What to check before buying a used phone

A used handset can be a genuine bargain or an expensive mistake, and the difference usually comes down to three checks you can do while you are standing at the counter.

Start with the IMEI. Dial *#06# and run the number through your network's blacklist checker. A blocked handset is worthless no matter how clean it looks, and no amount of resetting will bring it back.

Then battery health. On iOS it is in Settings under Battery; on Android you will usually need an app, or you can ask us — every phone we list has had its battery capacity measured on the bench and written into the condition report.

Finally, look for the liquid contact indicator, a small white square in the SIM tray that turns pink or red once it has been wet. Water damage often shows up months later as a failing microphone or a camera that will not focus.