If you are thinking of buying a second-hand or old phone, then it is very important to be a little cautious. Nowadays, many such phones are available in online and offline market which look like new, but the problems hidden inside can create big problems later.
Problems like stolen phone, bad battery, fake parts or blacklisted IMEI are common. Therefore, by checking some important things, you can make a safe deal. First of all it is mandatory to check the IMEI number of the phone. This number is like the identity card of the phone. You can check whether the phone is in the blacklist by entering it on any online IMEI checker or government portal.
Many times stolen phones are also sold in the market. You may have to face legal problems if you buy such a phone. So checking the IMEI and confirming its status should be the first step. Also check the physical condition of the phone carefully. It is important to thoroughly check the body frame, screen, camera, buttons and charging port. Many times the phone is made to look like new by changing the screen or polishing the body. Micro scratches, dents, broken camera glass or color shift of the screen are signs that the phone has been used excessively or has been dropped.
Battery health is a big concern in old phones. A weak battery discharges quickly and may also start overheating. In iPhone, you can check battery health from Settings, while in Android, battery cycle count and performance can be checked through third-party tools or service center reports. Slow charging or fast charging not working are also signs of a bad battery.
While buying a phone, thoroughly check the camera, speaker, calling and network. Test all camera modes and photo quality. Test the microphone and speaker during calling. After inserting the SIM, also check the network signal, 4G/5G connectivity and internet speed, because many phones may have network IC problems.
Finally check the bill, box and warranty card. The original bill reveals the real owner of the phone and if the warranty is still there, service center support is available for any technical problem. If the bill is not found then at least the box and IMEI must match. Also test the charger and cable so that fake accessories can be avoided.
