You need a cell phone, and you need it now. Maybe, your phone contract is up for renewal, or maybe you lost the last one or dropped your phone in the toilet. You have nothing to worry about. There a lot of good options for mobile phones available today. This smartphone guide will cover everything you need to know before buying one. With this guide, you can make sure you get the very best used cellphone for your budget and needs.
With excellent new flagships from different phone companies like Google, Apple, and Samsung, choosing the right phone is tricky. There are just a lot of different things to consider when buying a used cell phone since each one of us wants different features on our phones.
If you are having a hard time choosing your smartphone, these tips might help you. Here are a few points to consider before buying a used smartphone:
Decide what mobile platform you prefer.
Choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions to make when buying a smartphone. Today, there are three major mobile platforms available; Android, Windows, and iOS.
Android: If you have a tight budget, an Android phone will be the best for you. This smartphone is available in all budgets from an affordable model to high-end and expensive handsets. The big benefit is Android OS cellphones are directly integrated with Google services. Basically, most of the applications and services are free. You can simply download the free apps from Play Store.
iOS: Since Apple introduced the iOS operating system back in, it has quickly become one of the most used single platforms for mobile devices. The key is to understand if you go down the iOS path, you will be kept within this ecosystem. So, if you have other Apple devices (Macs, etc.), this will play nicely. If not, be sure you’re ready to commit to Apple as your source platform. The nice thing is this is one of the most stable and consistent platforms on the market. Apple is well known for its intuitive and stable software which appeals to many.
Windows: If Microsoft is your OS of choice, these types of phones will be worth considering. Compared to Android and iOS, however, this platform lags behind in terms of the amount and variety of mobile apps. But they have some powerful solutions that align nicely if you use Windows for other devices (laptops, Surface, desktop, etc.).
Choose what brand of the smartphone.
Deciding what brand to buy is very crucial because it will affect whether your handset will get good upgrades and services. Popular brands available today are Apple, Samsung, and Google. These larger brands ensure your device operating system will continue to receive the necessary upgrades it needs to be supported in the coming years.
Check the hardware and design.
If you are the kind of person who prefers a sleek phone design, then you can consider smartphones with a poly-carbonated body (Sony, Samsung, HTC, Apple, and LG) or metal body (Apple, HTC). Metal body on the phone gives a different feel to the hand when held, while a polycarbonate body is much more resistant and durable against dents. In terms of hardware, the screen, the processor, and the memory and storage are the things to be considered.
Consider software updates.
Most Android phones run a version of the OS that is a multi-generation Android design. Although the new updates may be optional, the regular monthly security updates should be prioritized. When choosing your phone, you should make sure that the manufacturer of the phone you are buying doesn’t fall behind more than a month. Updates for iOS are less of a concern because Apple generally supports its old hardware (to a degree).
Consider battery capacity and usage.
Everyday usage of your phone loses a little of its battery capacity. By the time your smartphone is one to two years old, it will likely encounter battery sustainability issues (a percentage of the capacity of the original battery). This generally applies to all cellphones, however, some Android phones offer replaceable batteries which is a nice flexible feature not found with Apple devices.
Compare and research prices.
When we look for a used cellphone, we benefit because it should always be cheaper than the brand-new phones. When you have chosen your desired cellphone, be sure to evaluate a number of different places before committing to purchase. Also, it’s very important to determine if there’s any type of on it as there’s always risk that a used cellphone won’t operate as well as intended because the conditions can vary greatly.
Know your seller.
E-commerce sites like eBay and Amazon are good sites to buy a used smartphone. These e-commerce sites provide a safe market environment. The full description of the product is readily available on the site, and reviews of the seller can be seen to know whether the seller is reliable or not. Another site to consider is Craigslist. The benefit here is you can find a local seller and see the phone before you commit to purchase. The downside is there are sellers that are not always forthright so be careful of committing and make sure you see the product functioning before you pay.
Check the add-ons of the cellphone you are buying.
The add-ons of what you are buying are not only a bonus, they give relevant and valuable information about the seller. For instance, if the item is shipped in its original box, then most likely the phone you are buying is not stolen. Or if it is shipped in a case or in a screen protector, you can expect the phone to be in relatively good shape. And be on the lookout for the additional peripherals – charging cable, earphones (if not used) and any other factors that will add value (and reduce cost to you).
Note the smartphone overall condition.
Your primary concern when you are checking a used phone is the phone’s screen. You should check for any chips or cracks on the screen. If it has any cracks, be wary and look for something else.
Check the smartphone upon receipt.
So the smartphone is in your hands. Upon receipt, make sure to examine and check the smartphone to see if there are any hidden defects. The earlier you find the defect the better since most of the e-commerce sites allows only a brief period for the return of the item bought.
So there you have it. Hope the things we have mentioned can help you when buying a used smartphone. Just always remember to consider every factor when buying one.