Let’s be real—buying a brand-new flagship phone these days feels like a robbery. Spending ₹80,000+ on a device that’s going to depreciate the moment you open the box? Ouch.
That’s why so many of us are switching to refurbished or second-hand phones. It’s smart, it saves cash, and it’s better for the planet. But the second-hand market can also be the Wild West. We’ve all heard horror stories of people buying a “mint condition” phone only to find out the camera doesn’t focus or the battery dies in an hour.
If you’re hunting for a deal, you need to know what to look for. Here are the 5 non-negotiable checks to make before you hand over your cash.
1. The Physical Inspection (Look Closer)
Photos can be deceiving. If you’re meeting a seller locally, hold the phone in your hand. Look for:
- Dents on the frame: Small scratches are fine, but deep dents usually mean the phone took a hard fall. This can damage internal components you can’t see.
- Screen lift: Run your fingernail along the edge where the screen meets the frame. If it catches or feels uneven, the screen might have been replaced poorly by a local shop.
- Camera lens: Check for dust inside the lens glass. It’s impossible to clean and will ruin every photo you take.
Pro Tip: If you have an old phone lying around with a cracked screen, don’t just toss it. Sell your old mobile used phone here to fund your upgrade instead of letting it rot in a drawer.
2. Check the Battery Health
This is the #1 killer of used phones. A phone might look new but have a battery that’s on its last legs.
- For iPhones: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the maximum capacity is below 80%, walk away (or ask for a discount).
- For Android: It’s trickier, but you can dial
*#*#4636#*#*on many devices to see battery info, or download an app like AccuBattery beforehand.
At Budli’s Buy Store, we test battery health on every single device so you don’t have to play this guessing game.
3. The IMEI & Network Lock Check
You don’t want to buy a stolen phone or one that’s locked to a foreign carrier.
- Dial
*#06#on the dialer. The IMEI number will pop up. - Match this number with the box (if they have it).
- Put your SIM card in immediately. Make a call. Send a text. Turn off Wi-Fi and load a webpage using mobile data. If it doesn’t connect, the phone might be network-locked or blacklisted.
4. The “Too Good To Be True” Price Test
If someone is selling an iPhone 14 for ₹20,000 when the market rate is ₹45,000, there is a catch. Always. It could be stolen, water-damaged, or a fake “first copy.”
Always check the market rate first. You can browse refurbished mobile prices on Budli to get a baseline of what a legitimate, tested device costs. If a private seller is offering it for half that price, run.
5. Is There a Warranty? (The Safety Net)
Buying from a stranger on OLX or Facebook Marketplace means once you hand over the cash, you’re on your own. If the phone dies tomorrow, you have zero recourse.
This is the biggest reason to consider a certified refurbished device instead of a random used one. When you buy from a verified platform, you get a warranty. If the screen flickers or the mic stops working, you can actually return it.
The Verdict?
Buying used is brilliant, but buying blind is risky. If you don’t want the hassle of inspecting screens and checking IMEIs yourself, check out our inventory at buy.budli.in. We’ve done the heavy lifting, testing, and verifying for you—plus, you get a warranty to sleep easy.
Smart buyers don’t just save money; they save themselves the headache. Happy hunting! 🤙
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