Buzz
Below is a summary of essential tips for buying used phones that you should read before deciding to purchase a specific phone.
1. Understand Different Types of Used Phones
The used phone market is highly diverse in terms of models and origins, so you need to know which types of used phones are suitable for your needs. There are mainly six types of used phones in the market:
– Like New Used Phones
These are phones that look like new, with beautiful appearance and all original components intact, without replacement or repair. Therefore, their quality is guaranteed. There are also various types of Like New phones depending on the condition of the device, corresponding to different selling prices such as Like New 99%, Like New 97 – 98%, Like New below 95%, etc.
– Assembled Phones
These are phones that have had certain parts replaced, with an appearance that looks new. Some assembled phones still retain some original components such as the camera, motherboard, screen... and only replace some minor components such as the casing or speaker.
– Trade-in Phones
These are phones that, after a period of use, for some reason, the user wants to return or sell back to the store where they were purchased.
If the phone is still intact, without any damage, the person returning it will incur a fee to get a refund or exchange it for another device. Then, this phone will be refurbished by the store with accessories such as headphones, chargers, warranty restoration, and sold again at a lower price.
In case the returned phone has defects due to the manufacturer, this recalled phone will be sent for warranty repair and then resold under the form of exchange device.
– Fake Phones – Non-genuine Products
These are counterfeit phones that mimic the appearance of famous models from Apple, Samsung, etc. However, the internal functions will differ, and the quality cannot match that of genuine products. Therefore, you should never buy these types of phones.
– Refurbished Phones
Refurbished phones are products showcased at exhibitions and technology fairs abroad, then exported and resold at lower prices. The quality of these phones is thoroughly checked and remains good.
Or they are phones that have not been inspected before leaving the factory so they must be returned to the place of manufacture to fix errors. After that, they are sold with the label Refurbished, their selling price is also cheaper than other types of phones.
– Pre-owned phones
These are phones with minor hardware defects or light scratches, so they do not pass the inspection process, are returned to the manufacturing place for rectification before being shipped. They still come with full accessories and warranty period like other types of phones, however, their labels will have the pre-owned symbol for easy identification. The selling price of this type of phone does not differ much from a new one.
2. Need to choose the right time and place to buy a good used phone
Usually, the most bargain-priced used phones are about 2-3 months after the manufacturers release new products. At that time, many users want to sell their phones to upgrade. The selling price of used phones in different places will vary, so you need to compare and carefully consider the selling price before deciding to buy.
You also need to choose a reputable selling point to avoid the risk of being deceived. Choose places with complete store information, full product warranty policies and support, and good customer care.
3. Check the used phone
First, pay attention to the warranty and return policies of the product. This ensures that you do not incur costs if the phone you just bought is defective, and it also demonstrates the store's commitment to ensuring product quality for you.
Next, the most important thing is to check the phone's IMEI number to determine its origin and authenticity.
Then, check the external appearance of the phone for signs of tampering and inspect its functions such as phone signal, calling function, SIM, touch screen, speaker, camera, battery, and accompanying accessories.
