How to Buy a Second Hand iPhone in Like-New Condition?

Purchasing a second hand iPhone in Saudi Arabia can save you hundreds of riyals, but many buyers face a common dilemma: “How do I know if the phone I’m buying is truly in excellent condition?” Often, a used device might look appealing at first glance but hide underlying issues that appear only after a short period of use, leading to unexpected extra costs and frustration.

To help you avoid this scenario and ensure your money is well spent, we’ve created this comprehensive guide. First, we’ll outline the essential characteristics that indicate an iPhone is in near-new condition, then provide you with a detailed, step-by-step checklist of 10 critical things to inspect before making your purchase.

Key Characteristics of a Like-New Second hand iPhone

Before jumping into specific checks, let’s clearly outline the qualities that set apart a truly excellent-condition second hand iPhone from average or subpar devices:

Near-Perfect Physical Condition:
The device should look clean, free of visible cracks, dents, or major scratches. Minor signs of wear might be acceptable, but ideally, the phone will look nearly new.
High Battery Health:
The battery should ideally have at least 85% maximum capacity or higher, ensuring that it can comfortably handle daily use without frequent charging.
Original Apple Parts:
The device should contain genuine Apple parts—particularly the screen and battery—which guarantees optimal performance and compatibility.
Fully Functional Hardware:
All buttons, ports, speakers, cameras, and sensors should work flawlessly without any lag, sticking buttons, or intermittent functionality.
Clear iCloud and Activation Status:
The phone should not have an activation lock linked to a previous owner’s account. It should be freely activated under your own Apple ID without any hurdles.
Smooth Software Performance:
The device should operate smoothly, with apps launching quickly, no freezing, and no software glitches, indicating that the phone has been properly maintained and updated.
No Signs of Water Damage:
The internal indicators (Liquid Contact Indicators) should be clear, with no signs of corrosion, rust, or liquid exposure.

10 Crucial Checks Before Buying a Specific Second Hand iPhone

Once you have a specific device in your hands or in your sights, follow these detailed inspection steps:

1. Turn it On and Check Activation Lock

First, turn the iPhone on and observe the startup process carefully.
Ensure the phone isn’t activation-locked to a previous owner’s iCloud account.
A locked phone could indicate theft or unresolved payment issues.
Ask the seller to demonstrate unlocking or resetting the device right in front of you.

2. Inspect Carefully for Physical Damage

Closely examine every aspect of the device.
Check the screen, frame, corners, buttons, ports, and back cover.
Minor scratches are okay, but deep scratches, cracks, or dents should raise concerns.
Pay special attention to the corners, as damage here indicates the phone might have been dropped.

3. Screen Burn-In and Backlighting Issues

Open a completely white or colored image on the screen and observe carefully.
Look for irregular brightness, spots, or discoloration.
Screen burn-in (permanent ghosting of previous images) might occur on OLED displays.
If there’s noticeable inconsistency, the device might have had screen repairs with non-original parts.

4. Verify the Charging Port

Plug in the charging cable and verify that it connects securely and charges effectively.
Inspect the port closely, ensuring it’s clean and not damaged internally (no bent or corroded pins).
A loose or faulty port could indicate future charging issues or an expensive repair.

5. Ask Explicitly About Repairs and Parts History

Ask the seller directly if the device has undergone any repairs or replacements.
If repairs occurred, request original receipts to confirm they were performed by authorized Apple service centers.
On iPhone 11 and newer, navigate to “Settings > General > About” to view the “Parts and Service History,” confirming whether genuine Apple components were used.

6. Check the IMEI Number

Dial *#06# or go to “Settings > General > About” to obtain the IMEI number.
Check the IMEI on a site like IMEI.info to ensure it’s not reported lost, stolen, or blacklisted.
This step verifies the legitimacy of the device and prevents serious legal issues in the future.

7. Verify the Serial Number

Obtain the device’s serial number from “Settings > General > About.”
Use Apple’s Coverage Check tool to validate the device’s warranty status, activation date, and original specs.
This step confirms the legitimacy of the phone’s model, age, and the accuracy of the seller’s claims.

8. Run Hardware and Performance Tests

Open multiple apps simultaneously to gauge performance.
Perform gestures such as swiping, scrolling, and tapping to ensure smooth responsiveness.
Run specialized diagnostic apps like TestM or Phone Diagnostics to quickly scan and verify all hardware components including GPS, accelerometer, sensors, and more.

9. Thoroughly Test the Cameras (Front and Back)

Open the Camera app and test both the front and back cameras extensively.
Take photos and videos in different lighting conditions (low-light, daylight, indoor).
Check for clarity, sharpness, accurate color reproduction, and no unusual spots or distortion.
Switch through all available lenses (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) if applicable to verify their proper functionality.

10. Check Speakers and Microphones

Play music or video at various volume levels to test speakers for clarity, distortion, or crackling.
Record audio or voice memos and play them back to ensure microphone quality.
Make a test call to confirm call audio clarity and effective noise cancellation.
If audio components are damaged, repairs might be costly or complicated.

Where to Buy a Second Hand iPhone in Saudi Arabia?

Buying a second hand iPhone can be an excellent option if you’re looking to save money without sacrificing quality. But the most important question remains: where can you safely buy a reliable used iPhone in Saudi Arabia?

Choosing the right place is crucial to ensure you get a high-quality, dependable device at a fair price without any hidden issues. That’s where Soum comes in.

Why Buy a Second Hand iPhone from Soum?

One of the standout reasons to choose Soum when purchasing a second hand iPhone is its strong commitment to product quality and a safe, transparent customer experience. Here’s why Soum is the ideal place to buy a used phone in Saudi Arabia:

1. Certified Quality Checks

Every used iPhone at Soum undergoes rigorous quality inspection by a specialized team. They carefully assess performance, durability, and overall functionality, ensuring your device delivers a seamless experience.

2. Wide Selection of Brands & Models

Soum offers an extensive variety of second hand devices, including a wide range of second hand iPhones, alongside popular brands such as Samsung, Huawei, and more, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect phone for your needs.

3. Competitive Prices

At Soum, you can find the best prices for used iPhones in Saudi Arabia. Our competitive pricing ensures you can own a high-quality used iPhone without stretching your budget.

4. Fast & Secure Delivery

Soum ensures quick, reliable, and safe delivery right to your doorstep anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Your second hand device arrives swiftly and securely, giving you peace of mind.

5. 10-Day Return Policy

Not satisfied with your purchase? Soum offers a flexible 10-day return policy, allowing you to return the device easily within 10 days of purchase, ensuring complete satisfaction.

6. Full Warranty for One Year

Every device purchased through Soum comes with a full warranty of up to one year, giving you complete confidence and protection, making your purchase worry-free.

7. Flexible Payment Options

Soum provides multiple convenient payment methods, including easy installments through local banks and financing services like Tabby and Tamara, making it easy for everyone to own their ideal second hand iPhone.

8. 24/7 Professional Customer Support

Our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any inquiries or issues, ensuring you have an outstanding experience from start to finish.In conclusion, every second-hand iPhone at Soum undergoes rigorous quality checks that set us apart from others. If you’re looking to buy a used iPhone in excellent condition—with outstanding performance, stunning appearance, and reliability just like new—simply visit our Mobiles section.

Browse our wide selection of recent iPhone models, from the latest releases, and easily find your ideal device. With Soum, you’ll experience the difference that makes us stand out as your trusted choice for second-hand iPhones in Saudi Arabia.