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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBefore using a second-hand phone, make sure it is no longer linked to its previous owner, erase it using the supported reset process, and set it up with your own account. Then secure the screen, enable updates and remote recovery, limit lock-screen exposure, and check whether the exact model still receives security updates.
What should I do first with a second-hand phone?
- Confirm the previous owner has released it. Ask the seller to remove their account and any activation or device lock that prevents a new owner from setting it up. If setup requests the previous owner’s credentials or shows the phone is still linked to their account, stop and ask the seller to resolve it through the supported process before entering your own account details. Google explains that Android device protection can require the screen lock or a previously synced Google Account after a reset (Google Android Help). This does not by itself establish that a locked phone was stolen, but it does mean you cannot safely complete setup as your own device.
- Erase it before adding personal accounts. Use the phone maker’s supported factory-reset flow, and erase the phone only if you have permission to do so. The UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends factory-resetting a second-hand device (NCSC); the Federal Trade Commission also advises securely wiping a device before reuse (FTC). On an iPhone, Apple’s erase process can also remove an eSIM profile, so check the prompts carefully if you plan to keep the existing mobile plan (Apple: Erase iPhone).
- Set it up as your device. After the reset, sign in with your own account and use the initial setup screens to establish device security and recovery options. Do not try to guess someone else’s credentials or use lock-bypass tools; have the seller complete account removal instead.
Which settings should I change after the reset?
Set a strong screen lock
Choose a PIN or passcode that is difficult to guess. The FTC recommends a passcode of at least six digits (FTC). You can add fingerprint or face unlock for convenience, but keep a secure fallback code that only you know.
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Install updates and turn on automatic updates
Install available operating-system and app updates before relying on the phone. Then enable automatic operating-system updates and keep apps current where those options are available. The FTC recommends automatic system updates and timely app updates (FTC); FBI guidance likewise recommends timely updates and enabling automatic updates where possible (FBI).
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Enable the platform’s lost-device service and confirm that you are signed in to the account needed to use it. Google’s Find Hub can help locate, secure, or erase an Android device when configured (Google Find Hub). The FTC and FBI also recommend enabling device-location and recovery features (FTC; FBI).
#1 Best Overall
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Hide sensitive lock-screen notifications
Set the lock screen to hide private notification content while the phone is locked. A notification preview can reveal information to someone holding the phone; Google cautions that lock-screen notification information can help an unauthorized person access data (Google notification controls).
Protect the SIM with a PIN, if supported
A SIM PIN can make it harder for someone to move your SIM into another phone and use your number. Replace any publicly known carrier default with a private PIN, but do not guess the current PIN: repeated wrong attempts can lock the SIM. If you do not know the current PIN, ask your carrier before changing it. Google explains the risk of an unprotected SIM and how to set a SIM lock on supported Android devices (Google Android Help).
Rank #2
- Display: 5.83 inches PLS TFT capacitive touchscreen, Resolution: 720 x 1560 pixels
- Memory: 32GB 2GB RAM - microSD, up to 512 GB
- Main Camera: 8 MP, f/1.9, AF w/ LED flash, panorama, HDR - Selfie Camera: 5 MP, f/2.0
- OS: Android 9.0 (Pie) - Chipset: Exynos 7884 - CPU: Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) - GPU: Mali-G71 MP2
- Dimensions: 5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in, Weight: 4.97 oz
Review apps, permissions, and sharing
Remove apps you do not recognize or need, and inspect app permissions and network-sharing settings. Menu names and permission categories differ by operating system and version. FBI guidance recommends periodically reviewing installed applications and sharing settings (FBI).
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How do I know whether the phone will keep receiving security updates?
Check the manufacturer’s support information for the exact model and your region, and confirm that security updates are still being provided. The NCSC notes that unsupported devices stop receiving security updates and are easier to hack (NCSC). A phone’s ability to install apps does not prove that its operating system remains supported; changing settings cannot replace missing platform security fixes.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
What changes on a used iPhone or Android?
| Check | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Previous owner’s account or activation lock | Complete the supported account-release process before setup. Google device protection may request a screen lock or previously synced Google Account after reset (Google). | Have the seller remove the device from their account and complete Apple’s supported release and erase process (Apple). |
| Reset | Use the manufacturer’s supported settings flow; paths vary across manufacturers and Android releases. | Use Apple’s erase flow; review whether it will remove an eSIM profile if you need to retain the plan (Apple). |
| Remote recovery and security controls | Configure Find Hub and review available device protections. Some features, including Identity Check, are available only on certain devices; settings and paths vary (Google). | Turn on Apple’s lost-device service and use the current iPhone security controls; the cited Apple erase guidance covers erasing and account release, not every post-setup menu. |
| Updates | Check the manufacturer’s support status for the specific model and region (NCSC). | Check Apple’s current support information for the exact iPhone model; update availability depends on the model. |
For either platform, menu labels and feature availability can change by model, software version, and region. Use the manufacturer’s current help page for exact instructions rather than assuming every phone has the same controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should I compare two used phones?
Before choosing between them, compare the practical security conditions rather than relying on age or appearance alone:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
- Does the exact model still receive security updates in your region?
- Has the previous owner cleared its account and activation lock?
- Does it support the security and lost-device features you need?
- Can it be reset and activated cleanly with your own account?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
