Buying a used or refurbished smartphone can be a cost-effective way to get the features you need without paying the price of a brand-new device.
However, the condition, testing, warranty and returns protection available can vary significantly depending on the individual phone and the seller. Before purchasing, it is worth checking a few important details so you understand exactly what you are buying.
Here are five key areas to review before choosing a pre-owned phone.
1. Inspect the physical condition
Start by reviewing the overall cosmetic condition of the device.
Signs of previous use are common on pre-owned phones, but more significant damage can sometimes indicate that the device has been dropped, repaired or exposed to conditions that may affect its long-term use.
Screen
Check for:
- Cracks
- Scratches
- Dead or stuck pixels
- Screen discolouration
- Touchscreen responsiveness
Minor cosmetic marks may be expected depending on the condition grade, but the product listing should clearly explain the expected level of wear.
Body and frame
Look for:
- Dents
- Deep scratches
- Bent frames
- Loose components
- Signs of previous repair
A small cosmetic mark does not necessarily affect functionality, but significant structural damage should be considered carefully.
Ports and buttons
Where possible, check:
- Charging port
- Power button
- Volume buttons
- Mute switch where applicable
- Speakers and microphones
Buttons should respond normally and charging connections should be secure.
Signs of liquid exposure
Ask the seller whether there is any known history of liquid damage.
Some devices include internal liquid-contact indicators, but these are not always visible without opening the device. If liquid exposure is a concern, ask what testing or inspection has been carried out.
If you are buying online, review the product photos and the seller's cosmetic grading information carefully.
2. Check the battery information
Battery performance naturally changes as a phone ages, so it is worth reviewing any battery information available for the device.
On an iPhone
On supported iPhone models, you can check:
Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
The Maximum Capacity figure gives an indication of the battery's current capacity compared with when it was new.
There is no single percentage that is suitable for every buyer. A lower figure may mean shorter time between charges and could make battery replacement more likely in the future.
On an Android phone
Battery-health information varies by manufacturer and model.
Some Android phones provide battery information through:
- Settings
- Built-in diagnostics
- Manufacturer support tools
Others may not display a simple battery-health percentage.
When buying from a retailer, check the individual product listing for any battery information or battery standard provided for that device.
Actual battery life will always vary depending on the model, settings, signal strength, applications and how the phone is used.
3. Confirm storage and basic performance
Storage capacity should match how you intend to use the phone.
Photos, videos, applications and downloaded media can take up significant space over time, and many modern smartphones do not support expandable storage.
Common storage capacities include:
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB on selected models
If you regularly take photos or videos, install large apps or download media for offline use, additional storage may be useful.
Where possible, also check that the device:
- Starts normally
- Opens applications correctly
- Does not restart unexpectedly
- Responds normally to touch input
- Connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Performance will vary depending on the model, age, software and specifications, so compare the individual device rather than relying only on its age.
4. Verify network and SIM compatibility
Before buying a phone, make sure it is suitable for the mobile network and SIM setup you plan to use.
Network or carrier lock
Check whether the phone is:
- Unlocked
- Locked to a specific network
- Compatible with your intended carrier
Do not assume every used or refurbished phone is unlocked unless the product page specifically states this.
Physical SIM and eSIM
Different models may support:
- Physical nano-SIM
- eSIM
- Dual SIM
- A combination of physical SIM and eSIM
Check the exact model and region before purchasing, particularly with phones originally sold in another country.
Network-band compatibility
Some regional versions of the same phone may support different mobile-network bands.
If you are unsure whether a device will work with your UK network provider, check the model number and supported bands with your carrier before purchasing.
5. Check the IMEI and account-lock status
The IMEI and account status are important considerations when buying a pre-owned phone.
IMEI
The IMEI is a unique identifier used by mobile networks to identify a device.
On many phones, you can find it by:
- Dialling *#06#
- Checking the device settings
- Reviewing the original packaging where available
Before purchasing, you may wish to check whether the device has been reported lost, stolen or blocked.
The accuracy and coverage of third-party IMEI-checking services can vary, so use reputable sources where possible.
Apple Activation Lock
For an iPhone, the previous owner's Apple account should be removed before the device is transferred.
A device that remains linked to another person's Apple account may display Activation Lock, which can prevent a new owner from completing setup.
Android Factory Reset Protection
Android devices can also include account-protection features such as Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
The previous owner's Google account should be removed correctly before the device is reset and transferred.
A professionally prepared refurbished phone should be reset and ready for a new user before sale.
Check the seller as well as the phone
The condition of the device is only one part of the purchase.
It is also worth reviewing the seller's:
- Business information
- Contact details
- Warranty terms
- Returns policy
- Product grading system
- Customer feedback
- Shipping information
Private sellers, marketplaces and professional retailers may offer different levels of warranty and returns protection.
Make sure you understand the terms that apply before completing the purchase.
Understand the cosmetic condition grade
If you are buying a refurbished phone, check how the seller defines its cosmetic grades.
At Sell Phone Store, refurbished devices may be offered in grades such as:
Excellent
Minimal signs of previous use may be visible.
Good
Light cosmetic wear or minor marks may be present.
Fair
More noticeable cosmetic wear may be present.
Cosmetic grading primarily describes appearance. Please review the individual product page for the exact condition description and other relevant product information.
What should be tested on a refurbished phone?
A refurbishment or inspection process may include checks of:
- Display
- Touchscreen
- Cameras
- Microphones
- Speakers
- Charging
- Buttons
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Mobile connectivity
- Battery performance
- Face or fingerprint authentication where applicable
Repairs or component replacements may be carried out where required.
Not every refurbished device will have needed a repair, so the exact work performed may vary from device to device.
Warranty and returns
Warranty and returns protection can provide additional reassurance when buying a pre-owned phone.
At Sell Phone Store, eligible refurbished devices include a 12-month limited warranty and may be returned within 90 days under our voluntary returns policy.
Please review our Warranty Policy and Refund Policy for full eligibility requirements, exclusions and return terms.
Buying from Sell Phone Store
Sell Phone Store offers refurbished phones across different brands, models, storage capacities and cosmetic condition grades.
Refurbished devices are inspected, tested and graded before sale, with relevant condition, specifications, battery information where available and warranty details shown on the individual product page.
Most products in our phone range are refurbished, while selected models may also be available in Brand New condition.
The exact condition of each item is shown on the relevant product listing.
Before you buy: quick checklist
Before purchasing any used or refurbished phone, check:
- Exact model
- Storage capacity
- Cosmetic condition
- Battery information where available
- SIM type
- Network compatibility
- IMEI status where appropriate
- Account-lock status
- Included accessories
- Warranty
- Returns policy
- Seller contact information
- Total price
Taking a few minutes to review these details can make it easier to compare products and understand exactly what you are purchasing.
Find your next phone
Browse our range of tested and graded refurbished phones to compare available models, storage capacities, cosmetic condition grades and prices.
Please review the individual product page before purchasing for the exact product condition, specifications, battery information where available, warranty and return terms.
