Guide to buying a smartphone online

Online sales, whether for new or second-hand goods, now constitute a genuine market. Consumers are now accustomed to buying online and are increasingly turning away from buying new goods.

Purchasing a second-hand or refurbished mobile phone

The internet offers a multitude of platforms dedicated to buying and selling second-hand smartphones, with inherent risks for both customers and sellers. If you are considering buying a phone, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. With the proliferation of models and rising prices, more and more people are turning to buying second-hand smartphones. Whether from refurbishment specialists such as BackMarket, Smaaart, Rebuy, or through classified ads on sites such as eBay and LeBonCoin, buying from private individuals often offers the opportunity to negotiate and obtain more affordable devices, sometimes almost new.

However, this approach carries risks and it is essential to take certain precautions. Requesting proof of purchase, such as a box, charger and receipt, can provide valuable information about the smartphone's history. It is also crucial to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and counterfeits, carefully checking the product, including watching videos to ensure its authenticity.

The overall condition of the smartphone must be carefully examined, removing the protective case if necessary to detect any dents or scratches. Screen defects, even those that are invisible in certain circumstances, can be revealed by turning on the screen with a light-coloured wallpaper. Checking the condition of the battery is also crucial, as its lifespan can affect the performance of the smartphone. Visual checks, such as looking for any swelling of the battery, and software checks, such as the maximum capacity on iOS, are recommended.

Finally, before making any second-hand purchase, it is essential to check the status of the smartphone using the IMEI code. This unique number allows you to check the phone's history, whether it has been blocked, and provides information about the network, country of origin, operator, system version, and even the technical specifications. Sites such as IMEI.info facilitate this quick check and offer assurance as to the legitimacy of the product. To find out how to locate the IMEI number, we invite you to read this article.

Buying a new mobile phone

Buying a new phone online can also carry certain risks, and it is important to take precautions to avoid potential problems. Here are some common risks associated with buying new phones online:
- Counterfeits: Some unscrupulous sellers may offer counterfeit phones that imitate popular models but offer inferior performance.
- Quality issues: There may be differences in quality between phones sold by legitimate sellers and those offered by dubious sources. Manufacturing problems or defects may occur.
- Online fraud: Online scams are always possible. Some sellers may accept payment but never deliver the product, or they may send a defective product or one that is different from the one ordered. Always verify the seller's identity when purchasing from a marketplace such as Amazon or Rakuten.
- Warranty and customer service: Some online sellers may not offer adequate warranties or good customer service in case of problems with the phone.
- Network compatibility: It is essential to ensure that the phone you are purchasing is compatible with the networks in your area. Some phones may not work properly on all networks.
- Features: Some features may differ depending on the phone's original country of destination. For example, if the phone was built for the Japanese market, you will not be able to disable the camera sound.

To minimise risks, follow these tips:

- Buy from trust and well established,

- Look for comments and Evaluations on the seller*,
- Check the product details, including technical specifications,
- Use secure payment methods,
- Make sure that the site offers clear return and guarantee policies.

We also recommend beware of overly tempting offers, they could be signs of a scam. Prudence and due diligence can help minimise risks related to the purchase of new telephones on the Internet.

To find out more, read our article on the dangers of marketplaces.