Many people regret purchasing a used iPhone, even though they were drawn in by the low price.

「Battery drains quickly」

「Scammed with a fraudulent product」

Such comments are often seen.

This article clearly explains the patterns of regret when buying a used iPhone and what to check for during the purchase.

 

【Conclusion】

You can reduce the risk of regret when buying a used iPhone by checking key points and purchasing from a reliable seller.

【By reading this article to the end, you will learn】

• Patterns of regret with used iPhones

• The appeal of used iPhones

• How to choose a reliable seller

To avoid regretting your used iPhone purchase, we will introduce how to choose and reliable sellers.

 

 

10 Patterns of Regret with Used iPhones

Here are 10 patterns of regret after purchasing a used iPhone:

• Exterior scratches and dirt are noticeable
• Severe battery degradation
• Found a malfunction
• Scammed with a fraudulent product
• Ended up being overpriced
• No warranty or after-sales service
• Insufficient storage capacity
• Not compatible with the latest OS
• Activation Lock was enabled
• Not SIM-free

Let's look at each in detail.

 

① Exterior scratches and dirt are noticeable

Some used iPhones have more noticeable scratches and dirt than expected. These are often difficult to see in photos, and many people only realize it after purchasing.

Deep scratches on the screen or back glass not only affect the appearance but also the user experience. When purchasing, it is recommended to check the product condition and make a judgment after seeing the actual item.

 

② Severe battery degradation

If the maximum battery capacity has decreased, the battery may run out quickly even when fully charged. It is advisable to avoid phones with a maximum battery capacity below 80%.

If purchasing from a physical store, you can check the Apple battery health, so it's safe to check before buying.

Even when purchasing online, it is recommended to choose a site that provides information about battery health.

 

 

③ Found a malfunction

Used iPhones can sometimes have malfunctions, such as an unresponsive touch panel or a non-working camera.

This is especially true when purchasing online, as you cannot physically inspect the item, so caution is advised.

To avoid trouble with malfunctions, it is important to choose a reliable seller and confirm the product's condition and operational warranty beforehand.

Since external appearance alone is not sufficient for judgment, choose a product that has been confirmed to be in working order, or use a seller that offers returns.

 

④ Scammed with a fraudulent product

On flea market apps and unreliable shops, there is a risk that products may not arrive, or fraudulent items with specifications different from those described may be delivered.

Before purchasing, thoroughly check the seller's reviews and reputation.

 

⑤ Ended up being overpriced

Some used iPhones may be missing accessories or have degraded batteries.

If you need to purchase accessories or repairs, the cost could end up being higher than a new phone. You might feel attracted by the low price but then end up losing money due to increased costs or repair efforts.

Before purchasing, check the product's condition and included accessories. It's important to consider not just the price but also the long-term costs when making your choice.

 

⑥ No warranty or after-sales service

Used iPhones sometimes do not come with a warranty. If purchased from a flea market app or a store without a warranty, there's a high risk that you won't receive support if problems arise.

Unlike new products, used items carry a risk of problems due to age degradation or usage conditions. If battery or operational issues occur immediately after purchase, you will have to bear the repair costs yourself if there is no warranty.

To prevent regret, purchase from a seller with comprehensive warranty and after-sales service.

 

⑦ Insufficient storage capacity

Insufficient storage capacity means you cannot save photos, apps, or videos. When purchasing a used iPhone, it is important to choose a capacity that matches your intended use, rather than just deciding by price.

Check how much storage your current device is using before making a purchase. If you are changing models, check your current device's storage usage in "Settings" → "General" → "iPhone Storage" before buying.

 

⑧ Not compatible with the latest OS

Purchasing a used iPhone that is not compatible with the latest OS can lead to apps not functioning correctly and security issues.

Check Apple's official website for OS compatibility.

 

⑨ Activation Lock was enabled

If Activation Lock is enabled, you cannot use the iPhone after purchase. This is because the previous owner's Apple ID and password have not been removed, preventing a new user from setting up the device.

To avoid Activation Lock issues, ensure the iCloud lock has been removed by the seller.

 

⑩ Not SIM-free

An iPhone that is not SIM-free can only be used with a specific carrier.

iPhones with a "SIM lock," which means they can only be used with a specific carrier, can be inconvenient when switching to another carrier and may reduce the device's value.

Choosing a SIM-free device allows you to freely select a carrier and increases its resale value.

Before purchasing, make sure to check if it's SIM-free to avoid any regrets.

PRODIG is a regular member of Reconditioned Mobile Japan (RMJ). By setting strict quality standards, we ensure that you can safely purchase a product that suits you.

 

Introducing the Appeal of Used iPhones

Purchasing a used iPhone without prior research is highly likely to lead to regret.

However, used iPhones offer advantages that new iPhones do not. Here are four appeals of used iPhones:

• High cost-performance
• Wide range of choices
• Useful when you need a cheap phone quickly
• Can join the warranty of the purchased shop

Let's look at each one to avoid regret after purchase.

 

High cost-performance

Used iPhones are cheaper than new ones, and many have sufficient performance. Especially if you are not particular about the latest model, you can get an iPhone with ample performance at an affordable price.

Even models from a few years ago are popular if they offer high performance. If you're looking for an iPhone with sufficient performance at an affordable price, a used one should be considered.

 

Wide range of choices

The used market offers a wide variety of iPhone models and specifications. You can also choose based on your preferences for color, storage capacity, and condition.

The appeal of the used market also lies in being able to find discontinued products, such as "models with a home button" or "mini models."

The wide range of choices is an important factor in finding the perfect device.

 

Useful when you need a cheap phone quickly

When you need to get an iPhone quickly and cheaply, a used iPhone is a strong option. If you buy from a physical store, you can start using it immediately.

Some retailers also offer "same-day delivery" for online purchases, which can be helpful when you need a replacement in a hurry.

 

Can join the warranty of the purchased shop

Some retailers offer warranty programs. With a warranty, you can have peace of mind even if an initial defect is found after purchase or unexpected problems occur during use.

Since used products differ in condition from new ones, a warranty can reduce risk. Before purchasing, confirm the warranty details, period, and scope of coverage to ensure a secure user experience.

 

 

Used iPhone Purchase Checklist

 

When purchasing a used iPhone, it is recommended to check the items in the table.

• Maximum Battery Capacity

• Operation and Button Check

• Presence of Accessories

• iOS Compatibility

• iCloud Lock Removal

• SIM-Free Device

The above checklist items will be explained in detail.

 

Maximum Battery Capacity

The maximum battery capacity is a crucial check item. It is recommended to choose an iPhone with 80% or more.

If the maximum capacity falls below 80%, usage time will shorten, compromising convenience. While purchasing with battery replacement in mind is an option, it's important to consider the replacement cost when making your choice.

 

Operation and Button Check

Before purchasing, check the operation and buttons.
Check for any malfunctions, such as smooth scrolling and proper response when tapping multiple areas.

Also, check audio functions like the speaker and microphone, and camera operations.

Thoroughly inspecting every detail can prevent regret after purchase.

 

Presence of Accessories

If you already own charging cables or adapters, you can save money by choosing a device that does not come with accessories.

If you don't have charging cables or adapters, you will need to purchase them separately. When buying a used iPhone, don't forget to check for the presence of accessories.

 

iOS Compatibility

When buying a used iPhone, checking iOS compatibility is crucial. Choosing a model that supports the latest iOS will ensure long-term usability.

If the model is not compatible with the latest iOS, apps may not work, or security risks may increase.

Before purchasing, always verify the compatibility of the model with the current iOS.

You can check iOS compatibility on the Apple official website.

 

iCloud Lock Removal

A device with iCloud Lock requires the previous owner's Apple ID and password. If the lock cannot be removed, the device cannot be used.

With a reliable seller, you can confirm that the lock has been removed before purchase. Verify that the iCloud Lock is removed before purchasing.

 

SIM-Free Device

SIM-free means a device is not tied to a specific carrier. It can be used simply by inserting a SIM card from any carrier after purchase, offering high flexibility in choosing a service provider.

By choosing a SIM-free device, you can avoid regret when changing carriers or reselling the device.

 

How to Choose a Reliable Seller

※Reviews are average ratings as of January 2025

 

 

We'll introduce how to choose based on key points.

 

Choose stores with many positive reviews

When choosing a reliable seller, it's important to select stores with many positive reviews. Customer experiences and reviews can serve as a reference when choosing a seller.

Sellers with low ratings and many negative reviews are likely to have poor customer service or sloppy quality control.

Check the content of the reviews, and stores that are praised for specific points such as careful packaging and prompt service are trustworthy.

 

Choose stores that handle products that have been operationally checked and cleaned

It is recommended to choose a seller that handles products that have been operationally checked and cleaned.

Operationally checked products reduce the risk of defects such as not powering on or some functions not working.

Sellers who perform internal cleaning and exterior care have a high awareness of quality and are highly reliable. You can check whether a seller handles products that have been operationally checked and cleaned on their website.

 

Choose stores with their own inspection standards

By choosing a store with its own inspection standards, you can reduce the possibility of encountering defects after purchase.

Sellers who establish internal inspection items, in addition to operational checks and exterior inspections, provide high-quality used iPhones.

Also, if ranks such as "unused" or "good condition" are clearly stated, it will be easier to make a decision before purchasing.

 

Choose stores with comprehensive warranty coverage

To prepare for initial defects or malfunctions, it is reassuring to choose a store that offers an exchange or repair warranty for a certain period after purchase.

Warranty details vary by seller, so be sure to check the terms and scope of coverage in advance. Comprehensive warranty coverage is an important point for assessing the reliability of a seller.

 

For an iPhone choice you won't regret, choose PRODIG

Used iPhones offer advantages that new ones don't, such as cost performance and a wide range of choices.

However, if you buy a used iPhone without basic knowledge, you are likely to regret it.

To avoid regretting your used iPhone purchase, it's important to keep the key purchase points in mind and buy from a reliable seller.

We recommend PRODIG, which sets strict screening standards, clearly indicates product conditions by rank, and offers a 180-day warranty system. Even if you're new to buying a used iPhone, you can use our services with peace of mind.