Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Does anyone else buy their phones used?
- Thread starter xxray
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
valinda
macrumors 65816
I have bought a few phones from swappa. I don't have a problem buying used..You can wipe them down with anti bacterial wipes.
If I did purchase a used iPhone, I would consider Swappa over eBay.
KingslayerG5
Suspended
Watching iPhone factory videos and ones that get refurbished is really quite fascinating. You realize a bunch of people are touching your phone before it even enters the box.
Think of it like eating at restaurants. You don't know what kind of bad hygiene people have who are cooking the food for you. But you eat it anyway. You don't think about it. That's new vs used. People are touching it all the time before it gets to you.
Think of it like eating at restaurants. You don't know what kind of bad hygiene people have who are cooking the food for you. But you eat it anyway. You don't think about it. That's new vs used. People are touching it all the time before it gets to you.
I usually don’t buy used, but when I do, it’s not biological material deposits on shell im concerned about.
I’ve worked on phones before, and without knowing the history of the phone, there is always the possibility someone may have a cheap replacement screen or part installed. I have to have stock because there really is no better quality.
The one time I did buy used, it was an original iPhone, with a crack on the glass above the screen. Otherwise in great condition. Seller promised it was in stock condition, just battery issue. I sent it in to Apple for battery replacement, and was returned a pristine refurb, wrapped in plastic - practically brand new. The phone cost me about $60 on eBay, another $88 for battery replacement...was surprised Apple overlooked the cracked glass as I was willing to pay the $150 replacement cost. Got it unlocked through AT&T, never powered it on beyond Apple screen. Sold it on eBay for $300 to someone in Canada, and they were able to use. Wished I had kept it, but found no practical use for it...this was just a few months before Apple classified it as an obsolete model.
I’ve worked on phones before, and without knowing the history of the phone, there is always the possibility someone may have a cheap replacement screen or part installed. I have to have stock because there really is no better quality.
The one time I did buy used, it was an original iPhone, with a crack on the glass above the screen. Otherwise in great condition. Seller promised it was in stock condition, just battery issue. I sent it in to Apple for battery replacement, and was returned a pristine refurb, wrapped in plastic - practically brand new. The phone cost me about $60 on eBay, another $88 for battery replacement...was surprised Apple overlooked the cracked glass as I was willing to pay the $150 replacement cost. Got it unlocked through AT&T, never powered it on beyond Apple screen. Sold it on eBay for $300 to someone in Canada, and they were able to use. Wished I had kept it, but found no practical use for it...this was just a few months before Apple classified it as an obsolete model.
sdwaltz
macrumors 65816
I used to do it exclusively. Never ever had a single problem. The only reason I don't now is because I did that in college so I was on a tighter budget than I am now.
The key is making sure you get pictures of the phone, all around, from every angle before you even meet up...even if you have to be a dick about it. Additionally, require proof that the phone has been paid off and check in the sim tray to see if the water damage sensors have been tripped.
iPhones are super durable and as long as they haven't been abused they'll last for a very very long time. Typically, signs of abuse are clear and you have to be somewhat picky when you're combing through Craigslist (or whatever) ads.
The key is making sure you get pictures of the phone, all around, from every angle before you even meet up...even if you have to be a dick about it. Additionally, require proof that the phone has been paid off and check in the sim tray to see if the water damage sensors have been tripped.
iPhones are super durable and as long as they haven't been abused they'll last for a very very long time. Typically, signs of abuse are clear and you have to be somewhat picky when you're combing through Craigslist (or whatever) ads.