Before Buying a Used iPhone in Nigeria, Consider These Factors.
iPhones are very expensive and with the rate at which new products are being churned out regularly, it is hard to keep up with the updates without a heavy bank account. But do we have to break the bank before owning an iPhone product that we desire? Surely not. And that's why many opt-in for the used products. Luckily, used gadgets have high resale value and so, you don't have to worry much about not getting enough value when you get a used iPhone. However, we cannot also deny that getting a used iPhone is a lot trickier than getting a new one. This is not to discourage you because it is not an impossible situation, it is simply a situation of knowing what to look out for before buying. And that's what we are here for, to show you factors to consider before buying a used iPhone in Nigeria.
Your Need
While you are less likely to be overwhelmed with options when you are buying an iPhone than when you are buying a phone, there are still different models of iPhone that can get you confused. So, the first thing to consider is your need. What do you need the phone for? Having an answer to this will help you make an informed decision based on the specs of the iPhone. Search online for the specs of the different models to see which best suits you.
The Price
Need and price should go hand in hand. Yes, it is a used phone, but it is still an iPhone and some are still quite pricey, even for a used phone. So while considering your need, make sure to also look at the price. The idea of buying a used phone in the first place is so as not to break the bank. But if you have to empty your savings, then the purpose of buying a used phone is defeated. Make sure to find a way your need and what you can afford can align properly.
The Dealer
The reason to make sure the dealer is authentic abounds; you don't want to end up with a stolen phone that will put you in trouble with the law, and you don't want to end up with a locked phone because the owner has locked it and made it unusable. This is why it is advisable to buy from registered dealers. Buying from unverified dealers might be dangerous, so it might be better to avoid them.
IMEI
No matter how certain one is about the dealers, we can still fall into the hands of the wrong ones. So, to be perfectly certain, you should check the IMEI of the phone. The IMEI is like the personal identification number of the phone. Ask the seller for it but reconfirm by checking the phone (usually on the outer part of the phone or near the battery area) and also dialling *#06#; both checks are important. Then use online IMEI checkers to check if the phone has been reported stolen.
Damages
This is quite obvious but you might miss certain things if you don't look out for them. Check the screen as well as the body for any cracks or spills. Check the charger and earpiece as well as their ports, the connectivity, the speaker, the microphone, keypad, camera and everything necessary. You should also test the phone by inserting a SIM card to see if it's working properly. Test everything and don't leave any stone unturned.
Network Carrier
Some iPhones are locked to a certain network carrier and if you want to use a different network carrier, it will be unusable. So, it is important to confirm that the iPhone is unlocked and is compatible with your network.
Warranty
Getting a warranty for a used phone is rare but not impossible. So, there is no harm in asking about a warranty or their return policy, and even if they don't have one, you can always work out a deal for yourself.
Buying a used iPhone entails being at alert, so you don't end up getting frustrated. These tips will help you make an informed decision. But beyond this, sometimes, the only tip you need is your guts. If you feel strongly against buying a phone, maybe you shouldn't and if you feel strongly about checking anything – no matter how trivial – don't ignore it.
