When considering replacing or upgrading your smartphone, have you ever thought, "Maybe I could get one cheaper if it's used?"
While it's true that you can buy them significantly cheaper than new ones, some people might worry about the quality or battery degradation.

 

This article will delve into where you can buy used smartphones, along with their pros and cons.
We've also compiled key points to check when purchasing, so if you want to avoid making a mistake when choosing a used smartphone, please refer to this guide.

 

 

Where to Buy Used Smartphones

Many people might not know where to buy a used smartphone when they decide to purchase one.

 

Below, we will introduce places where you can purchase used smartphones.

 

Used Product Shops

Specialty stores that handle used smartphones and used product sections in electronics retailers are common places to buy them.

 

At these stores, staff conduct operational checks and cleaning of devices, so the quality is often guaranteed to some extent.

 

Some stores categorize conditions (e.g., A, B, C), and the significant advantage is being able to inspect the actual product before purchasing.

 

However, inventory and available models vary by store, so you might not always find the model you want.
Also, prices can be slightly higher than online stores, so it's essential to compare.

 

Online Shops

You can purchase used smartphones from online specialty stores or shops on major e-commerce sites (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.).

 

You can compare a wide variety of models and price ranges at once, and sometimes find cheaper deals through sales and campaigns. These often have more inventory than physical stores, making it easier to find rare models or slightly older flagship models.

 

On the other hand, a disadvantage is that you cannot inspect the actual product, making it difficult to thoroughly check for screen cracks or battery condition before purchase.
It's advisable to carefully read reviews and product details, and confirm the return and refund policy before making a purchase.

 

Flea Market Apps/Sites

You can also find used smartphones on flea market apps and auction sites (e.g., Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions), where individual-to-individual transactions are common.

 

If the seller is an individual, you might be able to get it cheaper than from a store, and with good timing, you could even snag a great bargain.

 

However, there's also a risk of issues like malfunctions, "red-ROM" devices (blacklisted phones), or discrepancies between the description and the actual product.

 

Since warranties and return policies may not be available in individual transactions, it's crucial to thoroughly check the seller's ratings and product description.

 

Advantages of Used Smartphones

The main reason for choosing a used smartphone is its high cost-performance.

 

However, there are various other benefits.

Here are 5 main advantages.

 

Advantage ① Can be purchased cheaply

It is possible to get one at a significantly lower price than buying new.

 

While the latest models might not have depreciated much yet, it's not uncommon to find models from 1-2 generations ago for less than half price.

 

The biggest appeal of used phones is being able to choose a smartphone with sufficient performance while staying within budget.

 

Advantage ② Choose from a wide range of models

The used market offers not only the latest models but also many released several years ago. For those looking for older devices due to reasons like "this model was easy to use" or "I like the design," the used market is ideal.

 

Another benefit is that it's easier to find a device with specifications and usability that match your needs.

 

Advantage ③ Easy to purchase the device only

When purchasing a new phone from a carrier shop, it often comes with a line contract or plan change.

 

On the other hand, buying a used smartphone as a standalone device is common, making it perfect for those who want to use it with a low-cost SIM or just for Wi-Fi.

 

If it's an unlocked device, a major advantage is the freedom to choose any carrier or MVNO you like.

 

Advantage ④ Can make a decision based on multiple reviews and reputations

Since most devices have been on the market for some time, there are many user experiences and reviews available online.

 

You can refer to reviews from actual users to understand battery life, camera performance, etc., which helps reduce post-purchase disappointment.

 

While reviews for the latest models might not be fully available yet, information is usually abundant for used models.

 

Advantage ⑤ Can save main device battery by using a secondary device

By performing power-intensive tasks like music and video playback or gaming on a secondary device, you can reduce the battery consumption of your main smartphone.

 

 Especially for iPhones, where battery replacement can be costly, using a secondary device to distribute the burden is an effective approach.

 

Disadvantages of Used Smartphones

While used smartphones offer many advantages in terms of cost and freedom of model choice, several caveats and disadvantages cannot be ignored.

 

To avoid disappointment after purchase, keep the following points in mind.

 

Disadvantage ① Battery may be worn out or degraded

Since used items have been used by previous owners, their batteries are likely to have a shorter lifespan compared to new ones.

 

Devices released more than two years ago, in particular, should be checked carefully. You should confirm the maximum battery capacity or consider the need for a replacement when deciding to purchase.

 

 

Disadvantage ② May not have a warranty service

While new purchases often come with manufacturer or carrier warranties, used smartphones may have expired warranties or simply not be covered.

 

Some shops offer their own warranties, so it's safer to choose a retailer that provides a warranty to avoid issues.

 

Disadvantage ③ May not include peripheral accessories

The box, earphones, charger, etc., are often not included, and may need to be purchased separately.

 

If you insist on genuine accessories like official adapters, be aware of the additional cost.

 

Disadvantage ④ Potential for "red-ROM" devices

There's a possibility that the previous owner sold the device without paying the installment plan, or that it is a stolen device.

 

In such cases, carriers may suspend the line, leading to a "red-ROM" device where communication functions are completely unusable. Once a device becomes red-ROM, it's difficult to revert, so it's important to check the IMEI number (unique device identifier) when purchasing.

 

【How to identify a red-ROM device】

1. Enter the IMEI number on the carrier's official website to check the usage restriction status.→ "○" means no usage restrictions
   → "△" means pending (potential unpaid fees)
   → "×" means confirmed red-ROM (unusable)
2. If the shop offers a red-ROM warranty, confirm if there is a refund or exchange policy in case the device becomes red-ROM.

 

 

Points to check when purchasing a used smartphone

When choosing a used smartphone, it is important to carefully check not only the price but also the condition and specifications of the device.

 

By keeping the following points in mind, you can more easily avoid problems.

 

Point ① Check the condition of the used smartphone

It's best if you can check not only for scratches on the exterior and cracks on the screen, but also the maximum battery capacity and operating status.

 

If the shop or seller doesn't provide detailed information, it's a good idea to inquire.

 

Point ② SIM Card

Check whether it's a SIM-free device or a carrier-locked device, and whether the SIM lock has been解除 (unlocked).

 

If you plan to use a low-cost SIM, choosing a SIM-free device will lead to fewer problems.

 

 

Point ③ Display cracks

Cracks in the display or poor touch response will significantly affect usability. Check photos and the actual device to ensure there are no issues with the screen display.

 

Point ④ Release date

The older the device is from its release, the higher the risk of battery degradation and discontinuation of OS updates.

 

For models older than 3 years, it's safer to research support and app compatibility in advance.

 

Point ⑤ 3-4GB of RAM

For Android smartphones, devices with less RAM (memory) are prone to sluggish performance during multitasking.

 

Choosing at least 3-4GB of RAM will ensure smooth performance for basic social media and browsing.

 

Point ⑥ Warranty presence and period

If you choose a used goods store with a warranty, you can receive a refund or exchange in case of initial defects or if the device becomes a "red-ROM" (blacklisted) phone.

 

In addition to the length of the warranty period, also check the scope of coverage.

 

Point ⑦ Network usage restrictions

It is important to check for "red-ROM" status and confirm whether it is "○" or "△".

 

Ideally, it should be "○", but if it's "△", there are risks involved, so you'll need to rely on the shop's warranty.

 

Point ⑧ Check SIM size

Beforehand, ascertain the SIM card size (nano, micro, standard) that the device supports and check if your current SIM card is compatible or if a replacement is necessary.

 

Point ⑨ Check for water damage indicator

iPhones and some Android devices have an internal water damage indicator, and if it has turned red, it indicates water exposure.

 

Some shops may state "no water damage indicator" on the product page, so check for that.

 

Point ⑩ Check Activation Lock (iPhone)

If Activation Lock is still enabled, the device cannot be used unless the previous owner's Apple ID is removed.

 

When purchasing a used iPhone, it is essential to confirm that the lock has been deactivated.

 

 

Understand the pros and cons to find the right used smartphone for you

While used smartphones offer many advantages, such as being cheaper than new ones and offering a wide selection of models, they also have undeniable drawbacks, including battery degradation and the risk of being a "red-ROM" device.

 

When purchasing, it is crucial to carefully check the device's condition, the presence of accessories, and the warranty details, and if necessary, consider SIM unlocking and compatibility with your carrier.

 

By choosing a used smartphone wisely, you can get a device that perfectly suits your needs while saving money.
PRODIG, an official online store for used smartphones and tablets, offers a wide selection of used smartphones that have undergone thorough operational and quality checks, so you can choose with confidence.
After fully understanding the pros and cons, we encourage you to find your favorite device from PRODIG's lineup and enjoy a satisfying smartphone life.

 

Click here for a list of used iPhone products provided by PRODIG

Click here for a list of used smartphone products provided by PRODIG