How to Check a Mobile Phone Before Buying (Checklist)
Buying a smartphone is a big decision — whether it's brand new or second-hand. With the growing number of models and the increasing price of smartphones, it's important to make sure you're getting exactly what you pay for. This guide will help you inspect a mobile phone thoroughly before making a purchase.
🔍 1. Physical Condition
Start by examining the physical condition of the phone. Look for:
Cracks or scratches on the display
Dents, bends, or signs of dropping
Loose or stiff buttons (power, volume)
Proper alignment of the charging port, SIM tray, and headphone jack
Check for any water damage indicators (usually visible inside the SIM tray)
🖥️ 2. Display and Touch Functionality
A phone’s display is one of its most expensive and crucial parts.
Open apps and swipe across the screen to check for touch sensitivity.
Play a high-resolution video to test display quality.
Enable auto-rotate and tilt the phone to see if the sensor works.
Look for dead pixels, color issues, or screen flickers.
📷 3. Camera Check
Test both the front and rear cameras:
Take a photo and zoom in to check clarity.
Try recording a video to test stability and mic pickup.
Test features like night mode, portrait, zoom, and flash.
Open the gallery and inspect image sharpness.
🔋 4. Battery and Charging
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For second-hand phones, battery health is critical.
Plug the phone into a charger and see if it charges quickly.
If possible, check the battery health from settings or using third-party apps.
Use the phone for a few minutes and observe if the battery drops too fast.
📶 5. Network and Connectivity
Insert a SIM card to test:
Signal strength and call quality
Send a text and make a call to confirm everything works
Connect to Wi-Fi and test browsing speed
Check Bluetooth, Hotspot, and GPS
Use apps like Maps to verify location accuracy
🔊 6. Audio and Speakers
Play music or a video to test loudspeaker.
Make a test call to verify the earpiece speaker.
Plug in wired headphones or connect Bluetooth ones.
Try using voice recorder or calling apps to test microphone.
⚙️ 7. Operating System and Updates
Go to Settings > About Phone and check Android/iOS version.
Make sure the OS is not outdated and supports updates.
Avoid phones that are rooted or jailbroken if you’re not tech-savvy.
💾 8. Storage and RAM
Confirm the storage size matches what was advertised.
Open multiple apps to test multitasking.
Install a small app to test write speed and RAM usage.
Use tools like CPU-Z or Device Info HW to verify hardware specs.
🔒 9. IMEI Number and Phone Legitimacy
Dial *#06# to get the IMEI number.
Match it with the box or back of the phone.
Use online services like imei.info to check blacklisting or stolen status.
📄 10. Warranty and Invoice
Ask for the original purchase invoice.
Check if the phone is still under warranty.
If buying from a shop, confirm their return or replacement policy.
📝 Final Words
Checking a mobile phone thoroughly before buying is not just smart — it's necessary. Whether you’re buying a budget device or a flagship model, this checklist can save you from future hassles and financial loss. For used phones, be extra careful and test every detail. For new phones, make sure everything matches what’s on paper.
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