For those of you considering replacing your smartphone, you might be wondering when is the best time to buy. Especially now, with the rising prices of new smartphones, a cost-effective used smartphone is an attractive option. However, unlike new phones, the timing of purchase and the condition of the device significantly affect the price of a used smartphone. Many of you may have questions such as, "When will it be cheaper to buy?" or "Can I still use my current smartphone?"

This article will thoroughly explain everything from the best times to buy a used smartphone at the most advantageous price, to specific signs that you should consider replacing your phone, and tips for securely and intelligently purchasing a used smartphone. By reading this article, your concerns about used smartphones will be resolved, enabling you to choose a smartphone that is "secure, affordable, and practical." We hope you find hints here to enrich your smartphone life.

When is the best time to buy a used smartphone? Conclusion: There are several advantageous periods throughout the year!

The used smartphone market is closely related to trends in the new device market, and there are specific times when good deals can be found. While prices fluctuate daily, understanding the "buying opportunities" that occur several times a year can increase your chances of getting a cheaper device in better condition. In particular, new model announcements, releases, and seasonal campaigns significantly impact used smartphone prices. Not only do prices drop, but the number of products available in the market increases, offering a wider selection. This section will elaborate on specific times and reasons why you can purchase used smartphones at a discount. Strategically targeting these times might allow you to get that model you wanted at a much more reasonable price than you imagined.

Immediately after new model announcements/releases (around September - November)

Every autumn, many smartphone manufacturers announce and release new models. Especially from September, when Apple announces new iPhones, to around November, when they become available, marks a major turning point for the used smartphone market. As more users consider upgrading to new models, a large number of older models, i.e., previous-generation smartphones, flood the used market. This increase in supply changes the balance of supply and demand, causing the prices of older used models to tend to fall. For example, after the iPhone 15 is released, prices for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 series are expected to drop. This period is an excellent opportunity for those who are not fixated on the latest model or wish to acquire a stable, previous-generation model at a good price. Furthermore, as more people sell their good-condition older models to upgrade to new ones, the used market sees a greater influx of high-quality products during this time.

Click here for PRODIG's list of used iPhone products 
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/iphone

Year-end and New Year holidays, and new life season (around January - April)

The period from the year-end and New Year holidays to the start of a new life in spring is also an advantageous time to purchase used smartphones. During this season, many shops run large-scale sales and campaigns, such as "New Year's first sale" and "New Life Support campaigns." PRODIG also sometimes holds special sales during these periods. During such sales, used smartphones are sold at significantly discounted prices, increasing the likelihood of making an even better deal. Moreover, as more people purchase new smartphones during this time, the trade-in market becomes active, resulting in a larger supply of products to the used market. Targeting this period might allow you to get high-spec models or popular devices that are usually out of reach, at a good price. Sale information is often posted on official websites and social media of various shops, so it's a good idea to check them regularly.

PRODIG posts sales information and other great deals on its official X! 
https://x.com/prodig_inc

After manufacturer OS support ends

When it comes to using a smartphone safely, the OS support period is a crucial factor. Once OS support ends, security updates are no longer provided, increasing the risk of virus infection and personal information leakage. However, this "end of OS support" timing also significantly impacts the price of used smartphones. Generally, devices whose OS support has ended tend to see a sharp drop in their price in the used market. Therefore, for those who are not overly concerned with the latest security or want to use it as a secondary device, this presents an opportunity to acquire a device at a very low cost. However, if you plan to use it as your main smartphone for a long period, it is wise to choose a device with ongoing OS support. When purchasing a used smartphone, it is important to check the OS support period of the desired model beforehand and make a choice by considering the balance between risk and price.

When is the right time to replace a used smartphone? Recognize the signs of its lifespan.

Besides when to buy a used smartphone, some of you might be wondering when to replace your current one. Here, we will explain the signs of a smartphone's lifespan and specific benchmarks for when to consider replacing it. By not overlooking these signs and replacing your smartphone at the appropriate time, you can use it more comfortably for a longer period. Furthermore, these signs also apply to used smartphones, so they can serve as a reference when choosing a product to buy.

When battery life has deteriorated

A smartphone battery is a consumable item that gradually deteriorates with use. When you start to feel that the battery life is worse than when it was new, it's a good benchmark to consider a replacement. Especially if you need to charge it multiple times a day or if the battery drains rapidly at certain times, it indicates that the battery degradation is quite advanced. While battery replacement is an option, repair costs can be high for some models. You can check the battery status on an iPhone by going to "Settings" > "Battery" > "Battery Health & Charging" and looking at the "Maximum Capacity." When this maximum capacity falls below 80%, battery replacement is generally recommended.

When performance is sluggish and processing speed is slow

When a smartphone is used for a long period, apps may launch slowly, operations may become jerky, and overall processing speed may decrease. This is primarily because OS updates and new apps may no longer be compatible with the performance of older models' CPUs and RAM. Smartphone performance improves year by year, making it difficult to run the latest apps and OS comfortably after a few years. Especially for those who frequently use multitasking with multiple apps or graphics-intensive games, slow performance can be a major source of stress. Upgrading to a new model will resolve these issues and provide a more comfortable smartphone experience.

When OS or security updates have ended

The OS support period is one of the most crucial factors for maintaining smartphone security. Once OS support ends, security vulnerabilities are no longer patched, making the device more susceptible to malware and virus attacks. Additionally, new apps may become incompatible with the OS, leading to the inconvenience of not being able to use desired applications. For instance, Apple's iOS typically receives support for about 5 to 7 years. For Android, support periods vary by manufacturer and carrier, so it's important to check this beforehand. If you want to avoid security risks and use your smartphone with peace of mind, we strongly recommend upgrading to a model that still receives OS updates.

When device repair support has ended

For long-term smartphone use, breakdowns and malfunctions are inevitable. However, if a manufacturer ends repair support for a device, you will not be able to receive official repair services when it breaks down. This could lead to high repair costs or make repairs themselves difficult. Especially for iPhones, repair support may end after the AppleCare+ warranty expires or for older models. Similarly, for Android phones, manufacturer repair support generally ends a few years after release. If you want to ensure that you can have your device repaired with peace of mind in case of an issue, consider upgrading to a model with ongoing repair support.

3 Tips for Smartly Acquiring a Used Smartphone at an Advantageous Time

To acquire a used smartphone at an advantageous time, it's important to keep a few key points in mind. Beyond simply looking for cheap items, here are three smart ways to reduce post-purchase risks and choose a device you can use with confidence for a long time.

Choose a trustworthy shop

While used smartphones can be purchased on flea market apps or auction sites, individual sellers are common, and the condition and warranty of the products can be uncertain. If you want to buy a used smartphone with peace of mind, we recommend purchasing from a specialized online store like PRODIG or a physical store. Specialized shops have strict inspection systems conducted by professional staff, and product conditions are clearly categorized. Additionally, quality guarantees and return policies are in place, so you can rest assured that any malfunctions will be handled appropriately.

Click here for PRODIG's list of used iPhone products 
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/iphone

Utilize trade-in services when upgrading

When purchasing a new used smartphone, selling your current one is also a smart move. PRODIG also offers a smartphone trade-in service. By selling your old smartphone, you can offset the cost of your new phone, significantly reducing your actual out-of-pocket expenses. The trade-in price varies depending on the smartphone's condition and model, but selling during an active used market period, such as after the announcement of a new model, might lead to a higher buyback price.

For trade-ins of unwanted smartphones, trust PRODIG! Upgrade smartly! 
https://prodig-kaitori.com/

Regularly check price trends for desired models

If you're aiming for a specific model, it's crucial to regularly check its price trends. Used smartphone prices fluctuate daily depending on new product trends and market supply and demand. By understanding when the price of your desired model tends to drop, you won't miss out on advantageous buying opportunities. Additionally, the PRODIG online store constantly updates sale items and campaign information, so it's recommended to check it regularly.

PRODIG posts sales information and other great deals on its official X! 
https://x.com/prodig_inc

For reliable used smartphone purchases, trust PRODIG.

"I understand the advantageous times, but I'm still worried about the quality of used smartphones..." Many of you might feel this way. At PRODIG, we implement various initiatives to ensure our customers can purchase used smartphones with peace of mind.

Thorough inspection system by expert staff

At PRODIG, to deliver high-quality used smartphones to our customers, our expert staff meticulously inspects each device. We conduct thorough checks based on hundreds of strict checklist items, including whether the power turns on, buttons function correctly, and if there are any issues with the camera or speaker. This ensures that we only sell used smartphones that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally reliable. The product condition is rated in four tiers from S to C, clearly indicated on the detailed page:

• S Rank: New, unopened product.

• A Rank: Very good condition. Minimal scratches or signs of use, but generally clean.

• B Rank: Good condition. Normal wear and tear, such as scratches or small dents, but no operational issues.

• C Rank: Fair condition. Noticeable scratches or paint peeling, but no impact on functionality.

By clearly stating the product's condition in this way, you can make an informed choice before purchasing.

Reliable quality assurance

One of the biggest concerns when buying a used smartphone is the possibility of malfunctions or defects. At PRODIG, to ensure our customers can make purchases with peace of mind, all products come with a quality guarantee. In the unlikely event of a defect in a purchased product, returns or exchanges are possible within the warranty period. This eliminates the anxieties typical of used items, allowing customers to enjoy their smartphone life with confidence. You can check the warranty period and detailed terms on the product's detail page or via the link below.

Learn more about PRODIG's reliable warranty 
https://prodig-shop.com/pages/guarantee

Smartly upgrade with our trade-in service

PRODIG also offers a buyback service for unwanted smartphones. When considering an upgrade to a new smartphone, selling your old one to PRODIG can help offset the purchase cost. Our expert staff at the Akihabara store will carefully assess your device and buy it back at a fair price. If you wish to upgrade your smartphone smartly, please take advantage of PRODIG's buyback service.

For trade-ins of unwanted smartphones, trust PRODIG! Upgrade smartly! 
https://prodig-kaitori.com/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How much cheaper are used smartphones compared to new ones?

A1. The price of a used smartphone varies greatly depending on the model, condition, and release period. Generally, it's often possible to purchase them for less than half the price of a new one. Especially for older models that have just been superseded by a new release, the cost performance can be exceptionally high. Please check the prices of your desired models on the PRODIG online store.

Q2. How old of a smartphone is recommended for purchase?

A2. It depends on your budget and intended use, but if you want to use it safely for a long time, models released within the last 2 to 3 years are recommended. These models often still have ongoing OS support, and their performance allows for comfortable use of the latest apps. Furthermore, in the used market, their prices are more affordable, offering excellent cost-effectiveness.

Q3. Is battery replacement necessary for used smartphones?

A3. The battery of a used smartphone is generally more degraded compared to a new one. PRODIG clearly states the battery condition, so you can check it before purchasing. If you are concerned about battery life, it is possible to replace it after purchase. However, depending on the model, battery replacement costs can be high, so consider it in consultation with your budget.

Finally

This time, we discussed the advantageous timing for purchasing used smartphones and how to determine when to upgrade. Used smartphones offer significant appeal, being cheaper than new ones and providing excellent cost-performance. However, it's crucial to consider several points, such as the purchase timing and the device's condition. At PRODIG, we ensure our customers can purchase used smartphones with confidence through thorough inspections and quality assurance.

Using the information provided in this article as a reference, please find the perfect smartphone for your needs at the PRODIG online store.