Be aware of these 10 faults before buying a used iPhone in Pakistan

WEB DESK: Many Pakistanis opt to buy second-hand iPhones due to the exorbitant prices of brand-new ones, exacerbated by taxes and high PTA approval costs.

While some people are familiar with the basics of what to check before purchasing a used iPhone, others are unaware of crucial aspects.

This lack of awareness can lead to falling victim to scams or purchasing faulty or even stolen iPhones.

Here are some tips for individuals looking to buy a second-hand iPhone in Pakistan:

Do not buy a blacklisted iPhone

First and foremost, Pakistani buyers must ensure that the iPhone is not stolen or blacklisted by Apple or the carrier it was purchased through. To check if the iPhone is locked to a carrier, go to Settings > General > About.

If “No SIM restrictions” appears next to Carrier Lock, the iPhone is unlocked. If you see a carrier, the iPhone can only be used with that specific carrier.

For added safety, verify this information online through various sites found via a Google search for “check iPhone IMEI blacklist.”

Never buy a JV iPhone

If you are wondering, what is JV iPhone? A JV iPhone refers to an Apple iPhone that has been unlocked by a specific network provider using third-party software without the authorization of Apple or a service provider.

JV unlocking is often carried out by third-party vendors who purchase bulk quantities of locked phones from a carrier or manufacturer and then unlock them to sell at a profit.

While JV iPhones have gained popularity in Pakistan, it is not recommended to buy them. These iPhones might have been purchased abroad through a carrier or an installment plan with payments not fully paid.

Moreover, they could be stolen if their status appears as blacklisted when checking the IMEI online.

These JV iPhones are much cheaper than the PTA-approved and non-PTA iPhones. For example, the PTA-approved price for a used iPhone 13 Pro Max in Pakistan is around Rs340,000 in good condition.

In contrast, the JV iPhone 13 Pro Max in Pakistan can be bought for as low as Rs190,000 since these phones are not PTA approved.

Check for damage

Checking for physical damage is vital, as it significantly affects the iPhone’s functionality and market value in Pakistan.

Remove the case and accessories, then inspect the display for scratches and check the sides and back for scuffs and dents. Examine the Lightning connector for damage or debris.

Connect the iPhone to a charger to ensure it charges properly; repeated issues could indicate a damaged charging port.

Check Wi-Fi reception

Connecting to Wi-Fi is essential; observe the signal strength. If the iPhone doesn’t display full signal strength even when close to Wi-Fi, there might be an issue.

This problem is common in older iPhone models such as the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, SE 2020, SE, X, and XR.

Newer models like the iPhone XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max are less likely to have this Wi-Fi problem.

Verify the IMEI on SIM tray

Check the iPhone’s IMEI on the sim tray, especially for older models like the iPhone 6, 6s, and 7. If the IMEI on the phone and SIM tray do not match, it could indicate repairs, potentially affecting the phone’s performance.

Check PTA compliance

Verify PTA compliance by sending the IMEI number to 8484. Test the camera by taking photos in different lighting conditions and shooting videos. Examine the images for spots or defects, which could indicate a damaged camera.

Spots on LCD

Inspect the LCD carefully; some local shops sell iPhones with non-original LCDs. Compare the display with the same iPhone model; a significant difference might indicate a repaired or Chinese-copy LCD.

Test True Tone

For iPhone 8 and above, check for the True Tone feature; its absence could signal an LCD replacement with a local or low-quality one.

Refurbish check

Additionally, check if the iPhone is a refurbished model by examining the “Model Number” in Settings > General > About. If the number starts with an F, the iPhone has been refurbished by Apple or a carrier.

Read more: This ‘iPhone 15 Pro Max’ costs only Rs35,000 in Pakistan

Battery Health

For iPhone 6 and later, check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging for iOS 16.1 or later). Look for performance management features and messages regarding the battery’s health.

If battery health information isn’t available, the battery might be non-genuine or unknown. If the battery health is below 80 per cent or on service, the battery needs replacement.

As we are all aware, the new iPhone 15 series is super expensive, with the 256GB variant of the iPhone 15 Pro Max priced at Rs665,000 in Pakistan, inclusive of all taxes and PTA approval fees. Purchasing a used iPhone can significantly save you money if you are careful, checking all these faults, and ensuring you do not fall victim to scams.