Buying a used phone: what you need to know (and avoid)
Buying a used phone looks cheap, but there are pitfalls. Find out what to look for and how to buy smarter without regrets.
Door Jalil Barati
Gepubliceerd: 2026-08-22
Used phones are everywhere: on classifieds sites like Marktplaats, on Facebook Marketplace, in phone shops and at big online stores. Prices range from € 50 to € 900, and yet you sometimes end up buying the exact same device. How does that work? And more importantly: how do you make sure you don't get ripped off?
Quick summary: When buying a used phone, check the battery capacity, the condition of the screen, whether the device has been stolen and whether you get a warranty. If you buy from a reliable shop with a warranty, the risks are minimal.
Why people choose used phones
A new iPhone 16 Pro easily costs € 1.300,00. A comparable device that's a year old and well looked after sometimes costs half that. That's a big saving — and for that money you simply get a phone that works just as well. We see it every week in our shop in Nijverdal: people who deliberately choose a used phone, not because they're short on money, but because they want to spend it wisely.
It's also more sustainable. A phone that would last for years but gets thrown away anyway is a waste of raw materials. By choosing a second-hand device, you extend its lifespan and shrink your ecological footprint. Plenty of good reasons, then.
But — and this is where it gets interesting — not all used phones are equal.
The biggest pitfalls when buying a used phone
Last week a gentleman came to our counter with an iPhone he'd bought on Marktplaats. Paid: € 350,00. The problem: the battery capacity was at 61%, the screen had burn-in and the device was still linked to the previous owner's iCloud account. In effect, he'd bought an expensive brick.
These are the most common pitfalls:
- Low battery capacity: A worn-out battery only lasts a few hours. On an iPhone, always check the battery health via Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Anything below 80% is really already due for replacement.
- Hidden screen damage: Burn-in, dead pixels or scratches can be hard to spot in bright light outdoors. Always test the screen in a dark environment.
- iCloud or Google account lock: If the previous account is still active, you can't use the device. This is the digital version of buying a stolen bike.
- Stolen device: Check the IMEI number via *#06# and verify it on imei.info. A stolen device can be blocked by the carrier at any moment.
- No warranty or right of return: A private seller on Marktplaats doesn't have to guarantee anything. If the device breaks after two weeks, you're out of luck.
- Unknown repair history: Has the screen been replaced before? With non-original parts? That affects water resistance, touch sensitivity and more.
What to look for: a step-by-step plan for smart buyers
Whether you're buying a phone from a shop or from a private individual, this step-by-step plan helps you make the right choice:
- Check the IMEI number. Ask for it in advance and check it online. That way you know whether the device is stolen or blacklisted.
- Test the battery. On an iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health. On Android: use an app like AccuBattery. Don't accept a device below 80% unless the price reflects it and you're prepared to have the battery replaced.
- Check the screen thoroughly. Turn the brightness all the way up and all the way down. Display a fully white and a fully black screen. Look for dead pixels, blotches or burn-in.
- Test all buttons and ports. Volume, power, the silent switch (on iPhone), the charging port and the speakers. Having a faulty charging port repaired costs money — factor that in.
- Check the cameras. Take a photo in normal light and look at it closely. Dust particles behind the lens or a hazy image are signs of damage or a poor repair.
- Ask about warranty. A reliable seller stands behind their product. No warranty? Chances are they're not sure of the quality themselves.
- Have the device reset. Make sure all accounts have been removed and the device is back to factory settings before you pay.
Refurbished versus second-hand: what's the difference?
This is a question we get every day in our workshop, and the distinction matters more than many people think.
A second-hand phone is a device someone has used and is selling as is — with all the flaws that come with it. No quality check, no warranty, no option to return.
A refurbished phone has been professionally restored. At The Phone Shopper that means: every device goes through an extensive check of at least 50 points. Worn parts — like the battery — are replaced before sale. Every refurbished device we sell has a battery capacity of at least 85%. Is it lower? Then we put in a new battery, full stop.
| Feature |
Second-hand (private) |
Refurbished (The Phone Shopper) |
| Quality check |
None |
At least a 50-point check |
| Battery capacity |
Unknown / varies |
At least 85% |
| Warranty |
None |
2 years |
| Right of return |
None |
30 days |
| Financing |
Not possible |
0% interest, 6/12/24 months |
| Repair history known |
Rarely |
Always |
Which condition suits you?
At The Phone Shopper we use clear condition names that describe exactly what you can expect. No cryptic letters or vague descriptions, just honest language:
- New: Never used, original packaging or equivalent. Ideal if only new will do.
- As good as new: Tiny signs of use you can barely see. Feels like new, costs less.
- Lightly used: Small scratches when you look closely, but the screen is flawless. Great value for money.
- Used: Visible signs of use, but fully functional. Maximum savings for the no-nonsense buyer.
Want to know which refurbished iPhone or Samsung Galaxy suits you? Take a look at our full collection of refurbished phones or drop by in Nijverdal.
What if you've already bought a not-so-great used phone?
It happens to the best of us. You've bought a device and afterwards it turns out something isn't right. Don't panic — we sort this out every day in our workshop in Twente.
Is the battery worn out? An or a Samsung battery swap is often done within 30 minutes while you wait. Does the screen have a defect? Our certified technicians replace the screens of most popular models the same day. See all the options on our .
Would you rather trade the device in for something more reliable? Through our trade-in service you get an honest valuation right away and payment within 24 hours. No hassle, no waiting.
Twente and the surrounding area: buy used phones the smart way
Whether you live in Almelo, Rijssen, Hengelo, Wierden or right here in Nijverdal — the temptation to quickly buy a cheap device on Marktplaats is strong. Understandable. But our experience shows that a refurbished phone with a warranty works out cheaper in the long run than a second-hand device that still lands you in the workshop after three months for a battery or a screen.
Do the maths: a second-hand iPhone 13 for € 400,00 without warranty, plus € 89,00 for a new battery and € 20,00 in travel costs. For € 449,00 you could have bought the same device from us — with a 2-year warranty and a fresh battery already in it.
Also check out our range of refurbished devices if you want to compare. Or look specifically at refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones if you prefer Android.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between refurbished and second-hand?
A second-hand phone is sold as is, without inspection or warranty. A refurbished device has been professionally inspected, repaired where necessary and comes with a warranty. At The Phone Shopper, refurbished also always means a battery capacity of at least 85% — otherwise we replace the battery before sale.
How do I check whether a used phone is stolen?
Dial *#06# to bring up the IMEI number and check it via imei.info or the GSMA database. A seller who refuses to give you the IMEI number is an immediate red flag. Don't buy.
How much battery capacity is acceptable on a used phone?
Our lower limit is 85% battery capacity. Below 80% you'll already notice a real difference in battery life in practice — especially with heavy use. Always ask about battery health with every purchase and don't let yourself be fobbed off with "it works fine".
Do I get a warranty on a second-hand phone from a private seller?
No. Private sellers are not legally required to offer a warranty. If you buy from a shop like The Phone Shopper, the statutory warranty applies and we give a 2-year warranty on all our refurbished devices as standard.
Can I trade in a used phone at The Phone Shopper?
Absolutely. Through our trade-in page you get an honest valuation for your current device right away. Payment is made within 24 hours. You can also use the amount as credit towards a refurbished device from our range.
What if my second-hand phone breaks after purchase?
If you bought the device from a private individual, you have virtually no legal recourse. Our technicians in Nijverdal can, however, help you with repairs — from screen replacement to battery swaps and charging ports. See our for all the options, or call us on +31 548 549 536.
Got questions about a specific device or want advice for your situation? Feel free to drop by at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 in Nijverdal, or give us a call. We're happy to help you make the smartest choice — even if that means telling you honestly that a certain device isn't worth it.
Refurbished iPhones, Samsung and iPads
Save up to 50% on a refurbished iPhone. Every device goes through our 50-point inspection and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Our services
Why The Phone Shopper?
- 2-year warranty on all refurbished phones
- 30 days to change your mind on devices and accessories (spare parts: 14 days) and free returns
- Free shipping within the Netherlands from €50 (accessories and parts) or €150 (phones)
- Professional 50-point inspection
- Pay securely with iDEAL, credit card, Bancontact, Apple Pay and Klarna
- Customer service available on working days, 10:00 - 18:00
Device condition
Every refurbished phone is sold in one of four conditions:
- New — Unused, in original packaging
- As good as new — No visible signs of use
- Lightly used — Minimal signs of use
- Used — Visible signs of use, technically fully sound
Customer service & information
Contact
The Phone Shopper
Willem Alexanderstraat 11
7442 MA Nijverdal, Overijssel
Tel: +31 548 549 536
E-mail: info@thephoneshopper.nl
KvK: 75693623 | BTW: NL002427182B29
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