Buying any used item is accompanied by numerous risks, many of which are realized only during operation. This is especially true for complex technical and hardware devices, which include smartphones. And if disappointment in a cheap phone is not critical, then buying an expensive model with possible malfunctions should be carefully thought out in advance. But is it worth buying a used iPhone in principle, if there are such risks? The question is multi-layered and ambiguous, so it needs to be analyzed from different angles.
Preparing to check the Iphone smartphone
A feature of preparing for the first acquaintance with any smartphone is the availability of a complete arsenal for testing the device's stuffing. In the case of an iPhone, it is very important to prepare the following tools:
- Notebook. Not bad if iTunes is installed initially.
- Another smartphone with mobile internet.
- Battery pack type PowerBank.
- Headphones.
- An active SIM card that can be used in modern smartphones.
As you can see, no highly specialized tools are required, but even this simple set will help with a high degree of probability to answer the question of whether it is worth buying a used iPhone in a particular design. Already at the inspection site, you should act step by step, checking the characteristics of the device in a separate order.
External inspection of the device
First of all, the physical condition is evaluated. The integrity of the body, the correctness of its geometry, the joints and the degree of wear are checked. Even if the aesthetic properties are unimportant to you, and there is a willingness to put up with minor defects in the form of chips, dents and just impact marks, it is important to understand that these may be harbingers of more serious internal problems. So is it worth it to buy a used iPhone if there is minor damage to the case?
Theoretically, the case can be replaced, although this will require additional costs, which may be a reasonable reason to bargain. But, again, damage as evidence of phone falls should also be a serious motive for a deeper study of the insides of the device. At this stage, from the point of view of checking the functionality, special attention should be paid to the screen. Its sensor must respond tothe slightest touch within the limits of sensitivity. It is advisable to make such a check during several games, which will make it possible to evaluate both the reaction and the performance of the coating on different parts of the screen.
Signs of differences from the original
You need to start checking for the authenticity of a copy by verifying the serial number. In the smartphone itself, through the settings, go to the "About this device" section and write out the serial number. It is checked against the information on the official website of the manufacturer. Next, you can move on to the design features. So, in questions about whether it is worth buying a used iPhone 6, smartphone lovers are often confused by the fact that its case bends. This is a completely normal property of this model, which just indicates the authenticity of the instance. Another thing is that this is only one of the signs of the original. For example, in real iPhones, the battery, even under high load, is able to maintain energy potential for 1.5-2 days.
Also, the following small details will tell about the authenticity of the device:
- The back cover cannot be removed - it can only be unscrewed with a special screwdriver.
- All technical and marking inscriptions are displayed clearly and without errors.
- The iPhone manufacturer's signature, model number, and certification mark must be present.
- All iPhones lack an external antenna.
It is also important to take into account the fact that up to the latest modifications of X, all modelssupported the ability to use only one SIM card at a time. In other words, devices 7 and 8 in all versions, in principle, do not have two slots for SIM cards. At the same time, they are the most in demand today.
But is it worth buying a used iPhone 7 if there is also a more technologically advanced iPhone 7 on the secondary market and two-SIM devices will soon appear? With all the advantages of more recent models in the form of an improved processor, wireless charging and additional services, the "seven" retains the basic set of the most successful Apple solutions. As for the used version, it is worth buying, if only because of the more attractive price compared to new generations of the smartphone.
Checking identification systems
Perhaps the most difficult and responsible part of testing any iPhone. First of all, through the iCloud settings and the Find my phone function, the AppleID and the password field are checked. This feature must be disabled. The next step is to test the operation of the lock through the Touch ID system.
In this part, it should be noted that since version 6s, this security option has been implemented on a new level with support for the ability to make purchases on the Internet from a Mac computer. First you need to install your own fingerprints through the settings, and then secure them with a password. The device must be unlocked immediately after swiping the sensor.
Should I buy a used iPhone 6s if TouchID doesn't work? On the one hand, the refusal of such a purchase willjustified if the fingerprint sensor. as such, matters as a practical function. But if it is not necessary, then this malfunction can only be an additional reason for a discount. Moreover, a significant discount, since the new user will not be limited to one replacement of the sensor if they want to restore Touch ID. You will need to update the entire motherboard of the smartphone.
Checking connection
Of course, you can't do without testing the basic capabilities of the iPhone as a phone. Using your SIM card and a second smartphone, you should check the sending of messages and the quality of calls. Audibility is checked both with and without headphones - including with hands-free mode.
At the same stage, it should be taken into account that the smartphone may have restrictions on the use of the services of certain operators. Configurations can be different, both with system bans for a specific instance, and with the device being blacklisted.
Should I buy an iPhone from my hands if it is locked to one operator, for example? Of course, this is a big drawback, as it limits the future possibilities for communication. But if there are alternative means of communication and if the operator open for use suits, then this nuance can be put up with. Moreover, even such a restriction will provide a significant reduction in the cost of the device.
Sensor testing
Among the main sensitive detectors, wireless communications are being checked(Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), accelerometer, GPS and Glonass. It is important to evaluate the correct operation of the sensors, since even in good condition they can function with failures, violations of settings, etc.
Should I buy a used iPhone with similar defects? Much will depend on the degree of violation, but the problem is that many communication capabilities and overall ergonomics depend on such detectors.
High load testing
Check the performance of the device at peak load should be using resource-intensive applications. Moreover, it is desirable to run diverse programs and functions that involve unrelated device modules. Based on the test results, a conclusion is made about whether it is worth buying a used iPhone with specific performance indicators.
It should be understood that it will not be possible to radically improve these data, therefore, the actual power with heating indicators should be considered as a constant. The sign that stops you from buying should be the incorrect behavior of the smartphone in conditions of high workload. For example, arbitrarily shutting down applications or completely turning off the device.
Pros and cons of buying a used iPhone
If not the only reason, then the main motive for buying a used smartphone is the low price. Thus, you can save 50-70%, which makes many turn to the secondary equipment market. But is it worth buying a second-hand iPhone, given its external deterioration and a certain “mileage” of the technic altoppings? This is the nuance of this decision. In any case, the resource of the device will be reduced, and in the coming months, problems may be discovered that, in principle, cannot be detected during inspection.
Conclusion
Buying used equipment is often justified by the tasks that the future owner plans to solve. If we are talking purely about utilitarian tasks, then it is quite possible to limit ourselves to early models of a smartphone if their functionality and performance are sufficient. Another thing, is it worth buying a used iPhone 7 and newer versions from your hands? Still, it concerns a premium brand, the value of whose products is exclusive. But even from this point of view, the issue of financial feasibility does not go away, which remains relevant even when buying fashion high-tech phones.
