Find out what you should look for before buying a used cell phone and protect yourself. The tips are simple and practical!
We all know that buying a new cell phone is not that cheap, especially if it is a top-of-the-line model with more advanced features. This requires a large investment, which not everyone can afford. As an alternative to this issue, many people are looking for used devices, which offer great performance at a more affordable price.
However, before purchasing a used cell phone, consumers need to pay attention to certain issues to avoid future problems with the device's components, such as a worn-out battery, lack of warranty, and even restrictions on the device. Unfortunately, many people acting in bad faith end up selling stolen or robbed devices, which is considered a crime for both the seller and the buyer, even if they are unaware of the fact.
Find out now what precautions you should take before purchasing a used cell phone and protect yourself.
Used cell phones
Demand for used devices grew significantly in the first half of this year, with sales up 13% compared to the same period last year, especially for high-end devices. A used or refurbished device can cost around 40% less than a new phone.
A survey carried out by IDC Brazil showed a reduction of 11% in the number of cell phones sold in the country and showed that the price range of cell phones sold in the first six months of the year was from R$700 to R$999.
Of the 30 million cell phones sold in retail in 2022, around 22 million were replacements for similar models. This data shows that consumers are more resistant to buying expensive cell phones, and this has increased the demand for cheaper devices, with used cell phones proving to be a solution for many.
Precautions when buying a used cell phone
General condition of the device
Among the main points to analyze, it is important to check the general condition of the device, observing whether it has signs of use, scratches, cracks and other visible problems, both on the screen and on its body.
Battery health
It is important to observe the battery health of devices to know if it is worth buying it or if it will not last for a long time of use. It is important to observe this issue both in Android models, as well as iPhone models. It is also interesting to ask the seller if the battery has already been replaced or if it has the original component. Fake batteries can cause problems with the device and lead to problems such as short circuits, and can even cause the device to explode.
System updates
Older cell phones will eventually stop receiving system updates, becoming outdated. As a result, the device no longer receives bug fixes and new features to improve its performance and security. Therefore, it is important to know this information about the system version before purchasing it.
Accessory inputs
It is also ideal to test the input of accessories, such as the charger connector and headphones, to see if everything is working perfectly, without any connection problems.
Resources
Always try to test the features of your device, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G or 5G connectivity, cameras, fingerprint sensors, microphones, speakers, and others. In general, it is important to test all of your device's features to ensure that it is in good condition and that everything is working.
Find IMEI number
Ask the seller for the device's IMEI number and check it on Anatel's Celular Legal website. This will help you find out if the cell phone has any restrictions and also provide information about it.
Invoice
A key point is to ask for the device's invoice to make sure it is legal and to ensure that it was not the result of a malicious transaction. In addition, the invoice also contains some important information about the model, such as the IMEI, place of purchase, version, serial number and much more.
Guarantee
It is also important to know if the cell phone still has a warranty, because in case of a problem, you can seek assistance from the manufacturer, free of charge. If the device no longer has a warranty, you should be aware that if there is a problem with it, you must bear the costs of repairing it.
