Used and Pre-Owned Devices - Smartphones, Tablets, and Wearables: Are They Worth Buying?
- Melashoppe
- Nov 30, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 28
Modern gadgets are pricey, with flagship models often exceeding S$1,000. For many, pre-owned devices offer a cost-effective way to stay current with technology without breaking the bank.
Whether you're looking to save money, explore premium features, or make eco-friendly purchase decisions, the market for pre-owned smartphones, tablets, and wearables offers a wide range of compelling options. Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons of buying used devices, to see if they are worth buying!
Why Consider Pre-Owned / Second-Hand Devices?
Pre-owned devices are previously used gadgets that are resold either as-is or after minor repairs. These devices undergo rigorous quality checks when purchased from trusted sellers like Melashoppe, ensuring functionality and durability. These devices tend to be sold at a much lower price than brand new items, providing you with the best bang-for-your-buck!
Pre-Owned Devices and Considerations
First, let’s explore some of the pros and cons of commonly desired second-hand devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and wearables, to determine if they are suitable for you.
1) Tablets
Tablets are versatile tools for productivity, entertainment, and creative projects. Pre-owned tablets such as iPads and Samsung Tabs, provide you to access high-performance productivity at a fraction of the original price!
In recent years, larger tablets have often been used as laptop replacements. Fortunately, this means that the device is mostly static, and not moved around often like a smartphone, greatly reducing the risk of physical damage from drops.
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Access flagship features, like high-resolution displays and powerful processors, for less.
Variety: Ability to choose from a range of widely accessible models, tailored to work, school, or casual use.
Eco-Friendly: Contribute to sustainability by giving devices a second life.
Condition: Tablets are often devices that are well taken care off, so you can often find great condition devices at a reduced price!
Cons:
Battery Life: Older devices may have reduced battery performance and health.
Software Support: Pre-owned models might lack the latest software upgrades, once it is out of its support period.
Buying Tip: Purchase from trustworthy resellers like Melashoppe, which offer warranties and extensive device checks! |
2) Smartphones
Used smartphones are one of the most sought-after categories. High-end models like the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S Series are accessible at more wallet-friendly prices.
Pros
Affordable Premium Features: Enjoy top-tier cameras, OLED displays, and fast processors without breaking the bank.
Diverse Options: Smartphones are easily one of the most resold devices, making it easy to find the exact model and colour of smartphone you are looking for!
Reduces E-Waste: Smartphones may be replaced by their owners frequently. Purchasing pre-owned helps you reduce e-waste, contributing to sustainability!
Cons
Risk of Blacklisted Devices: Smartphones are a common suspect of theft and fraud. Avoid unauthorised sellers to ensure legitimacy!
Cosmetic Wear: As handheld devices, smartphones are carried around and used more than any other electronic device, which makes it heavily prone to wear and tear. Second-hand smartphones often come with cosmetic defects.
Battery Wear: Similarly, extensive use and frequent charging may mean a reduced battery health for smartphones.
Pro Tip: If prices are too good to be true, they often are! |
3) Wearables - Smartwatches and Earbuds
Wearables, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, are great tools for monitoring health, fitness, and productivity. Second-hand wearables are perfect for first-time buyers or those on a budget.
Pros
Significant Savings: Wearable devices tend to drop in price far more than tablets and smartphones once they are used, due to perceived hygiene factors. This means that you can easily grab a high-quality wearable at a sweet price!
Eco-Friendly Option: Reduce electronic waste by reusing others' pre-loved devices.
Cons
Wear & Tear: Smartwatches are often used for workouts or physical activities, increasingly the likelihood of physical damages on a pre-owned device.
Hygiene: Ensure that pre-owned smartwatches or earbuds and properly cleaned with disinfectants before purchase, as they often accumulate dirt and sweat. Earbuds in particular, often trap bacteria in the ear canal.
Buying Tip: Request for the seller to thoroughly clean the device before purchase! |
Making the Right Choice
So now that you have decided to bite the bullet and purchase a used device, here's what you should do before purchasing your device:
1) Verify the Seller's Credibility
When buying pre-owned devices, choose reputable sellers like Melashoppe, which offer warranties and thorough testing.
Seller Reviews: Look for customer reviews and testimonials to assess reliability. Platforms such as Carousell, have reviews published by like-minded buyers, which may provide you with valuable insight on the seller's reliability. Reviews on google are also a good way of gauging a seller's credibility.
Return Policy and Warranty: Check if the seller offers a warranty and a return window in case the device has issues. This may include the original warranty that initially came with the device, or additional seller guarantees, such as Melashoppe's 2 Week Shop Warranty for all used devices.
2) Inspect Device Condition
Carefully inspect or inquire about the device's physical and internal condition in person, before buying.
Physical Condition: Check for scratches, dents, and cracks, especially on screens, cameras, and on the frame. The condition of the device and the description provided by the seller should reflect the price.
Buttons and Ports: Ensure all buttons (power, volume) and ports (charging, headphone jack) work properly. It may be more trouble than worth to purchase a device that has a faulty button, especially the power button.
Battery Health: Request information about battery capacity and performance where available. Ideally, all devices should have a battery health rating above 80%. Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads, have a feature to check on the battery health.
If you are unable to view the product physically, request for photos or videos of the device!
3) Verify IMEI/Serial Number
For smartphones, tablets and wearables, ensure the device is not stolen or blacklisted:
IMEI/Serial Number Check: Cross check the device IMEI/Serial number found in settings, and on the physical box. Brands such as Apple, Google and Samsung, also have tools available online to check the serial number's validity.
Model Number Check: With the model number of the device found in the settings or labelled on the box, you may do a quick Google search, to determine if the item is legitimate, or of the correct model you are looking to purchase.
Stolen Property Check: The SPF provides tools to check if devices have been stolen or reported as lost, using the serial number or IMEI found on the device.
4) Ask for Accessories
Check if essential accessories are included:
Chargers and Cables: Ensure the device comes with a functioning charger and cable.
Original Box/Packaging: The box that comes with the device tends to show the model number and serial number of the device, which allows you to perform the check mentioned in the previous section.
If no accessories are included, try to ask for a discount from the seller!
5) Test Performance
If possible, test the device before purchasing:
Display: Check for dead pixels or discoloration, and test the screen's brightness.
Camera: Take test photos to verify camera quality, for the front and rear cameras.
Speakers: Play audio to ensure the sound quality is clear, from all the speakers.
Sensors and Connectivity: Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and fingerprint scanners.
Touch Sensitivity: Perform a check on the touchscreen responsiveness and feel.
6) Opt for a Warranty
A warranty is crucial for peace of mind when buying pre-owned devices:
Original Coverage: Check if there is an original warranty with the device, which usually come with items that are less than a year old.
Seller Warranty: If the device is out of its original warranty, check with the seller if they provide an in-house guarantee for the device (such as 1 week or 2 week guarantee).
The Best Place for Pre-Owned Tech
Here at Melashoppe, we are committed to providing a seamless and trustworthy buying experience! Our team rigorously test every device for functionality and durability. Whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, or wearable, you can shop confidently knowing the product meets industry standards.
A Leader in Second-Hand Tech, Melashoppe Offers:
Extensive Selection: From the latest iPads to smartwatches and other mobile devices, we have it all!
Competitive Pricing: Our pricing ensures you get the best value for your money, whether its for mint condition or well-used devices.
Dedicated Support: Our team is available to answer questions, provide device setup guidance, and offer troubleshooting help post-purchase. We will guide you through our step-by-step checking process, to ensure it is a smooth process!
Shop Warranty: Even for devices out of their original warranty, Melashoppe offers 2 weeks in-house warranty, so that you may be rest-assured that the device is fully functional out of the box.
Same-Day Delivery: Get your device delivered quickly on the same day! For orders above S$650 (which includes most tablets and smartphones), we will deliver right to your doorstep within 4 to 6 hours.
Transparent Grading: Devices are clearly indicated with the proper condition, in their listing description (ranging from a scale of 1 to 10). Images with all angles of the device and close-up shots of defects (if any), are shown, so that you know exactly what you are paying for!
So Should You Buy Pre-Owned?
Here's a summary with the pros and cons of doing so to help you decide!
Pros | Cons |
Significant Cost Savings | Potential for Reduced Battery Life |
Affordable Access to Flagship Features | Minor Cosmetic Imperfections |
Sustainable and Reduces E-Waste | Risk of Buying from Unverified Sellers |
Surprising Wide Range of Options | Lack of Software Support (Older Models) |
Used and pre-owned devices are an excellent choice for budget-conscious, eco-friendly, and tech-savvy consumers. With trusted sellers like Melashoppe, you can enjoy quality products, reliable warranties, and unbeatable customer service!
Explore our extensive collection of pre-owned tablets, smartphones, and wearables today—shop smarter, spend less, and make a sustainable choice!
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