Nowadays, owning an iPhone is the trend. No matter how many new players found their way into the smartphone playing field, people just can’t help but get their hands on the iPhone. The problem, however, is that they are so expensive. In some countries, a new iPhone could be worth more than a thousand dollars! Sounds crazy, right?
Fortunately, there is a way to get your hands on an iPhone without shelling out that much money. And yes, you guessed it right – it’s by buying a used iPhone! But before everything else, you should consider a few things before you buy a new iPhone unit. If you’re interested, then keep on reading:
Things to Consider When Buying a New iPhone
1. Check It’s Physical Appearance
For sure, those who want an iPhone would want to make sure that they get a good-looking unit, regardless if it’s new or used. A visual check should be more than just looking for scratches on the screen or checking if the back cover is a bit loose. You should also check if there’s a possibility of liquid damage which could be a potential source of rust buildup. You can start by opening the back cover and checking the battery sticker for signs of discolouration. In case the battery is a new one, try checking the internal stickers for possible signs of rust.
Also keep in mind that a phone with lots of dents and cracks is an indicator of physical damage, maybe from being dropped or banged up many times. This could possibly mean that the internal components aren’t all that reliable.
2. Consider The Price
When you buy a used iPhone from the internet, you can expect a variety of price range from one seller to another. Some sellers will sell a used iPhone to you for less, while others might charge you higher. Due to this, it’s always a good idea to shop at reliable sites, one good example of which is GetOrchard. At GetOrchard, you can expect high quality used iPhones which are available at unbelievably low prices! You can also use a GetOrchard coupon code allowing you to save up to 60% off.
3. Make Sure The Phone’s Not Stolen
Perhaps the most important step when purchasing a used iPhone is to find out if it’s stolen or not. Fortunately, there’s a quick way to find that out. Apple’s iOS 7 has incorporated an anti-theft feature called Activation Lock which prevents stolen units from being used again even after being factory wiped. When the phone is restored to a fresh state, it will require the owner’s Apple ID password in order to proceed. Hence, it will be a problem for you, the buyer, if the Activation Lock is not disabled prior to your purchase. Therefore when buying a used iPhone, make sure that the Activation Lock is disabled first. If it can’t be disabled by the seller, chances are it’s stolen.
4. Battery Life
The iPhone can last 10 hours of talk time on 3G, however its recharge cycle is limited. This only means that it will need replacement after reaching its limit. Once it does, the battery’s overall capacity is greatly reduced. Before buying a used iPhone, make sure it hasn’t been used more than a year or if the battery is newly replaced or not.
5. Check if The Device is Unlocked
With an unlocked phone, you have the freedom of choosing the cellular carrier you want. However, keep in mind that even if the unit is locked or unlocked, it’s price will be the deciding factor for your purchase. In some cases, even if it’s a locked device, the price is fair enough for a purchase. After all, it is possible to unlock a phone, so you can always opt for a locked phone and unlock it after. Usually, unlocked phones tend to be more expensive.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to buy a new iPhone, buying a used one could prove to be more viable as long as you know how to do a proper check. Don’t immediately settle for a good looking just because it has less scratches on it. Also consider the technical specifications and any other factors which could otherwise downgrade your overall iPhone usage experience. By using these steps, acquiring a highly functional used iPhone at a very affordable is highly possible.