With the decline of smartphone sales in UK, and reduction in cutting-edge technology advancements between models each year, many consumers have now turned their back on the conventional smartphone upgrade cycle. If you check prices of modern smartphones phones, it won’t be harder to figure out reason for this move.

However, some of the trendy phone models cost higher, around £1,000, but the question is, why pay for a new device that can’t be sure of providing all advantages over your current smartphone, agree?

Here buying second-hand phones makes a perfect option, but it’s must to get insight into the usefulness of second-hand phones, are even worth buying, and secure or not, so let’s proceed to the further discussion below;

Are Second-hand Phones Secure?

Security is the key factor to look prior buying a used mobile phone. If a phone isn’t active enough to receive security updates, then it is prone to attacked by hackers.

Let’s take an example of an iPhone, which tends to receive security updates from a manufacturer for 5-6 years after launch. Whereas, Android phones receive updates for 2-3 years, apart from certain exceptions.

Some people confuse second-hand mobile phones with refurbished phones, assuming both are the same. No, there’s the difference between both;

Difference Between Used & Refurbished Smartphone

Refurbished Smartphones

The restored mobiles are directly sold from a manufacturer, vendor, or reseller. And, the prices will be higher than the second-hand market, since professionals check phones to ensure their condition and smooth functionality.

Used / Second-hand

The second-hand phones are used once, then sold in the market for a better sale, and purchasing new one. This means it can also be purchased from the previous owner directly.

The warranty is often about to expire or already expired since there’s no chance of renewal when a phone is exchanged by the owner directly. Now, another possible concern could be;

Do Handset Grades Are Applied on Second-hand or Refurbished Phones?

Few sellers of used smartphones use a grading system to let buyers know what level of quality they expect from smartphones.

Grade A

A grade mobile comes in the best physical condition, without scratches, scuffs, or marks on the outer case. It comes in its original box and usually with all of its original accessories. It’s almost buying brand new, and thus supplied in the relevant price of a new one.

Grade B

The B-grade mobile phone seems prominently used outside, but there’s no crack on the screen, nor it has any broken buttons. Yet, it comes in its original box and possibly has original accessories with it.

It usually costs between £10 and £30, inexpensive than A Grade handset of the same smartphone.

Grade C

This model is a bit heavier than Grade B unit, yet satisfactory in complete working order. You probably won’t get it in the first box, and it potentially will not have it’s going with extras by the same token.

It will presumably be valued somewhere in the range of £10 and £30 less expensive than a Grade B adaptation of a similar gadget.

Where can I buy a Used Mobile in UK?

There’s not one or two, but plenty of suppliers in the UK who provide trendy smartphones with the best quality and price. Depending on your convenience, now many online retailers have even the best ones in various budget limits, such as; Mobile Direct.

Well, some places to look for the best purchase includes;

• Amazon
• Carphone Warehouse
• eBay
• Mobile Direct
• Samsung Outlet

What could be the consequences of buying second-hand mobile phones? Let’s get a look;

Possible Cons of Used/Second Hand Phones

 Apart from security as a highlighting issue in used smartphones, some other problems can be;

Poor battery life – Since second-hand phones are often refurbished with a new battery, so it can’t be promised to get a long-lasting battery, though if it’s in good working order.

Faulty charging port – There aren’t numerous wear marks on a cell phone; however, the charging port is regularly quick to go. Thus, it would be normal to encounter an iffy connection.

Missing accessories – Always check and ensure you get a used smartphone will all complete accessories. The frequent missing accessories are; power adaptor and any other accessory that usually comes in box-like; headphones.

 I hope you learn all aspects of a used smartphone, move smart, buy smart!