When you want an iPhone, you want an iPhone. There’s no substitute! Android might be the most prevalent operating system in the market. But owing an iPhone is something that comes with a lot of perks. Be it the sleek and smooth user interface that the iOS offers, the unmatchable quality of the components that go in an iPhone, the superior quality of service, there can be numerous reasons to state that encourage customers to buy an iPhone. But all these perks come with a high price tag! So can you still own the latest model iPhone without burning a hole in your pocket? One of the easiest options is to go for a used iPhone.
Here are the factors to consider when you buy a used iPhone:
- Look for physical signs:
Stay away from iPhones that show physical signs of damage- major scratches, dents on surface or screen. Another important aspect is to look at the condition of the physical buttons- the home button, power button, volume rocker. Scratches on the camera lens should definitely not be ignored. Check if the 3D Touch sensor is still in pristine condition. Check the condition of the fingerprint scanner as well. Using the phone would help check the basic functionality of the physical buttons and the screen as well.
Water damage can lead to minor damage to the internal components which might not be superficially visible. The LCI (Liquid Contact Indicator) on an iPhone would be silver ideally. If it has turned red it means that it was activated due to contact with water. Check this before you buy a used iPhone.
- IMEI checks:
The IMEI or MEID is your iPhone’s identity. Compare the IMEI on the box, that written on the backside of the phone and the one that you see in the software, by keying in *#06#
If any of these do not match, it is either a different phone or it has had its body replaced. Checking the IMEI would also help rule out chances of buying a phone which was locked by Apple due to any reason. You could check the IMEI blacklist.
- Stay away from a stolen phone:
Damages can be seen physically but how do you identify whether it is a stolen phone? Stolen phones would have been locked by Apple if reported. If the previous owner has turned on the Find My iPhone feature ask the owner to erase the device from his account. This would make the transfer of ownership simpler.
- Check if it is a genuine iPhone:
Another issue is that the market is full of counterfeits that look so much like the iPhone- the design, feel and the OS. Closely observing the logo would help identify fakes. Sometimes you could also compare the weight of the iPhone with that of the new iPhone of the same model. Using the iPhone would also help identify problems. iOS can be imitated. But the smoothness of the user interface is very hard to replicate. The screws on the case should also be the signature penta-lobe screws which might be different on the counterfeit.
- It is all about the seller:
If you are directly buying a used iPhone from a friend or acquaintance it would be a different case. If you choose to buy a used iPhone from some random seller, always be stringent in your checks. Physical examination, using all the basic applications including the camera, making calls would be essential. Also check the battery life of the phone. As you try using the phone keep the WiFi and mobile data turned on. Keep the screen brightness at the maximum level. Notice the battery percentage before you start using the phone. After few minutes of use if the battery percentage drops a great deal, the phone might soon need a battery replacement.
If you are buying a used iPhone that was bought in another country, check if that would support your current carrier. If it is a new model, also check the left out warranty period of the phone and get the bills and the packaging box to make the warranty claims process simpler.
If you’re looking to get your devices repaired, be sure to bring them over to iService. For more great content, visit our blog.
