With smartphone prices expected to soar this year due to high RAM costs, many South Africans may consider buying a second-hand or refurbished device rather than a new one. A preloved device can offer you solid performance and a long lifespan at a lower cost than a brand-new device. It is better for the environment, too.
But buying a used smartphone also comes with its share of risks. Whether you’re shopping from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Cash Crusaders or through a refurbisher, knowing what to look out for can save you from making an expensive mistake.
TCL offers a buying guide for South Africans who are thinking about getting a second-hand phone.
1. Refurbished versus second-hand
If you’re not buying new, you have two choices. You can buy an as-is second-hand device from a private seller or a retailer, or you can get a refurbished smartphone from a specialist. A refurbished device will typically be tested, cleaned, repaired if needed and sold with a warranty or return window.
A second-hand device will usually be sold at the buyer’s risk. It will be cheaper to buy than a refurbished device, but you will have fewer protections. There is no guarantee the phone was legally obtained or even works properly. If something goes wrong after the sale, you will probably not be able to get your money back.
2. Staying safe when buying second-hand
If you are a buying a second-hand phone from an individual seller on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, you should follow the usual commonsense safety steps. Ask to meet in a public place such as a shopping centre or coffee shop rather than at your or their home. If you can, use an electronic payment method rather than cash because it creates a transaction record. Also, take your time testing the device and do not feel pressured to rush the deal.
3. Inspect the physical condition
The first thing to do when evaluating a device is to look at it closely. Check the screen for cracks, dead pixels, or discolouration. Test the buttons to make sure they respond properly. Look for signs of water damage, such as corrosion in ports or fogging in camera lenses. Also plug in a charger to ensure it fits snugly into the charging port.
4. Make sure the phone is not stolen
When shopping on social media or a classifieds platform, there is a danger of accidentally buying a stolen phone. Ask the seller for their proof of purchase if they still have it. Insert your own SIM card and confirm the phone connects to your mobile network. If it does not, it may be blacklisted and unusable on local networks or it may be network locked.
5. Test battery health and charging
Poor battery life due to natural degradation is a common issue in older smartphones. Ask to test how quickly the phone charges and whether the battery drains unusually fast during normal use. If possible, use a battery health app to measure real battery capacity and diagnose the battery’s overall condition.
6. Confirm software and update support
Check which Android version the phone is running and whether it still receives security updates. Older devices that no longer get updates may expose you to security risks or compatibility issues with newer apps.
7. Test key features
Open the camera app and test the front and rear cameras. Play audio to check the speakers and make a test call to verify the microphone. Test components like fingerprint readers, face unlocking, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and earphone jacks to identify any deal-breaking issues.
8. Factory reset and Google lock
Before paying, ensure the phone has been factory reset and is not locked to the previous owner’s Google account. If Factory Reset Protection is still active, you will not be able to use the device at all.
9. Check warranty or returns
If you’re buying a refurbished smartphone, review the seller’s warranty and return policy carefully. Even a short return window offers you peace of mind if a fault appears after you have paid for the phone.
About TCL Mobile
TCL Mobile specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of smartphones, tablets and connected devices. On a mission to deliver 5G for all, TCL Mobile helps its customers ‘Inspire Greatness’ in their lives through industry leading technology and solutions.
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