Smartphones play a central role in our lives, from staying connected to banking, shopping, booking flight tickets, and more. Given their importance, it makes sense to invest in a durable smartphone. Over the years, owing to their durability, ease of use, and focus on privacy, iPhones have earned a considerable userbase. For many, buying a second-hand iPhone has become a smart and cost-effective alternative to buying new.
Pre-owned iPhones are in demand for several reasons. While some users prefer the compact form factor of older models or the convenience of having a headphone jack, others choose it to avoid the high cost of brand-new devices. Refurbished or gently used iPhones can still deliver excellent camera quality, security, and speed.
According to CCS Insight, a market research firm, a refurbished used phone can be 15–50 per cent less expensive than a new one. Many come with warranties, flexible financing options, and after-sales service. Here are six things to keep in mind if you are buying a second-hand iPhone:
iPhones dominate the second-hand market
According to CCS Insight, iPhones account for over 60 per cent of the global market for second-hand phones. Samsung Android devices follow with around 17 per cent of the used-phone market.
Choose trusted sellers
The Internet is full of tempting deals, but it is also rife with scams. Stick to buying from reputed websites/marketplaces like Amazon, BestBuy, and dedicated refurbished electronics platforms. Always read customer reviews, check return policies, and avoid prices that seem too good to be true.
Check the battery condition
Refurbished phones, mostly, come with used batteries. Apple-certified refurbished phones, however, do include a new battery and outer shell, and they also give a new charging cable and one-year warranty. For other sellers, battery replacement depends on their policies, so you need to check that before buying.
Check the quality by understanding the grading system
Most platforms have their own method of grading the used phones. Do read that carefully to understand the condition of the parts and what level of wear to expect.
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Avoid phones that are too old
Choose a phone that is about three generations old. Experts recommend avoiding anything that dates back more than five or six generations, as iOS operating systems may no longer be supported.
Do check for water damage
You can check for water damage on an iPhone by locating the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). It’s usually found in the SIM card tray area and turns red if water exposure has occurred. Use a flashlight to see the LCI clearly. If it’s white or silver, the phone likely hasn’t been water-damaged.
With proper research and paying attention to key details like battery health, model age, and water damage, you can get high-quality iPhones at low costs.
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