How to Buy a Pre-Owned iPhone: Tips and Recommendations

Are you looking for a replacement iPhone, but not wanting to pay the high prices synonymous with a brand-new one? A pre-owned iPhone might be the perfect solution for you. In this blog, we’ll provide tips on buying a pre-owned iPhone, answer common questions, and discuss the benefits of purchasing a refurbished iPhone.

What is a Pre-Owned iPhone?

A pre-owned iPhone is a device that has been previously owned by someone else and is now being sold to a new owner. The quality of pre-owned iPhones can vary and ranges from ‘like-new,’ to ‘heavily used.’ These devices can be obtained from individuals, or companies who specialise in selling pre-owned electronics.

Are Certified Pre-Owned iPhones Good?

Certified pre-owned iPhones are typically the best option when purchasing a pre-owned device. These iPhones have been inspected and tested by the manufacturer, or the various independent suppliers involved in sales of pre-owned cellular phones, ensuring that they meet the same quality standards as new devices. Remember that phones which are sold ‘as-is’ or ‘voetstoots,’ have not been opened except for a battery change that would only have been performed or authorised by Apple. Additionally, certified pre-owned iPhones often come with a warranty, giving the buyer peace of mind that they are purchasing a reliable device. Always ask whether the phone has been inspected by the manufacturer, an independent supplier, or an authorised Apple distributor. Be SURE and TRUST MTNDeals Wouldn’t it be good to know that your newly acquired second-hand phone has undergone a 40-point diagnostic check and comes complete with a comprehensive device and repair history. Checklist points which are sometimes overlooked by the majority (but NOT by MTNdeals) include:

1. Checking for scratches, wear, and dents to housing and screen (remember to wipe with a fibre cloth and to hold the phone under a bright lamp for yourself).
2. Ensuring that the charging port is unobstructed by dirt and dust.
3. Checking the camera (and selfie camera) for dust particles by inspecting the lens and by taking a photograph of an evenly-coloured surface (dust under the sensor presents as grey spots in a photo).
4. Checking for dead pixels, and checking for colour deviations on the screen.
5. Checking the technical condition of your device using a diagnostic software.All pre-owned iPhones supplied by mtndeals.co.za have undergone a Phonecheck certification and 40-point diagnostic check which include the above and have a battery health of at least 80%.

How Much Do Pre-Owned iPhones Cost?

The cost of pre-owned iPhones can vary widely depending on the model sought, the phone’s condition and seller in question. Generally speaking, you can expect to save a significant amount of money by purchasing a pre-owned iPhone over a new one. For example, a brand-new iPhone 12 Pro can cost over R18 000, while a pre-owned iPhone may cost several thousand Rands less.

Where Can I Buy Pre-Owned iPhones?

There are a number of different stockists of pre-owned iPhones in South Africa, but not all offer 40-point checks like the one MTNDeals does. Our online marketplace offers a simple process, which creates a pleasurable shopping experience from your sofa. Ordinarily, online shopping requires that the buyer actively reads reviews and researches the various online merchants, but at MTNDeals, you can rest assured that your second-hand cellular phone has been rigorously inspected, tested, and approved and that a valid warranty protects your purchase.