for any spots or lines on the screen. You should also test the touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the screen by swiping, tapping, and zooming.
Ports, SIM card, and accessories: You should test the charging port by plugging in a cable and a power bank and seeing if the phone charges properly. You should also test the headphone jack by plugging in headphones and listening to some music. You should check if the phone recognizes your SIM card and connects to your network. You should also test the accessories that came with the phone, such as the charger, the earphones, and the case, if any.
Camera, mic, and speakers: You should test the front and rear cameras by taking some photos and videos and checking the quality and clarity. You should also test the microphone and speakers by making a phone call or recording a voice memo and listening to the sound quality and volume.
Battery life: You should check the battery health and capacity of the phone by going to the settings and looking for the battery information. You should also test the battery life by using the phone for some time and seeing how much it drains. A good battery should last at least a day with moderate use.

How to Use a Pre-Owned Phone

After you have tested the phone and confirmed that it works well, you can start using it as your own. However, there are some things you should do before you use a pre-owned phone:

Factory reset: You should factory reset the phone to erase all the data and settings from the previous owner and start fresh. This will also remove any potential malware or spyware that might be on the phone. To factory reset the phone, you can go to the settings and look for the backup and reset option. Make sure to backup your own data before you do this.
Update the software: You should update the phone’s software to the latest version available. This will ensure that the phone runs smoothly and securely and has the latest features and bug fixes. To update the phone’s software, you can go to the settings and look for the software update option. You might need a Wi-Fi connection and enough battery to do this.
Install apps and customize settings: You should install the apps that you need and want on the phone. You can use the Google Play Store or other app stores to download and install apps. You should also customize the settings of the phone according to your preferences, such as the wallpaper, the ringtone, the notifications, the security, and the accessibility.

Conclusion

Buying a pre-owned phone can be a smart and eco-friendly choice, but it also requires some caution and care. By following the tips and tricks in this blog post, you can properly purchase, test, and use a pre-owned phone and enjoy its benefits without any hassle. Happy shopping!