Advice for Purchasing a Second-Hand Mobile Phone
Purchasing a secondhand phone is one effective way of owning the latest technology and snazzy new models without parting with huge sums of cash. Before you cash in on a bargain secondhand mobile phone there are a few things to factor in and check to avoid disappointment.
Warranty
In most cases, second hand phone are past their warranties, yet still perform perfectly. Their previous owners might have sold them only when buying a new model, not because there was anything fundamentally wrong with them. Even getting a valid warranty with your purchase does not necessarily mean that you'll be able to get warranty coverage as the warranty is usually associated with the registered name of the original owner. Once you buy it, it’s yours for better or for worse. Try to ascertain that the phone is legitimate, as a stolen phone blocked electronically by the GSM network's "EIR" anti-theft system might render your phone an expensive paperweight.
Battery
The battery supplied with your second hand phone might produce standby and talk times vastly lower than that specified by the manufacturer. That’s because over time, the chemicals that comprise a cellphone battery might become somewhat depleted and so lose their efficiancy. The problem is easily solved though by purchasing a new battery. Don’t get a fright if you find that the replacement battery costs more than the phone. Networks will heavily subsidise the original cost of the mobile phone as a means of gaining a long term contract.
Damage
A mobile phone is going to take a few knocks - and survive. While most cellphone manufactures design their phones to withstand such ignominies, other cellphones aren’t that robust and can malfunction after too many drops. Antenna’s usually take the brunt. Our advice is that you always do a quick check of the exterior of your prospective cellphone before a quick purchase - even make a call if possible.
Get a SIM
To get connected, you’ll need a SIM card. When buying a brand new (heavily subsidised) cellphone, invariably you’ll have to purchase a 24 month package to take advantage of the subsidy. With a second hand phone however, you have more connectivity choices. Firstly, you can choose which air time package you think will suit you and the length of time you would like the contract to run or opt for a pre-paid system.
Warranty
In most cases, second hand phone are past their warranties, yet still perform perfectly. Their previous owners might have sold them only when buying a new model, not because there was anything fundamentally wrong with them. Even getting a valid warranty with your purchase does not necessarily mean that you'll be able to get warranty coverage as the warranty is usually associated with the registered name of the original owner. Once you buy it, it’s yours for better or for worse. Try to ascertain that the phone is legitimate, as a stolen phone blocked electronically by the GSM network's "EIR" anti-theft system might render your phone an expensive paperweight.
Battery
The battery supplied with your second hand phone might produce standby and talk times vastly lower than that specified by the manufacturer. That’s because over time, the chemicals that comprise a cellphone battery might become somewhat depleted and so lose their efficiancy. The problem is easily solved though by purchasing a new battery. Don’t get a fright if you find that the replacement battery costs more than the phone. Networks will heavily subsidise the original cost of the mobile phone as a means of gaining a long term contract.
Damage
A mobile phone is going to take a few knocks - and survive. While most cellphone manufactures design their phones to withstand such ignominies, other cellphones aren’t that robust and can malfunction after too many drops. Antenna’s usually take the brunt. Our advice is that you always do a quick check of the exterior of your prospective cellphone before a quick purchase - even make a call if possible.
Get a SIM
To get connected, you’ll need a SIM card. When buying a brand new (heavily subsidised) cellphone, invariably you’ll have to purchase a 24 month package to take advantage of the subsidy. With a second hand phone however, you have more connectivity choices. Firstly, you can choose which air time package you think will suit you and the length of time you would like the contract to run or opt for a pre-paid system.
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