Apple’s iPhones are universally favorite smartphones. Everyone loves the iOS experience, and Apple releases at least one new iPhone every year. However, the more recent models are priced very high, and everyone cannot afford to buy them. But that does not mean you cannot enjoy the authentic iOS experience if you cannot buy the latest Apple iPhone.
How is that possible, you might ask!
Well, used and refurbished iPhones are an excellent investment if you don’t want to go broke while buying a new phone. You can easily get a used iPhone 12 Pro Max for sale unlocked, and it will work exceptionally well if you know what to look for before buying it.
So, in this guide, we have explained the 8 essential factors to look for when buying a used iPhone 12 Pro Max. It will help you learn about the most important factors of a used iPhone and invest wisely. Instead of asking yourself: why does my iphone get hot or why iPhone is not working, read this article.
Reliability
Before investing in a used iPhone 12 Pro Max, you may wonder if a used or refurbished iPhone is reliable or not. Whether a used iPhone is as reliable as a new one is a valid concern because you are paying good money for it. We all know a Used phone can give you all those perks that a new one has. Reliability is the only factor that stops one person from buying a used or refurbished iPhone.
However, the reliability of a used iPhone depends on the source you buy it from. For instance, you should always buy a used or refurbished iPhone from a well-reputed and trustworthy source, like Apple or established phone companies. This way, you can rest assured that the phone is genuine, authentic, and reliable.
Network Compatibility
The next thing to focus on while buying a used iPhone 12 Pro Max is to get the right one for your network carrier. Typically, all iPhones after the iPhone 5 are compatible with all phone networks. However, unlike others, the AT&T network uses an extra LTE signal, which allows faster service in some areas.
If you buy an iPhone 12 Pro Max designed for Verizon and take it to AT&T, it won’t allow accessing the extra LTE signal. You can use it like that if you are not too keen on the faster speed. But it is better to ask the seller for the iPhone’s model number beforehand to ensure its compatibility with your network.
Theft Prevention
One of the most significant risks of buying a used iPhone 12 Pro Max is getting scammed with a stolen phone. So, you should make sure the phone you’re buying is not stolen or blacklisted before purchasing it.
Apple has an Activation Lock feature in all its iPhones. It can prevent new owners from activating the iPhone by turning on the Find My iPhone feature.
So, how to find out if the iPhone is stolen or not?
How to Find Out if an iPhone is Stolen or Not
Unfortunately, most people find out about their iPhone being stolen after buying it. But if you know the IMEI number of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can find this information beforehand. Your seller knows the IMEI number of the iPhone, and you can ask them.
Once you have the IMEI number, you can follow these steps to find out if the iPhone is stolen or not:
- Open Settings on the iPhone.
- Go to General and tap About.
- Scroll down to the IMEI number, and you will see a 15-digit number written in front of it.
- Copy the number and go to the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker website and enter that number in the search bar.
- If the iPhone has been reported as lost or stolen, you will see a red notice on the website. However, if it is not stolen, the website will return a green notice.
Carrier Locks
If you want to buy a used phone, make sure you look for an iPhone. You should always confirm whether the phone is carrier locked or not.
Finding the right make and model of the phone won’t matter if it is not unlocked or uses your desired carrier. So, before purchasing a used iPhone, call your phone carrier to confirm if they can activate the phone or not.
In order to do that, you need to know the iPhone’s IMEI number. You can find that out in the iPhone’s settings (after you have bought it) or ask the seller (before purchase). It is better to learn about carrier locks beforehand to avoid any inconvenience after purchase.
Battery Health
Another issue with used or refurbished iPhones is their depleted battery health, especially older models. So, make sure you check the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s battery health before purchase.
Besides, if you get a refurbished iPhone from an authentic seller, chances are, you will get a new battery and outer shell.
How to Check the Battery Health of a Used iPhone
You can easily check the battery of a used iPhone by following these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to the Battery option and tap Battery Health.
- You will see a Maximum Capacity section displaying the battery percentage. When you buy a brand-new iPhone 12 Pro Max, its battery percentage will be 100%. However, a used one may have 80% or 90% battery, depending on its usage.
Hardware Damage
When you buy a used iPhone, it will undoubtedly come with scratches, scuff marks, and dings. Before purchasing a used iPhone 12 Pro Max, you should see it in daylight to get an idea of its condition. If you are buying online, look for the website’s grading criteria that list iPhones according to their physical condition.
If an iPhone has excessive scratches on the screen, it will cause issues with the Face ID or Touch ID feature. Moreover, look for scuff marks on the camera and test the camera to see its result. These little details make a huge difference when it comes to regularly using the iPhone.
Storage Capacity
An iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in three storage capacities, including 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. You should choose a suitable storage capacity, depending on your requirements.
If you buy an older iPhone, you can get storage capacity as low as 16 GB. While it is not possible to get such a low storage capacity on an iPhone 12 Pro Max, you should check the store before purchasing. You should look for the highest possible storage capacity if you store a lot of photos, videos, and music on your iPhone.
Warranty Info
It is better to get a used or refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max with the retailer’s warranty. Generally, reputable sellers provide some sort of warranty on their products, like Phone daddy offers a 90-day warranty on all its products. It is better to get used or refurbished iPhones with a warranty to avoid any inconvenience after the purchase.
The Bottom Line
Finding a used and unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max is not hard as various sellers sell it online and in-stores. However, knowing what you are looking for is essential when buying a used iPhone. In this guide, we have mentioned some crucial factors that you must never overlook when buying a used or refurbished iPhone. Moreover, always buy from an authentic and reputable seller to avoid scams. As there are a lot of scams that have been reported.
Credits: Picture taken from GSMArena
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