The cost of a new smartphone can be staggering, and a high end handset can easily run upwards of £400 or £500. But smart shoppers know how to avoid those high prices, and look to the second hand market to purchase their ‘new’ smartphones and phablets. After all, the average life expectancy of a smartphone is more than 18 months (longer if it hasn’t been abused), and with new models being introduced every 6 months or so that leads to a large supply of second hand mobiles ready to be had at a fraction of the cost of new. Of course, there are always some concerns when buying a refurbished smartphone. You want to be sure you’re dealing with a reputable seller, and that the smartphone you’re considering hasn’t been stolen. You also want to be sure that the handset has been fully repaired and refurbished, and is ready to go back into service. If you’re looking to save money on your next mobile phone purchase, and are considering a refurbished model, follow these 9 simple rules to ensure that you get what you’re paying for.
1 Choose a Reputable Seller
Buying second hand should be as safe as buying new. Trying to save money on a smartphone purchase shouldn’t lead to dealings with questionable sellers. Research the retailer you are considering, and if possible check out some online reviews. Find out who refurbishes their second hand smartphones. Ideally, you’re looking for a handset that has been refurbished by the manufacturer or a licensed dealer.
2 Check the Factory Settings
A refurbished smartphone should be restored to its factory settings, and the memory should be wiped clean. There should be no data left over from the previous owner. While the smartphone is being sold as second hand, it should basically operate as a new device. If the phone you are considering has not been restored to its factory settings, or if there is any data left over from the previous owner, you may be looking at a stolen or compromised mobile. In which case, pass on the purchase regardless of price.
3 Check for Non-Standard Apps
When a smartphone is refurbished, and restored to its factory settings, only apps issued by the original manufacturer should remain on the handset. If there are any games or apps that are not factory issued, it could indicate that the phone has not been properly refurbished, or that it contains spyware or other malicious software. This is a red flag, and you should pass on the purchase. The presence of any non-standard apps or games could put your data at risk, and lead to unexpected fees and subscription charges.
4 Check the Accessories
A legitimately refurbished smartphone, prepared for the secondary market, should come complete with all the standard factory issues accessories. That includes batteries, chargers, and USB cords. A refurbished smartphone should also come with an appropriate owner’s manual. If the accessories bundled with the smartphone don’t match the model number, look elsewhere for your refurbished mobile.
5 Check the Electronic Serial Number
Every mobile phone has a unique electronic serial number (ESN), typically stamped inside the chassis under the battery. The ESN can be used to track the history of the smartphone to see if it has ever been reported lost or stolen, or if there has ever been a general recall of the model in question. Contact the original manufacturer, and check the phones ESN with their records.
6 Is the Smartphone ‘Locked’ or ‘Unlocked’
This is an important question to ask before you purchase a refurbished smartphone. A ‘locked’ smartphone will only work with a specific mobile network operator. This is not always a deal breaker, but it does limit your choice of service providers. An ‘unlocked’ smartphone can accept a SIM card from any mobile network operator, giving you more latitude in choosing a service provider. Ideally, when buying a second hand mobile you want to focus on ‘unlocked’ models. That being said, if you find a ‘locked’ model that interests you, check with your current network operator to see if it is compatible with their service and your contract.
7 Researching Different Models
Shopping for a refurbished smartphone will require a little bit of research on your part. You want to make sure that any model you are considering has a good performance history. Some models may have inherent issues with the build or the original operating system, and are on the secondary market for a reason – the original owner ditched the model for something more reliable. Here, the internet can be your friend. Do some online research, and eliminate any smartphone models with a troubled performance history or with operating systems that are no longer supported by the original manufacturer. A refurbished smartphone with an outdated operating system can be more trouble than the savings are worth.
8 Warranties and Return Policies
Some refurbished smartphones come with an extended warranty from either the manufacturer or the retailer. However, many do not. While the phone has been refurbished, and returned to factory specs, there still may be issues down the line and you want to have some protection if your smartphone develops a fault. If a warranty is not offered, it may be wise to reconsider the purchase. The seller should also have a clearly defined return policy. If they do not accept returns, it could be a sign of a shady dealer and you should look for another retailer.
9 Consider the Price
Finally, we come to the point of buying a refurbished smartphone – saving money. As a general rule of thumb, a refurbished smartphone should costs about 30% less than a new model. It is important to keep in mind that there are inherent costs associated with selling refurbished smartphones. Parts often have to be repaired or replaced, and the handsets need to be cleaned and restored to factory settings. If the second hand smartphone you’re considering is priced particularly low, it could indicate that it has not been thoroughly refurbished, and you may have problems down the line. As with any tech purchase, if the price seems too good to be true it probably is and you should reconsider the transaction.
Buying a refurbished smartphone is a good way to save money, and at the rate new models are being released it isn’t difficult to find a full featured high performance handset at a great price. However, when buying any second hand tech it is important to take your time, do a little research, and ask the right questions of the retailer. If you follow these 9 simple rules, you should be able to find a pre-owned smartphone with the features you want at a price you can afford.