Are you in the market for a new iPhone? If so, you may consider an iPhone trade in. What is iPhone trade in, you may ask? Well, iPhone trade in is when you sell an old phone to cover the cost of a new one. When buying a ‘new’ phone, you can consider buying a used or refurbished iPhone.
A used model is a better choice for many people because it is more affordable than a new one while offering almost the same features and performance as the latest one.
But before you hand over your hard-earned cash for trade in iPhone, there are some things you need to check. Here are seven tips that will help you make sure you get the most for your money.
Check the Condition of the iPhone
The first thing you need to do is take a close look at the iPhone itself. Check for any physical damage, such as cracks, scratches, or dents. For instance, if the screen is cracked, it will need to be replaced. This will add to the repair and overall cost of the phone. Also, ensure all the buttons are working, and there is no water damage.
If there are any signs of physical damage to a phone, look for other options when you trade in your iPhone. Alternatively, if the damage is bearable, such as minor scratches on the phone’s body, you can ask the seller to lower the phone’s price further.
Check the Storage Capacity
Another critical thing to check is the storage capacity. The iPhone comes in different sizes, so make sure you know how much storage you need. Go to Settings and then General to see how much space is available.
You can choose among the 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and other storage options based on the models. We recommend buying an iPhone with a minimum of 128GB of storage because it will give you enough space to store your photos, videos, and other data that accumulate over time.
The iPhone 11 is an excellent choice for buying a used iPhone regarding storage capabilities. For example, the 128GB refurbished iPhone 11 costs around $200, whereas the 128GB iPhone 14 costs $799. The price of the iPhone 14 is four times of a refurbished iPhone 11 for the same storage capacity. Thus, we recommend you buy a used iPhone 11.
Check the Battery Life
One of the most important things to check on a used iPhone is its battery life. The battery replacement cost is very high with the iPhone. So if it is bad, you will have to shell out fifty dollars upwards to replace it.
To check the phone’s battery life, go to Settings and then Battery. Next, head to the Battery Health section. Here you will see the battery’s maximum capacity. If it is low, then the battery won’t charge to its total capacity.
Generally, you will find phones with less than 100% capacity. You can buy a phone with a maximum battery capacity of 70-100%. If it is less than that, we recommend you consider another model.
Check for Any Activation Lock
An Activation-locked iPhone means the phone is still linked to someone else’s iCloud account. This can be a problem if you try to reset the phone or update the iOS because it will ask for the previous owner’s password.
Thus, if the iPhone is locked to iCloud, you will not be able to use it unless you have the login information for the previous owner. To check for this, go to Settings and then iCloud. If there is an iCloud lock, you will see a message saying so.
If you find an Activation-locked phone, don’t buy it. You won’t be able to use it, and it’s probably stolen. Buying such phones can land you in legal trouble.
Check the Carrier
If you are buying an iPhone that is not carrier-unlocked, you must ensure it is compatible with your carrier. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it with your carrier. To check this, go to Settings and then Cellular.
If you see a message saying “No service,” it means that the iPhone is incompatible with your carrier. Alternatively, you can also check the back of the iPhone, where it will say which carrier the phone is compatible with.
We recommend that when you trade in your iPhone, choose a carrier-unlocked phone to use it with a carrier of your choice.
Check for a Warranty
When you buy a used iPhone, it will not come with a warranty from Apple. However, the previous owner may have purchased an extended warranty that is still valid. To check for this, go to Settings and then General. Here you will see if there is an active AppleCare plan.
If you don’t have an AppleCare plan, you can still purchase one from Apple. However, it will be more expensive than if you had bought it when the original owner first got the iPhone.
Alternatively, you can ask the refurbished phone seller to provide a warranty from their end on the phone. If they do not offer a warranty, ensure they offer returns on the phones (Most sellers provide a 30-day return policy). In this case, you can return the phone and get your money back for up to 30 days from the date of purchase if you have any problem with your phone.
Check the Price
Finally, you must ensure you get a good deal on the used iPhone. Prices can vary depending on the model and condition of the phone. Compare prices from different sellers and ensure you get the best price possible for your chosen model.
The prices of the refurbished iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, and Pro Max) range from $200 – $400. Similarly, the refurbished iPhone 12 series can cost you $400 – $600. Make sure that you find a phone in a similar price range.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you learn what to look for when buying a used iPhone. Remember to check the phone’s condition, price, storage capacity, and more before purchasing to know you’re getting a good deal on a quality product.
