The Complete Noobi’s Guide To Buying A Used iPhone

iPhone Buyers Guide

When you're sick of all your friends raving on about their iPhone's, you can be forgiven for having the evil thought of joining them. The iPhone really is a handy device, and once you have used one it's clear why people love them.

But they are very expensive - and when you compare the iPhone to similar devices such as any smartphone on the Android platform, you might question if it's worth paying more for the privilege of joining 'the iPhone club'

Well, you don't need to always buy a iPhone outright, there is a completely valid option for you - and that's to buy a used iPhone.

Pretty obvious right? Yeah, sure, but there's a number of factors to be considered when you're looking at this option. We cover them below:

1. The Generation Gap

Currently in Australia, there are 3 iPhone generations currently in existence. They are, in chronological order - The iPhone 3G (released in 2008), the iPhone 3GS (released in 2009), & the iPhone 4 (released in 2010).

So, which one do you buy? Well, obviously, the newer, the better. All options considered, you're best buying the latest model, the iPhone 4. However, you can still get a good range of iPhone goodness wit the previous generation, the iPhone 3GS. The 3GS has most of the features of the iPhone 4, and is still a great handset. What you won't get is : a forward facing camera, a high resolution back camera (with flash / light), and Apple's video conferencing technology, face-time. Oh, and a higher resolution screen.

So, sure, you're missing out, but these are not essential features everyone needs. The writer of this article still owns a iPhone 3GS and is quite happy with it (whilst he waits for the iPhone 5 offering to come out!).

Wait... what about the iPhone 3G? Well, it's still OK, comes at 1/3 the price of the latest model... but it's not really supported by Apple anymore, so we wouldn't recommend it for power users.However, it could make a great gift for your teenage kids or grandparents who don't care about having all the latest features.

2. Is It Locked Away?

iPhone's available today come in two flavors of network readiness - Locked & Unlocked. Locked iPhone's are network 'locked' to the company they were purchased from, usually Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, Virgin or 3 Mobile. What this means is that you can't use the iPhone on any other network - thereby limiting your option of choosing from any of the current available plans. You can unlock your iPhone via the telco for a fee - this varies in cost, so always check before buying a used iPhone how much it would cost to Unlock a locked iPhone. The seller should be able to find out for you. If they refuse, buy elsewhere... Unlocked iPhone's are the better option here, as you can use them on any network, and any plan, as you so choose.

3. Condition Applies

iPhone's are like used cars - they come in different conditions. New, or near new is the best way to go. Getting a iPhone that is less then 6 months old is a good way to buy, notably because it's still under warranty. Older iPhone's will still work fine, but the battery life may be diminished. iPhone batteries are good for about 500 - 1000 cycles. Always ask a perspective seller 'how is the battery life, how long does a charge last for?' A good answer will be 1 whole day or more. Anything less then that, look elsewhere. Other then battery life, iPhone's rarely vary in condition, apart from physical appearance. Scratches & dints are sometimes found, but a usually minor. Always ask if there are any signs of wear & tear...

4. Finding A Decent Seller

There's a number of ways to buy a used iPhone, and by far the best place we recommend is eBay. The great thing about eBay is that you can check a sellers reputation. By looking at their feedback, you can see if they have 1) A history of selling quality goods and 2) A good reputation for delivering said goods in working condition. Buying elsewhere such as gumtree or the trading post is always an option, but you don't really know who you're buying off. If the iPhone breaks down 24 hours after you purchase it, you have no guarantee's. Paying via paypal when purchasing off eBay does give you some protection, and is worth serious consideration should you take this route.

5. Finding A Great Price

Used iPhone prices do vary, by as much as $100 - $300 in some cases. Should you consider buying a iPhone on eBay, you can find yourself a bargain if you play your bids right. Timing is a big consideration. Auctions that end late at night, early in the morning, or during the day are often bid on less, resulting in lower ending prices. Be aware thou, eBay can be quite random, and it's best to 'watch' a number of iPhone auctions you find appealing, and place your bids at the last minute. Be smart, and sensible with how much you bid and you'll soon end up with a bargain.