Buying a used phone checklist

[ak1234567890]

I recently broke my galaxy S2's screen, and the screen has become unresponsive. I decided to buy an used T-Mobile Galaxy S3. What are some things I should be checking for when buying a used phone? So far I'm gonna check for clean IMEI, screen working, functioning buttons, functioning cameras, test calls and texts, make sure vibrate works, and liquid damage. Do you guys have anything to add to that? Also, with my old phone's screen becoming unresponsive, I decided to make sure on my next phone to have USB debugging allowed so I can use my phone without screen, and also make sure I have a app that allows for me to text through the computer. Should I make sure I have anything else enabled or installed in the case my phone breaks or lost? Lastly, I know even after you factory reset an android phone, some of the old settings remain and stuff and I think it has something to do with ROM (idk a lot about this stuff, which is kinda sad because I'm a CS major.) How would I make it so that the used phone I buy is as if it came straight out of a box? As if totally wiped clean. Thank you. PS: I apologize for the congestive writing, but I can't seem to double space it...

 

[Unforgiven]

Paragraphs buddy, or bullet lists.:rofl:

Seriously. I'm just kidding about that.

It looks like you have the list pretty well covered. One thing I didn't see is that it is a T-Mobile compatible phone. Even though it is an S3 they have different hardware for antennas for different carriers.

I've also seen god advice if you buy one local (e.g. craigslist) the meet in a vendors store so the MEID can be validated on the spot.

I'd give the sticky threads in here (Classifieds - Android Forums) a quick read as they cover the gotcha's that have been identified from folks selling devices here.

I hope this helps and good luck with the S3. I hear its a real solid device.

 

[ak1234567890]

Paragraphs buddy, or bullet lists.:rofl:

Seriously. I'm just kidding about that.

It looks like you have the list pretty well covered. One thing I didn't see is that it is a T-Mobile compatible phone. Even though it is an S3 they have different hardware for antennas for different carriers.

I've also seen god advice if you buy one local (e.g. craigslist) the meet in a vendors store so the MEID can be validated on the spot.

I'd give the sticky threads in here (Classifieds - Android Forums) a quick read as they cover the gotcha's that have been identified from folks selling devices here.

I hope this helps and good luck with the S3. I hear its a real solid device.

okay thank you, and yea, I was planning on meeting at a T-Mobile store and having them check the phone

 

[palmtree5]

I can't think of anything else but the most important thing on your list is probably the IMEI

 

[funkylogik]

I think you have it covered. Maybe take a pic of something white with it to check for display burn-in. My heavily used 1yr old s3 is suffering from it (main place to look is where the status bar would be, mine is a lot brighter there than the rest of the display)
Or if the dude has used it for navigation a lot, there could be some "ghosting" burnt in.
Also while in the store, it might be worthwhile finding out how old the phone is so u know how much warranty is left on it :thumbup:

 

[ak1234567890]

I think you have it covered. Maybe take a pic of something white with it to check for display burn-in. My heavily used 1yr old s3 is suffering from it (main place to look is where the status bar would be, mine is a lot brighter there than the rest of the display)
Or if the dude has used it for navigation a lot, there could be some "ghosting" burnt in.
Also while in the store, it might be worthwhile finding out how old the phone is so u know how much warranty is left on it :thumbup:

thank you, never thought of that. Besides the status bar being brighter than rest of display, how else, if any other ways, would I recognize if there is indeed display burn-in after I take a picture of a white paper? I'm also buying from someone who says its brand new in package still. Should there be any concerns for these kinds of sales?

 

[funkylogik]

Youll see like dark or bright areas where theres been an image on the screen for extended periods. On mine the statusbar area looks bright because its usualy black which doesnt burn out the LEDs so the rest of my display is burnt in (id post a pic but i dont have a camera)
Maybe taking a pic of something white is a bad example... what would be better is if you find a pic of white on google or something and download it to your s2 then send it to the s3 when you meet the dude then look at it in the gallery. I know it could get a bit embarrasing doing that lol but i live in scotland so my brightness is usually set really low (we dont get much sunshine) and mine is burned in so i can only imagine it would be worse in the US where people might have brightness set to max :thumbup:

 

[funkylogik]

View attachment 57177
heres a white background u could use :beer:

 

[ak1234567890]

oh, I understand now, and thanks, definitely will do