With the highly anticipated release of the iPhone 6 earlier today, there very well could be an influx of used smartphones. Because of this, it may be a good time to start looking at used smartphones if you’re in the market for one.
There’s a good chance that used smartphones will be flooding the market in the coming days. New iPhone 6 owners will be looking to offload their old devices, so you may be able to find some pretty good deals. Everything from used Androids to used iPhones should be available.
If you’re looking for a new phone for yourself but you’re on a budget, a used smartphone may be the way to go. You may not end up with the latest and greatest technology, but in many cases, used smartphones are just as good as brand new devices.
Where to Find Used Smartphones
Finding used smartphones shouldn’t be difficult at all. There are a number of places you can look. Here are just a few ideas…
- Friends and family. Some of your friends or family members may have old used smartphones that they don’t use anymore, especially if they couldn’t wait to get their hands on the iPhone 6. Ask around to see if anyone would be willing to sell you their old phones.
- Local classifieds. Most areas have classified ads for people to buy and sell used items. You can also check local online classified ad websites, like Craigslist.org. If you decide to meet someone to buy a used phone, though, be sure to follow safety precautions.
- Amazon. You can find just about anything on Amazon, including used smartphones.
- Auction sites. Probably the most popular auction site is eBay. I’ve actually found several great deals on used smartphones on eBay. If you don’t want to deal with the bidding, you can search for “Buy it Now” items.
- Used cellphone websites. Swappa.com is one of the most popular website to buy used smartphones from. However, Glyde.com also deals in used cell phones and also offers used smartphones to Ting users.
What to Look For in used Smartphones
Finding used smartphones is the easy part. Making sure you don’t get a lemon is a whole ‘nother thing!
Here are a few things to look for when you buy a used smartphone…
- Carrier. Will you be keeping your current carrier or switching? Either way, you’ll need to be sure that the cell phone you buy can be activated on your cell provider’s network. Verizon phones can be activated on Verizon accounts, for instance, but can’t be activated on Sprint accounts. Unlocked smartphones, however, can be activated on any network that is compatible with the phone’s wireless technology.
- Clean ESN. The Electronic Serial Number (ESN) of a used smartphone must be “clear” or “clean” in order to be activated. Phones with bad ESN’s can’t be activated, usually because the previous owner didn’t pay their bill or the phone was reported stolen.
- Condition. The condition of used smartphones can vary greatly. You most likely want to get a used phone that’s in good condition. Keep in mind, though, that some smartphones can be repaired, as long as you have experience in working on electronics. You may be able to get an amazing deal on a used smartphone that requires a few minor repairs.
- Operating system. Are you looking for an Android phone or an iPhone? Used iPhones will usually be more expensive than used Android phones, but they also have several advantages. If you’re unsure about which mobile operating system you want, make sure you do a little research before making a purchase.
- Returns. Buying used smartphones can be a gamble. Make sure that the seller allows returns in case there’s a problem with the new-to-you smartphone.
