An iPhone is a great device to have in your pocket especially when you want to show the world that you own something big, because it’s more of a “show-off” thing than a geeky gadget. Doesn’t matter if you are planning to buy a new iPhone or saving your hard earned cash by buying an older version of it, these fundamentals which have been laid down by some bitter experiences will act as a savior for you.
iPhone Tip#: Unlocked and Jailbroken
How to find an unlocked iPhone:
1) Unlocked version can be bought directly from the vendor in some countries.
2) To have an iPhone that has been unlocked by a carrier on request by the original vendor.
3) The phone may have been jailbroken to remove lock from the phone.
In above cases, numbers 1 and 2 covers the guarantee which will be approved by Apple. So, always go for a safer option and avoid buying a jailbroken iPhone.
Checking for the same:
1) Check for the IMEI number from Settings > General > About.
2) Check it online on IMEI.info and click on “Free simlock status check”
3) The website will check your IMEI against database of unlocked iPhones and you will get you know if your iPhone is locked or not.
Do some basic things
Make and receive calls, surf internet, browse through a Wi-Fi connection, click a photo and make sure that no oddities appear on the screen while viewing it, check for dead pixels and battery life by using the phone, once the battery is fully charged.
Check for Water Damage
For a normal user, it is difficult to check if the phone is damaged by water or not. You don’t need a PhD for checking this; all you need is to check 2 internal and 2 external sensors.
- Headphone Jack Sensor
- Dock Connector Sensor
- Battery Sensor
- Logic Board Sensor
Warranty Status
Don’t forget to check for the warranty while buying the phone. Don’t rely heavily on paper warranty as the digits can be jumbled up very easily. Note down the serial number and check on Apple’s website for getting a correct notation about its status.
Network Support
In most of the developed countries, there is a carrier system under which the cost of the device goes down. Care should be taken if one is buying a second hand iPhone that the new iPhone supports your carrier as well. Although carrier can be changed but it will cost a heavy price (ETF fee) which can toll up to hundreds of dollars.
Bill ‘n’ Box
Avoid buying an iPhone without any bill or box, if you have set your mind on that; ask for an affidavit at least. This will keep you on a safe side as you won’t be charged with any offense in case the phone ends up being a disputed one.
Buying Options
It is good to tend towards a cheaper option but make sure that the quality of product is not compromised at any cost. Generally, online sites offer a cheaper version but their price is fixed and no bargaining can be done. If you are a traditional buyer, auction sites are meant for you where you can bid the price on your own.
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