Buying a used smartphone is a very smart choice: you get to own your dream phone model for a fraction of the price. However, when shopping for a used smartphone, it’s important to follow some rules not to end up with a phone that is missing half of its important features.
Find out how to inspect a mobile phone before buying and not be disappointed in your purchase! Here is a video that will help you buy a used smartphone like a pro.
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1. Be specific
The process of smart shopping for a used mobile phone starts long before you finally meet with the seller. When you don’t have the desired parameters of your future phone in mind, your chances of a successful purchase instantly become lower. You don’t have to have just one preferable model, but having a list containing OS, screen size, condition, and price range in your head will definitely help you make a better choice.
2. Safety first
Finally you’ve looked through your options and found just the right offer. Now is the time to arrange a meeting with a seller. Here are a few tips for making sure the meeting goes smoothly and your safety isn’t compromised:
- Don’t pay in advance. Dishonest sellers will use all kinds of tricks to make you send money before seeing the phone: for example, a seller can tell you there is competition to buy the smartphone and you’ll need to pay in advance to make sure the phone will be yours. This is a huge red flag and a reason not to deal with the seller.
- Pick the right location. The best places to meet an online seller are the ones that have a lot of human traffic. That is why huge empty parking lots and other secluded locations are best to be avoided.
- Bring someone with you. If possible, have one of your friends or family members go to the meeting with you. You will feel more confident while dealing with the seller, and the seller will be discouraged from any possible illegal activity.
- Don’t share personal information. When meeting with an online seller, it’s best to keep the conversation as least personal as possible. Don’t disclose your address, location of the workplace, or your financial situation. Ideally, the meeting should include only the inspection of the smartphone, a brief negotiation of the price, and an exchange of the money for the phone.
3. Come prepared
If you’re planning to buy a smartphone, you’ll need to bring four items into the meeting with the seller (five if you’re being extra cautious). Here they are:
4. Do a physical check
The first thing to do when you finally have a smartphone in your hands is to check it for physical defects. Scratches on the display and the back panel only spoil the visual appeal of the mobile phone, but deep dents and cracks can also indicate that the phone has been dropped, which can also result in performance issues.
Moreover, pay special attention to the camera lens: even the tiniest scratches can significantly lower the quality of the photos. Next, remove the back panel if possible and lift the battery to see whether there is any rust or corrosion that can be a sign of water damage. Finally, check all ports for rust and dust residue.
5. Check the battery
First of all, remember that used phones with a removable battery are a better option than unibody smartphones: the cost of replacing a weak battery in a unibody phone can negate the money you’ve saved on the purchase.
Check whether the battery is swollen or has visible deformation - in case the battery is noticeably damaged, using it may be unsafe. Then plug the phone to the charger and charge for at least 5 minutes: make sure that the battery charges normally and the phone doesn’t overheat during the charging.
6. Check the specs
There are many ways to test the smartphone’s performance and specs, but there are two quickest ones. First, you can download the Phone Tester app for Android or Phone Doctor Plus for iOS - these apps will give you detailed information on the phone’s specs and current condition, including the state of the hardware, sensors, and the battery.
The second way to inspect a used phone’s specifications is to run a series of codes. They can differ from one smartphone brand to another, but many of them will work on most Android or iOS phones. Here are some of the most useful ones:
#*#4636#*#* – Detailed phone statistics (Android)
*3001#12345#* – User settings (iOS)
#*#2664#*#* – Touchscreen test (Android)
*#12580*369# – Info on the hardware and software (Android)
At this stage, you can also use the data cable and laptop you’ve brought with you to see whether the data transfer from the PC to the phone works properly, as well as use the headphones to see whether there are any issues with the sound. Then turn the phone off, insert your SIM card and microSD card, turn the phone on and make sure the phone correctly identifies both of them.
7. Check the IMEI
If you’ve thoroughly inspected the phone and haven’t found a single major flaw, there is only one thing left to check - the IMEI code. Running the IMEI code of the smartphone through an online IMEI database will help you confirm that the phone is not stolen. You can find the IMEI code printed on the smartphone box or somewhere on the smartphone - for example, under the battery. If the IMEI code looks like someone tried to scratch it off, consider it to be a red flag: the phone’s origin is likely questionable. You can also get the IMEI using a code: dial *#06# for iOS and Android to see the phone’s IMEI code and compare it to the printed IMEI code.
That’s it! Complete these seven steps and you’re guaranteed to make the right choice when inspecting a used phone before buying.
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Source: Naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Tuesday, 19 December 2017