Buying a new smartphone is better, but it often comes with a high cost. It's no secret that smartphone prices are constantly rising. Since 2019, flagships costing over $1000 have become the norm.

As such, to get better value for your money, buying a used device might be the better choice. However, what should you consider when purchasing a used Android smartphone? Here are some tips to help you make a better decision.

1. Is It Refurbished or Used?

When you're in the market for a second-hand Android phone, you'll bump into two essential flavors: refurbished and used.

Refurbished smartphones have been renewed by the manufacturer, making them look and feel as good as new. Refurbished phones tend to include a warranty, so you're sure that if anything goes wrong, you're covered.

On the other hand, used Android phones are those that come straight from someone's pocket. They are usually cheaper than refurbished ones but can have defects and have a higher risk of malfunctioning.

2. Physical Condition

Samsung Galaxy A52 in hand

The first thing you should consider when buying a used smartphone is the physical condition. This should give you a clear picture of how the device was being handled.

Look out for scratches and dents on the front and back, and check if the buttons are still sturdy and responsive. Ports are also a common point of failure, so examine them closely as well. Any discoloration is an indicator of liquid damage.

Check the camera lenses for signs of scratches or cracks, and be sure to test the camera by snapping an image or two. Additionally, test the microphone, speakers, and screen to ensure everything is working fine.

The physical condition should give you a good idea of what to expect, so take your time to examine the phone in detail.

3. Battery

The battery is a critical component on any smartphone and is often one of the most affected after a period of use. The major concern while buying a used smartphone is the battery's health. It's easier to check an iPhone's battery health, but on Android, you'll have to seek help from third-party apps.

Check out our article on how to check the battery health of an Android phone for more details.

When it comes to battery health, the higher the percentage, the better. Shooting for at least 90% is okay, which should give you some reasonable screen time.

However, don't set your expectations too high when it comes to battery health. Not many people know how to take good care of a smartphone's battery for longevity.

Related: Why Do Phones Have Such Short Battery Life?

4. Proof of Purchase

An important thing to check when buying any used item, whether it's an electronic device or not, is proof of purchase. Ask the seller for the original receipt to ascertain if they are the legitimate owner of the device. This will help you avoid buying a stolen device, which can have severe repercussions.

You will also know if the device is still under warranty and if the seller is the first owner. You'll also tell how long the seller has used the device.

Used devices are often out of warranty. It's your personal decision to decide if it's okay to buy a phone without any protection if it goes wrong.

A warranty usually comes in handy when you want your device repaired. For instance, screen replacements are more expensive if your device is out of warranty.

5. Date of Release

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Buying a used smartphone doesn't mean buying an old and outdated device. That's why you need to check for the device's date of release.

The release date has significance if you want a phone that the manufacturer still supports. Unlike iPhones, Android devices are not supported for a long time after the release date. As such, you should avoid buying a device that's more than two years old.

Buying a device a year or less after release is the sweet spot since it will probably still be eligible for Android OS and security updates.

Related: Are Used Smartphones Worth It?

6. Return Policy

Used smartphones come with their own risk. The device may be susceptible to failure, and you wouldn't know. That's where the return policy comes in handy. Be sure to inquire whether you can return the device in case of failure or other malfunctions that you didn't see coming.

The return policy acts as a warranty in case the device fails. Unlike buying new, used devices have shorter return periods. For safety, the return policy shouldn't be anything less than two weeks.

7. Compatibility With Your Carrier

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You should only purchase a device that's compatible with your carrier. Some used Android phones are locked to specific carriers while others are unlocked.

Look for a device that's either unlocked, or locked but compatible with your carrier. However, we advise going for unlocked devices as they offer you the freedom to switch carriers whenever you want.

Keep in mind that not all unlocked phones will work across every network. Some only support GSM or CDMA networks, but some are compatible with both. Be sure to confirm this before making a purchase.

8. Ask for the Original Accessories

Original accessories are always better than third-party alternatives. When buying a used Android phone, ensure that you inquire about the original power brick and data cable. If the two are unavailable, and you're sure the device shipped with the accessories, you should try to negotiate the selling price to cover the cost of acquiring both.

9. Price

Prices of used Android smartphones usually depend on a variety of factors. These include the physical condition of the device, release date, and more. There isn't a single guideline on used Android smartphone prices so check across various websites that sell used phones to get an idea of the going rate.

You can check websites like Swappa and eBay, among others, to gauge the price range. To get the best price, you should time your purchase. The best time to buy a used device is when its successor comes out.

Know What to Look for When Buying Used Android Smartphones

Buying a used Android smartphone can be stressful given all the different factors that you need to consider. Going through the above tips can help you make your purchase well and get the best device for your money.

If you're looking to buy a used iPhone, we also have some tips for you.