Buying a Used Phone on eBay? Here’s What You Need to Know

Should You Consider Buying a Used Phone on eBay? Here’s What You Need to Know

Buying a used phone can be a smart way to save money and make an eco-friendly choice. But is it safe?

The iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offer impressive features, but they come with a hefty price tag. Even the more budget-friendly Google Pixel 8A costs $499, which is still a significant amount, especially when many of us are closely monitoring our spending.

Purchasing a slightly older phone on the used market can help you save a lot while still providing powerful mobile hardware. These phones offer all the essentials you need, along with capabilities like photo editing, gaming, and video streaming. Plus, it keeps a phone out of the landfill, which is a win for everyone.

However, if you want to get the best value for your money and stay safe during your purchase, there are some key things to keep in mind. Here are our top tips for safely buying a great used phone, whether you’re after an iPhone or an Android device.

What Features Do You Need in a Phone?

First, consider what you actually need from your phone, as this will determine the level of performance and budget required. If you’re only looking for something basic to handle casual WhatsApp messages and play Spotify on your commute, you don’t need a top-tier device. In this case, a lower-end phone with a more affordable price tag will do just fine.

For instance, the Pixel 6 Pro is guaranteed to receive security updates until October 2026, meaning it still has plenty of useful life ahead.

However, if you’re passionate about mobile photography, you might want to invest a bit more in a phone with a decent camera. In that case, a newer model like the Galaxy S23, with its powerful multi-camera system, might be a better fit. You’ll need to balance the performance you require with the price you’re willing to pay. Newer phones with more advanced features and better performance will naturally come at a higher cost.

Buy from a Trusted Source

Not every seller has your best interests at heart, so it’s important to be cautious when shopping. Some sources to avoid are obvious—don’t buy from someone selling phones out of a box on a street corner, for example. Others are more hit or miss.

eBay is a well-known platform for buying used items, including a wide range of phones. Some are sold by refurbishing companies that specialize in buying and selling used devices, while others are offered by regular people upgrading their phones. This can make it feel like you’re panning for gold, trying to find exactly what you want. Check the next section for more tips on buying on eBay.

Our best advice is to buy from trusted companies that purchase old phones, refurbish them, and resell them. I’ve personally used MusicMagpie in the UK and had no issues. Their online catalog is extensive, they clearly list the condition of the phones, each device is factory reset, and you get a 12-month warranty with every purchase. While prices may be slightly higher than on eBay, the peace of mind is worth it. They also offer rental options if you’re not ready to pay upfront. Gazelle offers a similar service in the US, though we haven’t tested it ourselves, so we can’t comment on the quality of their service.

Check the Details on the Listing

Whether you’re buying from eBay, Amazon Marketplace, or elsewhere, it’s crucial to pay close attention to what you’re actually getting. Read the listing carefully, including any fine print that might be buried among other details. Phrases like “nonfunctioning” or “battery faulty” might be hidden to trick buyers into purchasing a phone that doesn’t work. Listings should also specify whether you’re getting the original charging cable, packaging, and any wear and tear to expect.

Buying a used phone use your common sense: If a $1,000 iPhone is listed for just $100, something is probably off. Don’t be the person who paid $735 for a picture of an Xbox One.

Avoid Phones That No Longer Receive Security Updates

Let’s be clear: It’s generally not advisable to buy a phone that no longer receives security updates from its manufacturer. Unsupported phones are vulnerable to security threats, making it easy for hackers to access your personal information or even take control of your device. Bank details, photos, and sensitive messages could all be at risk.

Most Android phone manufacturers provide security updates for at least two to three years, although Google and Samsung have extended support up to seven years for their latest models. Similarly, Apple’s iOS 17 still supports the iPhone XR from 2018, making it safe to use. Google’s Pixel 6 Pro, released in October 2021, is guaranteed to receive security updates until “at least” October 2026, according to Google’s support page.

It’s encouraging to see companies offering longer support periods, as the hardware often remains capable long after the software support ends. But outdated software makes phones vulnerable, so it’s not advisable to use a phone beyond its support period.

Your best bet is to focus on phones released within the last two years, as they are likely still receiving security updates. Once you find a suitable phone, research the model to see if it’s still supported and how much longer it will receive updates. Companies may not always provide clear information on when they’ll stop supporting a product, but you can often estimate based on the support for other models.

If you only need a temporary phone until you can afford a proper upgrade, a device with a year of support left might suffice. Just make sure to fully factory reset it yourself and check for all available software updates before using it.

Links

• Should You Buy a Used Phone on eBay? This Is What You Need to Know – CNET
• Increase sales of your Used Items on eBay – Seller Sync Pro
• Sell pre-owned smartphone online – iGotOffer

Are Refurbished Phones Worth Buying? – eBay Refurbished [Video]

Video uploaded by ShortCircuit on August 1, 2023.