Buying a second hand iPhone

Hello

I am contemplating buying a second hand iphone. I currently have a Nokia windows phone and I find using the internet on it to be very frustrating. I only use mobile internet infrequently but when I do I would like it to work better than my current phone.

I don't think i would take many photos on the phone or store any music so am happy with a 16GB. I am thinking of an iphone 4s or 5s. I will need it unlocked as I have a Telechoice plan.

My question is what should I be asking the seller? Will I definitely be able to transfer the phone into my name (how do i do this) or what do I need to be wary of?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Comments

  • +5

    what to be wary of: there are 3 types of locking with iphones -icloud lock, network lock, pin lock.

    iPhones can be icloud locked.
    the whole "find my phone" deal.

    make sure that the owner of the phone is the owner and has turned off the find my phone thing.

    once a phone is icloud locked then (unless you know the owner and they agree to unlock it) then there is no chance in getting it icloud unlocked. an icloud locked phone is useless as a phone and only good for parts (except the motherboard)

    as for network lock -using any telco. it is easy to get it unlocked from telcos. telstra usually does it for free. but it is dependent on how old the phone it. best to check the optus or telstra pages.

    pin lock - just used to protect the owners info. the phone can be hard reset to blank and off you go.

    transfer the phone: you can "transfer the phone into your name" through Itunes. when you get the phone you erase /reset it

    questions to ask the seller: "is this phone Icloud locked?" "are you the original owner?" "is the phone locked to a network?" "which one?"

    On a side note : I just received my Lenovo K3 yesterday. as a former iphone user I wouldn't go back to apple. apple lacks the flexibility that android provides.

    my needs for a phone are - good phone, nice sound, great camera, fast. the K3 is all that and more. it has better performance than oneplusone, S5, etc. a very good phone.

  • +2

    wow so complicated. get android instead.

  • +1

    As of right now, because iphone battery cannot be replaced, the 4S phones will have very bad battery life. Not sure if it is worth your money unless it is going for very cheap. Try to get an Iphone 5 if you really have to.

  • +1

    If you are getting a used iPhone then I would try to pick this up in person and make sure it has been fully reset, including all the options shown in point 1. If you can find out when the user bought the phone to work out how the battery is travelling. In relation to batteries I have a number of devices going back to the iPod Version 4 and I've only had one where the battery failed. You can be lucky, or unlucky on this. (The battery replacement plan is not horrific for Apple).

    I agree that the iPhone 4s is too long in the tooth as it will probably lose the IOS upgrade capability soon, I went to the iPhone 6+ last year and haven't looked back to my iPhone 4.

    The whole "unlocking" thing is basically to protect the owner, if the phone is stolen it can be turned into a brick. However, it does mean a bit of work to completely clear it out.

    If you like the iPhone ecosystem go Apple, if you like Android then go Android. I would pick a couple of options and have a trawl through Whirlpool forums and watch the Apple Vs Android tribal wars play out.

  • +3

    Forget the iPhone 4S

    You need at least a 5S.

    What to ask the seller

    • Get the IMEI and put it in https://www.icloud.com/activationlock/ to check if it is locked to iCloud i.e stolen. Note they need to completely reset it and log out of everything so you can check.

    • Is the IMEI blocked —> if they don't know run.

    • Do they have the original receipt

    • Has it ever been repaired by someone other than apple? —> if yes run away

    • Is it carrier locked?

  • Thanks for all the responses. I have seen a 4S for sale.

    The phone is $50 and was advertised on my local gumtree. I would pick it up in person.

    This is the ad ' The phone has being well used but is in great condition. It has always had a screen protector on it so there is no scratches on the front or back. There are some marks on some corners. There is nothing wrong with it, the battery life isn't the best on it. It depends what you are doing on it but sometimes the battery drains out before the day is up.'

    I have gone back to him with all the other questions. To be honest i would be happy if the phone lasted a year and then if I have enjoyed an iphone will upgrade. I figure that worst case senario I could sell it for spares.

    • Honestly I'd get a 5/5C/5S over a 4S.

      It is a old phone now and the battery will be crap, it won't get the latest updates and it will be slow as hell.

      Still up to you.

      The 4S usually were network locked so be careful!!

      • yeah you're right, I'm going to give it a miss and pick up something newer and pay a bit more. Just really want a cheap iphone lol.

        • +2

          People will be selling their 5S soon as their 2 year contracts will be coming up. Keep an eye on eBay and gum tree.

  • Thanks again for all the information, I will know what to ask when the right phone comes along.

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