Why You Should Avoid Used iPhones: Key Considerations to Ensure You Don't Make a Mistake!
Many people may be looking for ways to buy a new iPhone as cheaply as possible, given that models costing over 100,000 yen are now the mainstream.
One option is to buy a used iPhone, but considering the risks involved with second-hand purchases, some still prefer to buy new.
So, is it really better to avoid used iPhones?
This article will explain how to buy a used iPhone without making mistakes, and key points to consider.
Reasons why it's said you should avoid buying a used iPhone
While used items offer the advantage of a more affordable price compared to new ones, if you don't inspect the internal system and check the functions before purchasing, you might end up with a phone that doesn't work.
The main reason why it's said that you should avoid buying a used iPhone is that buyers often neglect to perform pre-purchase checks.
Even used items can be used without problems if you know the points to check.
So, let's look at the reasons why it's said you should avoid them, so you can make smart choices even with used items.
Concern about potential operational defects
In the case of used iPhones, some people believe it's better not to buy them due to the possibility of defects occurring after purchase.
As they are used items, they will naturally have some parts that are more deteriorated than new ones, so it's important to determine what level of deterioration is acceptable.
If your assessment is incorrect, you might end up regretting your purchase due to operational defects.
For example, with used items, the following operational defects can occur:
- Battery degradation causing short charge life
- Poor button response
- Poor touchscreen/LCD response
- SIM lock not released
- Network usage restrictions applied
- Activation Lock is enabled
However, if these issues are thoroughly checked before purchase and the device has been properly maintained, the risk after purchase can be reduced.
Therefore, to eliminate the risk of operational defects, it is necessary to check the functionality before purchase and confirm that it is not a fraudulent item.
Fear of being scammed into buying fraudulent or counterfeit products
Some used product vendors engage in malicious practices, selling fraudulent or counterfeit items.
In the case of online sales, you can't physically inspect the device at a store, so if a buyer is new to iPhones or lacks knowledge, they might be susceptible to scams.
Therefore, those who cannot discern reputable sellers often choose to purchase new iPhones from major carriers or Apple Stores.
However, by acquiring the necessary expert knowledge beforehand, such as precautions when buying a used iPhone and the differences from new ones, you can reduce the risk of being scammed by unscrupulous dealers.
Therefore, to avoid being scammed by fraudulent or counterfeit products, it is necessary to acquire specialized knowledge and know the points to check on the phone.
Concern about deterioration and scratches on the exterior
Since the condition of the device cannot be thoroughly confirmed from online images, some people are hesitant to buy used items.
As it is a used item, there will naturally be some scratches and dirt, but the level of deterioration varies by product, and whether it's noticeable enough to be a concern differs from person to person.
If there is a clear discrepancy between the image and the actual product after purchase, it becomes an issue, but for the exterior condition, choosing a reliable seller can reduce the risk of exterior deterioration.
Before deciding to purchase, instead of just looking at images, contacting the seller and asking questions about anything of concern can sometimes alleviate worries.
Also, to reduce pre-purchase anxieties, check for the presence of a warranty service.
Concern about warranty coverage
New iPhones come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, offering the benefit of free repairs and replacements for defects.
On the other hand, used items are products whose manufacturer's warranty period has expired, so some people choose new ones when considering the hassle of repairs if something breaks.
When purchasing products, not just phones, confirming the contents and period of the manufacturer's warranty can provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Also, to avoid disputes between the user and the seller after purchase, having a warranty makes a significant difference.
Therefore, even if the manufacturer's warranty period has expired, it is recommended to check if the seller offers a cooling-off period or other warranty services.
What are the dangers of used smartphones? Also explains precautions when purchasing
Benefits of buying a used iPhone
Some people wisely use used iPhones by paying attention to precautions before buying, while others regret their purchase.
While testimonials from those who regretted it might suggest avoiding them, there are also advantages to buying used iPhones, with some people giving positive reviews and ratings.
Here, we will explain the advantages of buying a used iPhone. Let's compare them with examples of failures and use this as a reference when making a purchase.
Get a high-performance device at a lower price
Used iPhones come in models ranging from older ones to the latest.
Apple usually undergoes a major model change every three years, so there's an advantage to buying a model that's just one year older at a more affordable price than its original release price.
If you don't need the latest model, a used iPhone can offer a high-performance device with less financial burden.
No carrier restrictions after purchase
If the device is SIM-free, there are no restrictions on communication carriers, so you can freely use the SIM of your desired carrier.
A used iPhone unit is cheaper than a new one, and by using a low-cost SIM, you can keep monthly communication fees down.
There is an article that may be helpful in choosing the best carrier;
Related article: The cheapest and most recommended mobile carrier! Carrier mobile phone rate comparison (Selectra)
Furthermore, the advantage of SIM-free devices is that you can use communication lines simply by swapping to a local SIM card when on overseas business trips or traveling abroad.
The characteristic of SIM-free used iPhones is that they can be used freely regardless of location.
Choose your favorite model from the abundant options available on the market
With used iPhones, you can choose a model from a variety of iPhone models available on the market.
You can freely choose the type you like based on different features such as color variations, camera functions, and design.
In some cases, you can even purchase overseas models that are not available as new products.
Depending on the seller's lineup, it is possible to obtain used iPhones with good performance and a preferred design at a low price.
Tips for successfully buying a used iPhone
Used iPhones offer various advantages, and by thoroughly understanding the precautions to take when purchasing, you can smartly utilize your iPhone.
To avoid regretting your purchase, let's review the following points for a successful acquisition.
※Points for a successful purchase
- Choosing a reliable seller
- Battery condition
- Device usage restrictions
- iOS support period
Purchase from a reliable retailer
One common pitfall when buying a used iPhone is purchasing from an untrustworthy seller.
There's a risk of not being able to inquire about the device before purchase or being deceived by false information.
When purchasing a used iPhone, the first step is to find a reliable seller.
It is necessary to check reviews and reputations online, confirm sales records, and judge trustworthiness based on actual interactions.
The reason why buyers get scammed by sellers is often due to a lack of knowledge about how to buy an iPhone from the used market and the precautions to take before making a purchase.
If you have the necessary knowledge, you can also discern the authenticity of sellers.
Even if you find the model you want online, make sure to thoroughly check the trustworthiness of the seller.
Check battery condition
The lifespan of a mobile phone is affected by the condition of its battery.
Generally, many people cite battery malfunctions as the reason for replacing their mobile phones, and used iPhones may include models with degraded batteries.
If the seller has maintained the used item to a usable standard, there is no problem, but purchasing a device in a degraded condition will make it less user-friendly.
The lithium batteries used in used iPhones deteriorate after about two years.
Battery depletion is caused by frequent charging and age-related deterioration. Since mobile phones tend to lose maximum capacity with repeated charging, it is recommended to check the maximum battery capacity before purchasing a used iPhone.
A maximum capacity of 80% or more is a good guideline. If it is lower than that, the battery will drain quickly, so it's best to avoid purchasing.
Therefore, when choosing a used iPhone, it is reassuring if the battery has been replaced with a new one.
Replacing the battery yourself costs around 10,000 yen.
【Related Articles】
Are used iPhone batteries okay? Points to check when purchasing
Is a 100% battery on a used iPhone suspicious? How to choose a used product
Check if usage restrictions are in place
In the case of used items, usage restrictions may be imposed depending on how the previous owner used the device, which may lead to cases where the device cannot be used after purchase.
To check for usage restrictions, it is necessary to know how to distinguish between "red ROM" and "white ROM."
A "red ROM" device is one where the previous owner has not completed payment for the device or there was an unauthorized contract, while a "white ROM" device is any device other than a "red ROM" one, meaning it has no contractual restrictions.
If you unknowingly purchase a "red ROM" device as a used item, you will not be able to use it because it has usage restrictions and the communication function is stopped even if you insert a SIM card.
One way to identify a "red ROM" is to check the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) written on the device.The IMEI is a 15-digit number that can be used to verify the device's purchase history information.
Therefore, before purchasing a used iPhone, inquire about the IMEI and check if it is not a "red ROM" device.
Check the iOS support period
It is necessary to check the period during which the latest iOS version can be used.
iPhones tend to lose support about five years after release.
If you continue to use an iPhone with an older OS, problems will arise, so particular caution is required for used products.
Once support ends, Apple will no longer provide security updates, new features will become unavailable, and apps may stop working on older OS versions, among other problems.
The iOS support period for iPhones varies by model, so it is recommended to check the iOS support period for the used iPhone model you are considering purchasing.
Purchase used iPhones from sellers with a warranty
When purchasing used items, check different points than with new items to avoid regrets after purchase.
It is important to check the device's performance, exterior, usage restrictions, and support details before purchasing, and to identify a trustworthy vendor.
Also, to avoid problems after purchase, it is reassuring to choose a seller that offers warranty support.
PRODIG, the official online store for used smartphones and tablets, handles the wholesale, retail, and rental of mobile devices such as iPhones, smartphones, and tablets.
All products we handle are inspected based on strict quality standards and use high-quality data erasure software to provide products that satisfy our customers.
To prevent problems after device purchase, if a defect is found within 180 days of receiving the product, we will promptly handle returns and exchanges.
In the unlikely event of an initial defect, we also offer refunds within 7 days.
If you are considering purchasing a used iPhone, please feel free to contact us.
Click here for a list of used iPhone products offered by PRODIG
Click here for a list of used smartphone products offered by PRODIG
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