Before you pay, confirm the exact model works with your carrier, inspect and test the actual phone, and make sure the seller removes every account lock so you can complete setup yourself. Check battery and repair information where the phone exposes it, verify software support for that exact model, and understand your return and payment protections. A low price is not a bargain if the phone is locked, incompatible, or costly to repair.
Before you meet the seller or place an order
Identify the exact phone and check compatibility
Confirm the model, storage capacity, and region variant—not just the family name, such as “Galaxy S” or “iPhone.” Ask your intended carrier whether that exact device will work with its network and SIM or eSIM setup. Imported variants deserve particular scrutiny. This is a practical precaution: carrier-lock status alone does not establish compatibility.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ask for photos of the actual phone, including its display, corners, back, camera area, and ports. Get a written description of defects, repairs, included accessories, and any known battery condition. Stock photos cannot show the condition of the handset being sold.
Check software support and the seller’s terms
Look up current software-update support for the exact model and region with its manufacturer. The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises avoiding phones that are no longer supported, or close to the end of support, where possible; its guidance directs Samsung owners to check with the manufacturer: NCSC second-hand-device guidance. Support status can change, so verify it before buying and consider whether it covers your intended ownership period.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1", 1080 x 2340pixels, Infinity-O FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, 3700mAh Battery, Wireless Powershare
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 730
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 + 10MP, f/2.4 + 12MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, Android 12, One UI 4.1
- CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: 1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/41/66/71/260/261SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Single SIM
- Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
For an online purchase, establish who handles a return, the deadline, which reasons qualify, who pays return shipping, and how a refund is issued. Marketplace rules differ and deadlines can be short. The US Federal Trade Commission advises checking refund and return rules, who can help if there is a problem, and whether the marketplace allows a safe payment method: FTC marketplace guidance. Pay through the marketplace’s protected checkout; paying a seller separately can remove that recourse.
At the inspection: check the phone, not just the listing
Inspect the exterior and test ordinary functions
Remove the case if possible. Look over the display, frame, back, camera glass, and charging port for cracks, dents, corrosion, debris, or signs of a poorly fitted repair. Apple’s pre-owned iPhone guide recommends checking the display, sides, back, and connector: Apple’s iPhone inspection guidance.
Power on the device and connect a charger. Apple says not to buy an iPhone that will not charge. Test touch response across the screen, brightness, cameras, speakers, microphones, buttons, vibration, Wi-Fi, and the charging connection. Check that it maintains a connection and does not abruptly shut down during a brief period of ordinary use; that is a practical check, not a formal battery diagnostic. Test the functions that matter most to you, such as mobile data, navigation, or biometrics, where practical.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
Make the seller remove account locks before payment
Do not accept a promise that a lock can be cleared later. For an iPhone, have the owner turn off Find My and remove Activation Lock, then confirm you can proceed through setup. Apple explicitly warns against buying an iPhone with Activation Lock enabled. If an online purchase displays “iPhone Locked to Owner,” Apple says to return it.
For a Galaxy, ask the seller to remove their Google and Samsung accounts and any anti-theft protections, reset the phone, and let you proceed through setup. A wipe alone does not prove that account locks are gone. Samsung Canada’s trade-in terms list Google Account, Samsung Account, Find My Mobile/Reactivation Lock, and Knox among protections that must be removed or turned off for that program; this corroborates the kinds of locks to ask about, but is not a complete buyer guide: Samsung Canada trade-in terms.
For either brand, walk away if the seller will not demonstrate basic functions, remove accounts, or provide clear written return terms. If you cannot inspect in person, use a sales channel with enforceable buyer protections and inspect the phone as soon as it arrives.
Rank #3
- Display: 6.2" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness for vivid visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Camera: Rear dual camera system with 64MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses for stunning photos and videos.
- Memory: 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM for plenty of apps and files.
- Connectivity: 5G capable with support for GSM, CDMA, and Wi-Fi networks.
- Battery: 4000mAh battery provides all-day power for your daily needs.
On iPhone, check battery, repair, and carrier-lock information
Parts and Service History
On supported iPhones, open Settings > General > About and look for Parts and Service History. Apple says this section may appear on iOS 15.2 or later depending on the model and repair. “Genuine Apple Part” indicates a replacement made using genuine Apple parts and processes. “Unknown” can mean the installation is incomplete, the part is nongenuine or previously used, or it is not working as expected. Treat an Unknown status as a reason to ask what happened and request service details—not as proof of fraud.
Recommended Free Tools
Battery Health
Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health, or Battery Health & Charging on iOS 16.1 or later. Apple says iPhone 6 and later running iOS 11.3 or later can show battery health and replacement recommendations. Information may be unavailable for an unknown or nongenuine battery, and not every older phone displays the same information. Ask about battery replacement and any warning messages; there is no universal battery-health percentage that by itself determines whether a used phone is a good buy.
Network Provider Lock
Open Settings > General > About and check Network Provider Lock. Apple says “No SIM restrictions” means the iPhone is unlocked; a named provider indicates a carrier restriction. If the seller claims the phone has been unlocked, confirm that with the relevant carrier and verify compatibility with your intended service.
Rank #4
- Connectivity Technology: NFC
- Operating System: Android 13.0
- Memory Storage Capacity: 512.0 GB
- Camera Description: Rear
- Battery Charge Time: 79.0 minutes
For Galaxy phones, verify condition and setup on the actual device
Ask the seller to demonstrate charging, cameras, speakers, microphones, buttons, touch response, and wireless connections, then show that the phone can proceed through setup after accounts are removed. Do not assume iPhone Settings paths or repair indicators also apply to Galaxy phones. The available official material does not establish a Galaxy diagnostic-menu path for this inspection; consult Samsung support for the exact model rather than relying on an unverified code or menu.
Check blacklist risk and know what this inspection cannot prove
A successful setup and functional test do not guarantee that a phone is not stolen, unpaid, blacklisted, or later blocked. Ask the seller for the IMEI and check it with your intended carrier or the appropriate official service in your market. There is no single universal checker established here for all countries and carriers, so do not treat a result from an unspecified website as definitive.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Compare offers by total cost and recourse
Compare the whole ownership risk, not just a seller’s condition grade or asking price. For each phone, consider:
Best Value
- Pro-Grade Camera: The new Samsung Galaxy S20 FE mobile phone features high-powered pro lenses for beautiful portraits, stunning landscapes and crisp close-ups in any light with its 3X optical zoom
- 30X Space Zoom: Whether you want your cellphone to zoom in close from afar or magnify details of something nearby, 30X Space Zoom gives you the power to get closer
- Night Mode: Capture crisp images and vibrant video with Night Mode and create high-quality content in low light — no flash required with this smartphone
- Single-Take AI: One tap of the screen captures multiple images and video all at once; Lenses, effects and filters capture the best of every moment, every time
- Power of 5G: Get next-level power for everything you love to do with Samsung Galaxy 5G; More sharing, more gaming, more experiences and never miss a beat
- Total cost: price plus likely battery, screen, or port work, shipping, taxes, and missing accessories.
- Condition and repair transparency: visible wear, tested functions, repair records, and manufacturer repair indicators where available.
- Battery: displayed health information, warnings, replacement disclosure, and any remedy the seller offers.
- Lock and carrier readiness: account locks removed and compatibility with your exact intended carrier demonstrated.
- Security-update runway: current support for the exact model and region.
- Buyer recourse: return deadline, warranty, seller identity, marketplace process, and protected payment method.
If the price is far below comparable offers or the listing uses stock photos, pause and verify the seller and actual device. A very low price can indicate a fake, and the FTC recommends checking actual-item photos and seller protections.
Compare a private sale with certified refurbished terms
Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program page for the US says its phones are refurbished by Samsung using genuine Samsung parts, receive a certified new battery, include a one-year limited warranty, and are compatible with the US carrier types listed on the page. It also states a 15-day return period, subject to terms that may include restocking fees. The page lists a data cable and ejector pin among included items: Samsung Certified Re-Newed.
These are stated terms for Samsung’s US program, not a guarantee about ordinary used Samsung phones or Samsung programs in other countries. Compare them with the private seller’s specific device, price, condition, warranty, and return remedy. Warranty, returns, and consumer rights vary by country and seller.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
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.
