Used smartphones are generally used by other people, and some people may be concerned about their safety. However, used smartphones are not necessarily high risk.
In fact, demand for used smartphones is on the rise, with sales of used smartphones hitting a record high of 2.04 million units in fiscal 2021. Sales are expected to continue to increase in the future.
In this article, we will explain what you should be careful of when using a used smartphone and the checkpoints to ensure a safe purchase.
The demand for used smartphones is increasing year by year due to the following factors:
・Demand as a second device (sub-device)
There is a growing demand for people to have different smartphones for work, personal use, and other purposes. By using a used smartphone as a secondary device, you can keep costs down.
・ Relaxation of SIM lock regulations
As of October 2021, the sale of SIM-locked devices has been prohibited in principle. As a result, restrictions on SIM locks have been lifted, and the buying and selling of used smartphones has become popular.
・Price increase of new smartphones
As new smartphones become more and more sophisticated, prices are skyrocketing due to factors such as the weak yen, semiconductor shortages, and rising distribution costs. As a result, used smartphones, which are easier to purchase at a lower price than new ones, are gaining attention.
Used smartphones are cheaper than new ones, and even expensive new models can sometimes be purchased at a bargain price. If your device breaks down, it may be cheaper to buy a used smartphone than to have it repaired.
There are two types of used smartphones: "used" and "new." Used smartphones are those that have been used and then sold, and most of the devices sold as used smartphones are of this type. Devices in a variety of conditions are sold, from clean and in good condition to those that show signs of use.
Used devices are devices that have been purchased but never used, and are in better condition than used devices, so you can buy with confidence. However, while used devices are cheaper than new devices, they are more expensive than used devices.
When purchasing a new smartphone, you cannot purchase older models that are no longer on sale. With a used smartphone, you can purchase not only the latest models but also models that are no longer on sale, so you can choose from a wide range of models.
Even the latest models of smartphones that are cheap tend to lack features and performance. Used smartphones often have high-performance models at low prices, so you will have more options to choose from within your budget.
Furthermore, when the latest model of a popular iPhone is released, the previous series tends to be widely available on the used market. Therefore, if you want to buy a used iPhone, it is best to look for a used product after the latest model has been released.
We will explain in detail the disadvantages of used smartphones.
Among used smartphones, there are devices known as "red ROMs." Red ROMs are devices that have had communication restrictions placed on them by telecommunications carriers. For example, devices that are behind on fees or stolen devices are subject to restrictions and become red ROMs. When a device becomes a red ROM, it cannot communicate or make calls.
Therefore, when purchasing a used smartphone, enter the device's serial number (IMEI) in the "Check network-restricted mobile phone" section on the carrier's website to check whether it is a red ROM.
Also, used smartphones that are in working order are called "white ROMs" and can be used without any problems by inserting a new SIM card. Used smartphone stores will check whether the smartphone is a "white ROM," but if you are buying a used smartphone privately, you will need to take measures to check whether it is a "white ROM" by checking the serial number (IMEI) yourself.
In the case of used smartphones, the manufacturer's warranty validity has expired and they are often not covered by warranty services.
Depending on the condition of your used smartphone, it may need to be repaired immediately. If the used smartphone you purchased is not covered by the warranty service, you will have to pay the full repair cost. Therefore, before purchasing a used smartphone, check whether the product has a warranty service and the condition of the device.
Used smartphones may have deteriorated batteries or malfunctions, but it's difficult to judge this just by looking at the device or an image.
The battery life is generally said to be 1 to 3 years. It varies depending on usage, but the longer it lasts, the more it deteriorates.
Also, if the device has been modified by the previous user, it poses a higher security risk. There is a possibility that harmful apps may be installed, so please initialize the device before using it.
When purchasing a used smartphone, you need to check the place of purchase, the condition of the device, the manufacturer's warranty, and the store's own warranty service. We will explain each in detail.
There are several ways to purchase a used smartphone: from used smartphone stores, online shops, or through person-to-person transactions (flea market apps and auction sites). We will explain the characteristics of each method in detail below.
At stores that sell used smartphones, you can ask the store staff any questions you may have. Also, if you want to check out a used smartphone before purchasing, we recommend a used smartphone store.
Companies that handle used smartphones generally also sell them online. Even if you're too busy to visit a used smartphone store, you can always purchase from an online store. However, the downside is that you can't directly check the used smartphone you're interested in, making it difficult to know the condition of the device.
When trading between individuals (on flea market apps or auction sites), you can negotiate the price with the seller, which may allow you to purchase at a lower price than at a used smartphone store. However, because it is a private transaction, warranty services are often unavailable, and you cannot actually check the device you are purchasing, so the condition of the device may be worse than expected.
Here are some things to check when buying a used smartphone.
When purchasing from a second-hand smartphone store, it's important to carefully check the condition of the device. Check the product details to see if there are any signs of use (noticeable scratches or cracks) or if any accessories are missing.
When purchasing from an online store, you cannot check the device you are purchasing, but the product rank can be helpful. Product rank is a ranking assigned by each store according to the condition of the used smartphone, and it serves as a guide for buyers as to the condition of the device.
Next, check whether the used smartphone you want to buy has a SIM lock. A SIM lock is a restriction that prevents the phone from being used with other carriers.
Be careful, as devices sold by carriers before September 2021 are often SIM-locked. If your device is SIM-locked, you will need to unlock the SIM yourself (*).
*Separate fees may be required to unlock the SIM.
Many people think that used smartphones are not covered by warranty, but some stores offer their own warranty services. If you have a problem with a device that comes with warranty service, they will handle it according to the store's warranty service.
However, if you purchase from a store that does not offer warranty service, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs. Therefore, when purchasing a used smartphone, it is important to check whether or not a warranty service is available, the warranty validity, and the terms of use.
Also, most used smartphones sold on flea market apps or auction sites do not come with a warranty. Therefore, check the product description for any mention of a warranty, and if you have any questions, contact the seller for details.
Smartphones use different radio wave network lines (frequencies) depending on the carrier. Therefore, if the carrier's network line (frequency) and the network line (frequency) supported by your used smartphone are different, you may experience problems such as difficulty connecting calls and slow communication speeds. Be sure to check with the carrier you want to use to see if the smartphone you plan to purchase is compatible.
Activation Lock is a feature on Apple products (iPhone and iPad) that protects personal information. It prevents third parties from accessing data on the device if the device is stolen or lost. If you do not know your Apple ID or password, the device will be locked and you will not be able to use it.
Most iPhones sold at second-hand smartphone stores and online shops have their activation lock removed. However, if you are buying a used iPhone from a private transaction, such as a flea market app or auction site, it may be activation locked, so please check carefully before purchasing.
With povo2.0 (※1), you can use a used smartphone in your own way if it is an eligible model. First of all, povo2.0 is an online-only brand from au, and you can use it with a basic fee starting from 0 yen (※2) (※3) (※4). Unlike general smartphone fees plans, this is a new type of fees plan that allows you to "Topping (purchase) the number of gigabytes and content services you need."
If you're having trouble disposing of your old smartphone, we recommend Smartphone Gigatrade a trade-in service. povo2.0 's Smartphone Gigatrade allows you to exchange your device (smartphone or tablet) for data capacity (trade code) that can be used on povo2.0, based on the purchase price.
Furthermore, if you buy a used smartphone as a second smartphone (sub-device), you don't know how much you'll use it for. With povo2.0, you can add data capacity (gigabytes) as you need each time, so it's also recommended for those who want to debut a second smartphone (sub-device).
If you purchase a used smartphone, why not try povo2.0 by first signing up for an Data Top-up (for 30 days)?
*1: All procedures and support are online. povo2.0 Please contact us through the application or the official website. 2: Additional fees such as handling charges may apply. validity for 180 days or more, or if you have never purchased Topping for a fee, your usage may be suspended or your contract may be terminated. Please understand this in advance.
5 lines under the same name (*) For the cumulative sixth line and thereafter, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen/line will be charged.
*Includes lines that have been terminated or cancelled by the Company within the past year.
Reference: "povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo)
*3: Domestic calls are charged separately at tax included 22 yen/30 seconds, and SMS sending is charged separately at tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters). Depending on the model, up to 670 two-byte characters can be sent; up to 134 characters are counted as two SMS messages, and thereafter two SMS messages are charged for each 67 characters. Calling rates may differ for some calls, such as calls to satellite phones. For more information, please contact this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker) The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column. *4: If data Topping is not purchased, the maximum sending/receiving rate is 128 kbps.
The names of products and services mentioned in this article are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone trademark is used under license from Aiphone Co.
TM and (C) 2023 Apple Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
