Used iPhones, or smartphones in general, have been a popular choice for those who are looking to cop the latest flashy flagship devices but wanted to save some cash.
An employee works on smartphones reconditioning, mainly Iphones, at the Largo company headquarters which is a Back Market refurbishing company subcontractor, in Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire, outside Nantes, on January 26, 2021.
Used Smartphones
We get you; smartphones have been skyrocketing their prices each year, even the mid-range devices are getting a slight increase as they sport upgraded features over time.
For instance, flagship smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, or the much older iPhone 12 Pro starts at more than $1,000.
Nevertheless, those who are short on cash and can't afford the latest flagship still have an option to not settle for the mid-range specs of the budget phones.
Thanks to the existence of the used or second-hand phone market, these folks will not miss out on the latest tech trends. Not to mention its environmental impact as it saves someone's e-waste.
How to Buy Used Smartphones: What to Consider
As per WellKeptWallet, there are at least four things to consider before deciding to buy a used smartphone as second-hands are susceptible to the risk of getting a useless product.
Let us start with the price: the best thing to do is to compare the prices across all of the top marketplaces to avoid getting it at the wrong price and regretting it afterward.
Another thing to look into is the warranty of the device. Make sure that it has one.
Even the refurbished iPhones of Apple come with a one-year warranty.
Also, the activation of the phone is equally important. Buyers must know if it is either locked with a certain carrier or unlocked. The latter is a much better choice as it does not require unlocking the smartphone.
And lastly, the condition of the phone. Carefully read the description as well as review the photos provided by the seller to make sure that the promise condition matches its real state.
Read Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, Z Fold 3, More: How Expensive are Foldable Devices' Screen Repair
Top 5 Best Marketplaces to Buy Used Smartphone in 2021
Gazelle
According to AndroidCentral, it has been in the used smartphone business for a long time already. Gazelle users are assured of a pleasant experience due to their 30-point inspection to verify if the second-hand device is still usable.
Craigslist
It is one of the most popular in-person meetings transaction platforms, which is also flooded with tons of scammers. However, given that, there are countless choices to choose from their website. Plus, it is also cheaper as well because of the lack of a middleman.
eBay
The system of eBay, like the Money-Back Guarantee, and even the PayPal support gives its users more security with their dealings. Not to mention that the platform is also massive gives users more options. But that comes with a catch; charges are more expensive here.
Swappa
It is more like Craigslist with its user-to-user format, which makes it a perfect smartphone focused alternative for it.
Amazon
Yes, Amazon also sells used phones. What sets it apart is that it provides an option for its users to buy from the manufacturers directly. Plus, the warranty of the refurbished phones is guaranteed on the platform.
Related Article: Xiaomi Overthrows Apple, Samsung in Smartphone Sales Globally-But Growth Might be Temporary
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Teejay Boris
