Precautions When Buying Used iPhones! 5 Things to Note When Purchasing a SIM-Free Device
New iPhones tend to increase in price, and recently, more people are considering purchasing used iPhones.
However, while used iPhones offer the advantage of being cheaper, there are also concerns about potential malfunctions and warranty coverage.
Even if you can buy it cheaply, you might be hesitant if it can't be used for a reasonably long period.
Therefore, this article explains what SIM-free means and five important points to consider when purchasing a used iPhone.
Please use this as a reference to confidently purchase a used iPhone.
5 points to consider when purchasing a SIM-free used iPhone
Let's check the important points to consider when purchasing a SIM-free used iPhone.
If you want an iPhone but are hesitant due to the price, we recommend considering a used one.
By being aware of the precautions when purchasing a cheaper used item, you can reduce the risk of failure.
1. Carefully check the exterior condition
Check the physical condition of the device for any scratches or damage.
If you can inspect it in person at a store, you can check it closely, but if you're considering buying online, it's difficult to check everything from images, so extra caution is needed.
Therefore, to avoid regret later, after viewing it online, contact the seller to confirm details about cleaning, scratches, and dirt.
Reputable sellers clearly categorize and explain the exterior condition by rank.
Note that some people don't mind the appearance if there are scratches or dirt, as long as the functionality is not affected.
Since exterior condition is a matter of personal preference, if you are fine with some scratches as long as it works, be sure to thoroughly check the functionality.
2. Check the battery degradation
Mobile phone batteries degrade with prolonged use.
One reason for replacing a phone is that the battery no longer lasts long and drains quickly.
Therefore, used items may include models with battery issues.
Especially for models sold more than two years ago, the battery life may have shortened.
When the maximum battery capacity falls below 80%, performance deteriorates, so be sure to check the battery's degradation before purchasing.
3. Check for included accessories like boxes and chargers
Once you find a used iPhone you like, the next step is to check if it comes with accessories.
If you can use the accessories from your old phone, there's no problem, but sometimes they might not be compatible.
If the used iPhone only comes with the device itself and no accessories are included, you will need to purchase them separately. However, if the model is too old, it may be difficult to buy new accessories.
When checking for accessories, look for an AC adapter, earphones, SIM pin, charging cable, and the original box.
4. Confirm that the device is ready to use from the start
Some devices are sold with Activation Lock still active or network usage restrictions in place, so confirm this beforehand.
If the original owner has unpaid fees or has not disabled certain functions, the new owner will not be able to use the purchased device.
To disable Activation Lock, you need the original owner's Apple ID and password, so purchasing it as is can lead to complications.
Furthermore, regarding ROM status related to network usage restrictions, if it's a "red ROM," the new owner won't be able to connect to the network and won't be able to use the purchased iPhone.
On the other hand, if it's a "white ROM," it means there are no usage restrictions, and the new owner can use it.
When purchasing a used iPhone, it is necessary to carefully check whether it is a "red ROM" or "white ROM."
- Network usage restriction: A function to prevent fraudulent contracts and criminal use.
- Activation Lock: A function to prevent unauthorized use by a third party in case of loss or theft.
5. Check the warranty details of the store where you purchase it
New iPhones come with a 1-year limited hardware warranty. Device malfunctions and repairs are free for one year.
On the other hand, used products are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
If any problems arise after purchasing the device, repair costs will be borne by the owner.
In particular, used products that have been used for several years have a higher risk of malfunction than new ones, so make sure to check if the store offers a warranty service.
What is "SIM-free" in the first place?
SIM-free means that any carrier's SIM card can be used (the state where SIM lock is not applied).
Basically, phones purchased from mobile carriers are SIM-locked, which prevents the use of SIM cards from other carriers.
If you want to switch carriers, you need to unlock the SIM.
On the other hand, SIM-free phones offer a high degree of flexibility and various advantages.
*Benefits of SIM-free
- Freedom of carrier choice
- Usable overseas
- Dual SIM functionality
Choose mobile carriers and plans freely
For SIM-locked phones, you need to have each carrier handle the SIM unlocking procedure.
The unlocking process can be done on each carrier's official website or at their stores.
There are no fees, but the process differs for each carrier.
On the other hand, for SIM-free phones (those not SIM-locked), there is no need for a SIM unlock procedure; you just insert your SIM card.
Also, you can switch to any carrier and choose plans freely.
Easy to use overseas
If you want to use a local SIM card overseas, you need to unlock your SIM.
However, with a SIM-free phone, you can simply insert a local SIM card and start using the communication network.
If you purchase a SIM card with an IC chip locally, you can use your familiar phone overseas.
And when you return from overseas, you simply swap back to your Japanese SIM card.
If your phone is SIM-free, you can easily maintain communication even when moving between areas, so if you travel or go on business trips abroad frequently, a SIM-free phone is simpler and more convenient to use.
Use two lines with one smartphone
If your phone is SIM-free, you can use the dual SIM function.
Dual SIM is a feature that allows you to set two SIM cards in one phone and use different communication lines.
You can use separate communication lines without having to swap SIM cards, and you can also manage them separately for personal and business use.
If you want to use the convenient dual SIM function, check the specifications beforehand to see if the model supports it.
Benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a SIM-free used iPhone
While a used iPhone can be more cost-effective than buying a new one, it's recommended to check the pros and cons beforehand so you don't regret its functionality and usability later on.
Advantage ①Freedom to choose your mobile carrier and line
With a SIM-free iPhone, you can choose your mobile line freely instead of being tied to a specific carrier.
This allows you to choose according to your preferences, giving you flexibility in terms of where, when, and how much you use it.
Also, with used items, you can use them without a carrier contract. You can use it by simply inserting your existing SIM card.
If you have a WiFi environment, you can use communication even without a SIM card, and if you are signing up for a new contract, you can start using it by only contracting for the SIM.
SIM-free offers users the flexibility to choose according to their needs.
Advantage ②Choose your preferred model without carrier restrictions
You can choose your preferred iPhone without being restricted by mobile carriers, allowing you to select your desired model based on color, design, storage capacity, and other usage purposes.
iPhones vary in camera size and color variations depending on the model, so if there's a model you like among used items, you can purchase it at a great price.
Also, with used items, you can choose not only from models available in Japan but also from international iPhone models.
Advantage ③Significantly lower usage fees with budget SIMs
Used items can be purchased cheaper than new ones.
Also, if you can pay in a lump sum instead of installments, you won't have a monthly burden.
If you choose an older model of used iPhone, you can purchase one for as little as 10,000 yen, so if you find a preferred model at a satisfactory price, you can use an iPhone with reduced initial and maintenance costs.
Furthermore, if you can use a budget SIM, you can significantly reduce your monthly usage fees.
Budget SIMs vary in network and communication speed depending on the carrier, so it's advisable to consider them based on your needs.
Disadvantage ①Newer models can be expensive
While used items are cheaper than new ones, newer models among used items can be expensive.
There is a price difference depending on the iPhone model, so in some cases, even used items may not be much cheaper depending on the desired model.
Disadvantage ②You must perform the initial setup yourself
Once you purchase a used iPhone, initial setup is required.
You can complete the initial setup by following the steps guided by the iPhone device.
※ Initial setup process
- Connect to a network
- Set up Face ID or Touch ID and create a passcode
- Restore or transfer data and apps
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Enable automatic updates and set up other features
- Set up services
- Set display options
Disadvantage ③There is a possibility of malfunctions
If you don't check the functionality before purchasing, you might encounter issues with malfunctions after buying.
Check the following points to ensure that used items are well-maintained and functional:
- Security check
- Thorough deletion of previous user's data
- Hardware defect check
- Power ON/OFF and charging status check
- Touch panel and LCD quality
- Button responsiveness
- Sound-related checks such as speaker and microphone
- Camera and flash quality check
- SIM and Wi-Fi connection check
PRODIG is recommended if you're buying a used iPhone
When purchasing a used iPhone, choose a vendor you can trust.
First, understand what SIM-free means and review the precautions for buying a used iPhone before choosing a reliable vendor.
PRODIG, the official online store for used smartphones and tablets, specializes in wholesale, retail, and rental of mobile devices including iPhones, smartphones, and tablets.
With over 30,000 devices supplied annually, we conduct rigorous quality inspections and utilize high-quality data erasure software to ensure our customers experience a new-like feel.
Additionally, a 180-day warranty is provided as a safeguard, so you can use it with peace of mind.
If you are considering purchasing a used iPhone, please feel free to contact us.
Click here for a list of used iPhones offered by PRODIG
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