Buying a second hand smartphone

[BDG2010]

Hey Guys,

So iv found a guy selling his used samsung galaxy s2 for a great price.

Its only been used a month and he is selling due to the excessive data usage and would rather migrate to bbm.

So i just wanted to know your guys thoughts, what should i look out for? Its under local warrenty and it should be fine hey?

Is there anything in specific i should look for? Is there anyway he could have seriously damaged the software without me knowing?

Thanks guys

 

[phoneJunky]

Android phone

1 - Ask if he rooted his phone - This immediately voids the warranty - you can fix it by unrooting it though.

2 - Check if he loaded a custom rom -also voids the warranty.

3 - Check if the screen is without scratches - It shouldn't have as it has gorilla glass.

4 - Check other bumps and bruises, to see if the phone fell etc.

5 - Make sure you meet the guy in a public place with lots of people.

6 - I don't know how you check if a phone is stolen, but you should be aware of that too - but if it is under warranty it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[JoseP]

Point 6 is important. Maybe meet at the SP with his I'd and confirm the phone actually belongs to him. I know a few people that have been burned like this before.

 

[Maddmatt]

Android phone

1 - Ask if he rooted his phone - This immediately voids the warranty - you can fix it by unrooting it though.

2 - Check if he loaded a custom rom -also voids the warranty.

Both simple fixes, not worth missing a good deal. And you may want to use a custom ROM anyway.

 

[D3x]

It sounds fine hey.

There is a 24 month guarantee on the phone so if you want to make sure, find out what network he activated the phone on & meet him there (Vodashop or MTN) with the cash. They can show you on the system what date that phone was registered on the network. They take 24 months from that date.

Good luck

 

[Elimentals]

Gimme the sellers contact details and I'll let you know

 

[BDG2010]

Haha thanks guys. Good advice il meet him at the SP.

One other thing, is there a way to 'reset' the phone so thats its in out of the box status type thing?

 

[kayvee]

You may also want the original box and goodies that it came in. If it's only a month or so the original owner should have this, and it also helps to know that it is not "hot".

 

[SCHUMI-4-EVA]

Haha thanks guys. Good advice il meet him at the SP.

One other thing, is there a way to 'reset' the phone so thats its in out of the box status type thing?

Factory Reset should be on your phone somewhere

 

[JimM]

I would require:

1. Box, manuals, cables and original charger - If you don't get these offered turn it down!
2. Get him to sign a note saying that there is no legal reason why he can not sell the phone and that it is his property.

If its only a month old then the box, manual etc., should not be an issue. If he turns up with just the handset and a generic charger then I'd strongly advise you to "abort the mission" better safe than sorry!

 

[BDG2010]

Hey guys, thanks for the help. Got a brand new samsung galaxy s2 for R4250. Concluded the sale at Vodacom eastgate to confirm all was in order and original etc. Still 2 years warrenty remaining.

Good deal hey?