More and more of you are letting yourself be tempted by a used smartphone. But are refurbished or second-hand phones really good deals? How to make the right choice ? In this article, we reveal the 5 points to check before buying a used smartphone..
Take advantage of the second-hand market
Buying second-hand is more than ever a wise choice. Smartphone manufacturers offer more and more reliable devices. Today we find on the mobile market in a state very close to new and with technical characteristics still attractive.
In addition, smartphones all look more or less the same. Used models no longer experience a visual aging as fast as before. Smartphones more easily bear the weight of years. Very clever who can tell the difference between a 5th and 6th generation phone..
But it is especially at the price level that the advantages of the occasion appear. With the proliferation of models in the range of manufacturers, the discount on second-hand smartphones reached records. You can easily find devices 30 to 50% cheaper than the price of new.
5 checks to do before buying a used smartphone
After many hesitations, you decided to change your smartphone and opt for a used phone. But beware, you can waste time and money stupidly thinking you are saving money. It is therefore advisable to exercise caution before jumping on any device..
This little guide will help you avoid being swindled by unscrupulous salespeople. Respecting the rules presented below will allow you to avoid many disappointments.
Beware of counterfeits
As with the purchase of a new smartphone, it is important to learn about the desired model. In fact, according to an OECD study, almost 20% of the phones sold worldwide are counterfeit. Inevitably some of these models are likely to find themselves sooner or later on the second-hand market.
Generally sold on classified ads sites at very affordable prices, counterfeits offer much less performance, reliability and life than official models. Here are several tips to recognize an authentic smartphone from a counterfeit.
Check the operation of the internal components
Controlling the outer shell of the smartphone is one thing, but ensuring that all of the external components (GPS, sensors, screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) work properly is a much more complicated task. In 10 minutes, it is very difficult to make a complete and detailed tour of all the functions of a smartphone.
Fortunately, applications like Z Device Test make it possible to carry out a complete test of the various sensors of a mobile. 
As a bonus, the application offers a detailed analysis of all the technical characteristics of a smartphone (processor model, amount of on-board RAM, etc.). Very useful for unmasking counterfeits.
The app is free. Obviously, you will need to ask the owner for permission before installing it. On this page you will find detailed information on the use of Z Device Test: perform a complete diagnosis of your Android mobile.
Drums
Without the battery, no smartphone. This sentence may seem stupid but it is important to remember it. Indeed, very few buyers take the trouble to check this element, which is so important.
Generally, a battery is capable of withstanding 800 charge cycles. However, according to a study carried out a few years ago, some batteries begin to show signs of weakness after less than 300 cycles of complete discharge.
Here is a tip to accurately analyze the degree of battery wear. This can be done on any Android smartphone.
- Launch the telephony application
- Open the dialer (phone dial screen)
- Type the following code: * # * # 4636 # * # *
- Then select the battery information option
If the number displayed next to the mention battery is at 100, everything is perfect. The battery of this smartphone has not lost its capacity. It is not likely to discharge faster than when it was new.
Conversely, a number of 60 or 50 indicates that the battery is showing signs of fatigue. It is now operating below its initial capacity. You will have to expect less autonomy.
Check the unlocking
We do not always think about it and yet many phones are blocked on an operator. Do a test with a SIM card other than that of the seller's operator. If you can't withdraw your card, there are secret codes to find out the status of your phone. These differ depending on the smartphone brands.
Once the code has been entered in the dialer of the telephone, you will see on the screen the title Network Lock followed by the mention On or Off. A mobile is free to operate when the Off appears. Note that only the line owner can take steps to unlock a mobile phone.
Used smartphone or refurbished phone
Is it better to buy your smartphone from an individual or a professional? Refurbished phones sold in supermarkets or specialty stores are often more expensive.
In return, they offer a guarantee . In addition the phones have undergone a complete overhaul before being sold. Individuals do not offer any contractual guarantee. You will only have a few minutes to test the phone and find out if the phone is really worth it.