Buying a used phone could help save a good amount of money, but has a very clear list of considerations that you need to make. Firstly, a heavy discount doesn’t come without a reason — a cracked screen, botched camera lens, or faulty speakers will end up costing you a significant chunk to get repaired. Minor scratches and dents are fine as long as you’re getting a great deal. Battery degradation is another huge aspect to consider when buying used and is among the biggest reasons why your phone’s battery drains so quickly. Regardless of the product’s age, be ready to factor in the added cost of getting your battery replaced.
Pre-owned phones will also come with no warranty, making future repairs quite expensive. Depending on the buyer, you might even miss the original packaging and accessories, though most people looking to move on to a new phone will gladly slide in extra goodies like cases and a pre-applied screen protector. Adding to the list of major limitations of buying older phones is shorter, or in some cases discontinued, software support.
With the absence of a return policy, it is also crucial to be wary of scams when purchasing from individual sellers. We recommend you thoroughly inspect the phone before handing over your hard-earned money. These hassles are what make purchasing a new phone worthwhile, despite the premium you end up paying.
