📱 5 Critical Things to Check Before Buying a Used Smartphone (2026 Checklist)

Buying a used smartphone is one of the smartest ways to save money—especially in fast-moving markets like Addis Ababa. You can often get premium devices like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy at nearly half the original price.

But great deals come with risks.

Before you pay, follow this 5-step inspection checklist to avoid costly mistakes 👇

🔍 1. Check the Display (Screen Quality Matters)

The display is the most expensive component to repair.

✅ What to Do:

• Turn brightness to 100% → then 0%
• Look for:
  • Flickering
  • Uneven lighting
  • Dull colors

🧪 Dead Spot Test:

• Hold an app icon and drag it across the screen
• If it stops or jumps → ❌ Touch issue detected

👉 Warning: Cheap replacement screens reduce quality significantly.

🔋 2. Check Battery Health

A weak battery = daily frustration.

🍎 For iPhone:

• Go to: Settings → Battery → Battery Health
• Ideal:
  • 90–100% ✅ Excellent
  • 80–89% 👍 Acceptable
  • Below 80% ❌ Replace soon

🤖 For Android (e.g., Samsung Galaxy):

• Use code: *#0228# (Samsung)
• Or test manually:
  • Record video with flash for 3 minutes
  • If battery drops fast → ⚠️ Weak battery

🔐 3. IMEI & Lock Check (MOST IMPORTANT)

This protects you from buying a stolen or locked phone.

📌 Step 1: Check IMEI

• Dial: *#06#
• Match it with the box (if available)

🔒 Step 2: Check Account Locks

For iPhone:

• Ensure iCloud / Find My iPhone is OFF
• Reset the phone:
  • If it asks for old Apple ID → ❌ WALK AWAY

For Android:

• Ensure Google account is removed
• Avoid FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock

👉 If locked = you cannot use the phone.

📶 4. Test Connectivity & Hardware

Always use the phone before buying.

✅ Must-Test Features:

• 📞 Call using your SIM
• 🔊 Speaker & microphone
• 🔌 Charging port (wiggle test)
• 📡 Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

🔐 Biometrics:

• Fingerprint / Face ID must work perfectly

👉 These are expensive to fix.

📸 5. Inspect Camera Quality

Camera issues are often hidden.

🧪 White Wall Test:

• Point camera at a white surface
• Look for:
  • Black dots (dust inside lens)
  • Blurry spots

🎯 Focus Test:

• Switch between near & far objects
• If focus is slow or shaky → ⚠️ possible damage

⚠️ Pro Tips Before You Buy

• Meet in safe areas like malls in Addis Ababa
• Never rush—take 10–15 minutes to inspect
• If something feels off → trust your instinct

💡 Final Thoughts

Buying a used phone can be a smart investment—if you inspect it properly.

✔ Check everything
✔ Test everything
✔ Never skip the IMEI check

👉 A few minutes of testing can save you thousands of Birr.