Issues With the Screen of the Second-Hand Phone
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone but you can’t afford to pay top dollar, buying second hand could be a good option. But, as with everything, there are some issues you should be aware of before you make your purchase.
The majority of issues with 2nd hand phone (and most new ones too) are caused by physical damage to the phone, and this is especially true for the screen. Whether it’s from a major drop or fall, liquid damage, or even the slow build up of small knocks and bumps over time; if there is any sort of physical damage to the display it will most likely need replacing.
Screen burn-in is also common in many older smartphones and, like most of the issues on this list, it is avoidable through responsible use. This includes using a screen saver or automatic screen timeout and not leaving the brightness set to full. However, some of these features may not be available on certain versions of Android, and you should ask the seller about this before you buy.
Are There Any Issues With the Screen of the Second-Hand Phone?
You should always check the condition of a used phone before you purchase it, and this is particularly important if you’re buying from a private seller. Private sellers are not bound by the same legal protections as businesses, so you will need to be vigilant when looking at photos and examining the phone yourself. Inspect it in person as much as possible, look out for a return policy and warranty, and be sure to pay by card for added security.
Another thing to check is the battery health. It is very easy for a used battery to wear out after a lot of charging cycles and you should expect it to lose charge faster than a new one. Make sure to look at the number of cycles, and if you can’t find any information about this ask the seller to provide this for you. It’s also worth checking that the charging port works and the buttons don’t have any signs of wear and tear.
You won’t be able to inspect the inside of a phone, or test the software, when you buy it second-hand. However, it’s worth asking about the history of the phone; how long the seller has had it, if there have been any repairs to it and what type of repair they were. If the phone has had too many repairs it will probably be a poor investment, and you should be more cautious about buying it.
If you’re looking to buy a second-hand phone, we recommend shopping with a retailer that sells certified pre-owned devices. These are inspected and repaired by professionals, and typically come with a warranty that covers cracked screens and other hardware faults. They’re also often eligible for Total Mobile Protection, which starts at just $12 a month and offers same-day device replacement and setup, unlimited cracked screen repair, and battery replacement.