What to check when buying a 2nd hand iPhone?

[terrythomas]

All I know is to check it’s unlocked and I’m not even sure how I do that!

I’m currently struggling on an iphone6 and nothing’s working anymore, time to upgrade.

I want to get at least an 11 I think so I don’t have to renew again for a while but they’re not cheap so I need to make sure I know what to look out for.

Any help gratefully received

 

[8ball]

Could get an SE2020 if it's processor longevity that you are concerned about.

 

[terrythomas]

Could get an SE2020 if it's processor longevity that you are concerned about.

Not sure how old that is but I need something newish for the operating system as my apps are stopping working and I use them for work

 

[8ball]

Not sure how old that is but I need something newish for the operating system as my apps are stopping working and I use them for work

Clue is in the 2020.

It's the second iteration of the "small edition" (SE) that came out Summer 2020.
Mine is still zippy as hell, and they're a lot cheaper than most IPhones (think mine was £369 when it came out - still something like that, but I can see refurbished ones for £160 upward).

 

[terrythomas]

Good clue

 

[terrythomas]

The question is what do I need to check when buying a phone from someone else?

 

[8ball]

The question is what do I need to check when buying a phone from someone else?

I'd buy new or reconditioned from a trusted source, myself.
Or from someone you trust.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

I'd buy new or reconditioned from a trusted source, myself.
Or from someone you trust.

^^^ this ^^^

 

[terrythomas]

^^^ this ^^^

Interested to know why, what could go wrong?

 

[A380]

Presumably as long as the screen is working and apps seem to work, which you can check by using, the main issue is going to be battery life? And unless you have it in test for a while, you are going to have to take that on trust. I suppose you could get an intermittent fault with the hardware but that doesn’t seem that likely compared to a compromised battery?

 

[8ball]

Yeah, that's the most likely thing. Also buying from licensed vendors means certain guarantees etc.

 

[terrythomas]

someone told me newer phones have a way of displaying what the battery health is like

 

[UnderOpenSky]

someone told me newer phones have a way of displaying what the battery health is like

Check the iPhone battery health and usage

Learn how to check the health and usage of your iPhone battery so you can get the most out of it.

support.apple.com

But if your buying 2020 or newer I'd expect it to be ok. I passed on my 3 year old Huawei to my partner and the battery still does all day. There's been a fair bit of improvement on this front.

Looks like if you need it changed down the line it can be done.

iPhone Battery Replacement – Apple Support (UK)

Need more power? An Apple Store or Authorised Service Provider near you can replace your iPhone battery. See the associated cost by coverage type.

support.apple.com

 

[skyscraper101]

I changed the battery on my 11 recently for around £50. You can just do it at one of those iSmash places or most phone repair places (or Apple themselves for more ££)

I can also vouch for the SE 2020, they’re really nice and zippy and still have the home button if you prefer this (many do) instead of Face ID unlock.

 

[Elpenor]

I had an SE original and now an SE2022 and for me this is a good Apple product and will last several years

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Interested to know why, what could go wrong?

Just less likelihood of post-purchase aggro is my view on this - dunno about 8ball 's view.

e2a: Ahh >>

Yeah, that's the most likely thing. Also buying from licensed vendors means certain guarantees etc.

I like having a warranty or someone I can quickly go back to should I need to - personal preference I suppose. I'd much rather buy a used phone from CEX than from an individual on eBay, for example.

 

[dessiato]

I don't know if it's the same in the UK, but in Spain the equivalent of Carphone Wharehouse sells refurbished phones. They give warranties etc as if the phones are new. Perhaps they're worth trying.

 

[editor]

Check the iPhone battery health and usage

Learn how to check the health and usage of your iPhone battery so you can get the most out of it.

support.apple.com

But if your buying 2020 or newer I'd expect it to be ok. I passed on my 3 year old Huawei to my partner and the battery still does all day. There's been a fair bit of improvement on this front.

Looks like if you need it changed down the line it can be done.

iPhone Battery Replacement – Apple Support (UK)

Need more power? An Apple Store or Authorised Service Provider near you can replace your iPhone battery. See the associated cost by coverage type.

support.apple.com

The Huawei battery is positively supernatural in its powers!

If i was buying a secondhand phone I'd get it from Back Market.

 

[terrythomas]

The Huawei battery is positively supernatural in its powers!

If i was buying a secondhand phone I'd get it from Back Market.

Just checked out Back Market, they look good, thanks.

 

[8ball]

Not heard of Back Market, but am looking for a laptop at the moment…

 

[UrbaneFox]

All I know is to check it’s unlocked and I’m not even sure how I do that!

I’m currently struggling on an iphone6 and nothing’s working anymore, time to upgrade.

I want to get at least an 11 I think so I don’t have to renew again for a while but they’re not cheap so I need to make sure I know what to look out for.

Any help gratefully received

I'm in the same position with an iphone6 which was second hand when I bought it.

I've just looked at Back Market. What did you get?