Getting a second-hand iPhone is easy and can save you a lot of money. However, it is crucial that you check the phone before buying it, or at least ensure that you're buying from a reputable seller. It's not uncommon for someone to buy a second-hand phone only to find out that the purchase is problematic or inauthentic. To avoid disappointment, be sure to check these nine things before buying a second-hand iPhone.
Authenticity
When buying a second-hand iPhone, you want to ensure it comes from Apple. You can quickly verify if it's a genuine iPhone by checking its serial number on the official Apple website.
You can get the iPhone IMEI or MEID number through these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Select General
- Select About
- Scroll down and look for the IMEI (or MEID) number
- Once you have the IMEI number, go to the Apple support website (https://checkcoverage.apple.com/) and paste the serial number.
- The results must confirm the valid purchase date of your iPhone and reflect whether it is active for "Repairs and Service Coverage" and "Telephone Technical Support."
iCloud Activation Lock
If an iPhone shows an Activation Lock screen that prompts you to input an Apple ID and a password, the iPhone is iCloud locked. This security measure stops thieves from configuring and using an iPhone that has been stolen or lost.
Source: apple.com
Never purchase an iPhone that is activation locked as it is a telltale sign of theft. Every device sold at CompAsia is properly sourced and acquired through our network of established partners.
Battery Health
Battery health is one of the most important things to check when buying a second-hand device. When buying any device from CompAsia, you can expect battery health of at least 80%. Here’s how you can check the battery health of your iPhone (iOS 12 and up):
- Go to Settings
- Select Battery
- Select Battery Health & Charging
- The battery's health is indicated by the percentage shown in the Maximum Capacity section. The closer you are to 100% capacity, the better.
- You can also determine whether the battery in your iPhone is authentic. It will display the message "Unable to verify this iPhone has a Genuine Apple Battery" if it does not use an original Apple battery.
Screen Condition
The iPhone's touch screen is one of the most sensitive parts of a phone, even with all the anti-shock safeguards in place. You should also remember that the screen is one of the most expensive components of the iPhone.
Pay attention to uneven backlighting, dead pixels, and discoloration. Ensure that there are no stripes or areas of the screen with a yellowish tinge, as this is an obvious sign of a significant decline.
Remove any coverings or stickers from the phone's front to check the screen for any unpleasant dents or scratches. That also applies to tempered glass, where you should look for any cracks in the screen or scratches underneath.
Hardware Check
Check the buttons, camera, and other hardware. Test the Touch ID, side button, power button, and ring/silent switch. Test out different apps and services on it and all of its essential components, like the speakers, microphone, and charging port.
For the charging port, make sure that the iPhone charges smoothly and that you don’t have to fidget the lightning cable for it to be detected. You should also check the iPhone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.
If you’re buying from CompAsia, you can rest assured that your iPhone has gone through a 32-step quality check before being sold to you.
Storage Capacity
The iPhone's storage capacity is a critical factor in whether a second-hand iPhone will be worth your money. The more you have, the more you can save music, pictures, apps, and other files. Of course you could always purchase additional iCloud storage, but if the idea of long-term paid subscription based storage does not appeal to you, consider getting a larger internal storage capacity.
When you buy from CompAsia, we clearly state the internal storage capacity of every device, so you can choose what’s best for you.
Tip: To access the iPhone Storage, go to Settings > General. A list of suggestions for enhancing the device's storage may appear, followed by a summary of the installed apps and the amount of storage each one consumes.
Carrier Lock Status
Make sure the phone you're purchasing isn't carrier-locked. If it is, there are tech shops that offer to remove this. A phone that is carrier locked may not function, especially if you’re using a carrier that is not the embedded one in the device. You should be warned that unlocking the phone can void its warranty or cause issues with software updates.
You may check if your iPhone is locked by navigating to Settings > General > About. The Carrier Lock field will show "No SIM restrictions" if your iPhone is unlocked.
The phones sold on CompAsia are checked to ensure that there are no SIM restrictions.
Warranty
One major problem with second-hand dealers is that more often than not, after-sales is non-existent. That means your purchase automatically puts you at risk.
As an establishment, our devices come with a 1 month warranty that can be extended up to 12 months. This gives you peace-of-mind as a buyer, knowing that there is someone who can assist you with issues on your purchase should they arise.
Seller
Many platforms for second-hand sellers cannot do much when it comes to poor buyer experiences. This is because the platform only acts as the middle person. It is common for sellers to entirely vanish after a sale is made. For better assurance, choose to buy from a reputable seller that promises some form of after-sales care.
Conclusion
You don't have to go through the rigorous process of checking every device component when you buy a second-hand iPhone from CompAsia. Every device undergoes a thorough inspection to guarantee quality and efficiency. Qualified technicians perform 32-step quality checks while adhering to best practices. As mentioned, our devices also come with a warranty of up to 12 months, reliable after-sales care and an assurance of 100% functionality and a minimum of 80% battery health.
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