How to buy a UK used phone in Nigeria
A UK used phone is a phone that was used abroad, usually in the UK or US, and resold in Nigeria. They cost much less than new, and most iPhones and Samsung flagships in Nigeria are bought this way. The catch is that condition varies from one seller to the next, so two phones with the same name and storage can be worth very different amounts.
Take 15 minutes to go through these checks with the phone in your hand. A good seller will not mind.
1. Battery health
Battery health tells you how much charge the battery holds compared with when it was new. On an iPhone, open Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health. Look for 85% or more. Below 80%, the phone will need a new battery soon, so the price should be lower. Samsung phones don't show a percentage in the same way, so ask how long it lasts and check the phone isn't warm or draining fast while you test it.
2. Screen and parts
Look at the screen on a white background for spots, lines or yellow patches. On an iPhone, go to Settings, General, About and scroll down: a message about an unknown part or a non-genuine display means something has been replaced with a cheaper part. Check Face ID or the fingerprint reader, both cameras, the speakers, the microphone (make a short call) and the charging port.
3. Accounts and locks
The seller must sign out of iCloud (iPhone) or their Google and Samsung accounts (Android) in front of you, then reset the phone. If a phone asks for someone else's password after a reset, it is locked to that account and you cannot use it. Put your own SIM card in before paying to make sure the phone is not locked to a foreign network.
4. Grade and body
Sellers often describe phones as grade A, B or C. These grades are not standard, so judge for yourself: check the frame and back for dents and cracks, and make sure the buttons click properly. Small scratches are normal. A bent frame or cracked back glass is worth a bigger discount.
5. Price
Compare the asking price with the range on the phone's page on this site, for the same storage size. A price far below the range is a warning sign, not a bargain. A price above the range is fine if the battery health is very high or the seller gives a warranty, but ask what you are paying extra for.
6. Warranty and receipt
Ask for a written receipt with the phone's IMEI number on it (dial *#06# to see it) and any warranty in writing, even if it is only a few weeks. Check the IMEI on the receipt matches the one in the phone.
Quick checklist
- Battery health 85% or more
- No unknown part or non-genuine display message
- Face ID or fingerprint, cameras, speakers and charging port work
- Seller signs out of their accounts and resets the phone in front of you
- Your SIM works in it
- Price inside the range for its storage size
- Receipt with the IMEI written on it
Found a seller charging much less or much more than our range? Tell us at adeya@filterfree.ng.