Owning your dream phone model for a fraction of the actual price is one thing almost everybody would go for without a second choice. However, a lot of perks come with shopping for a fairly used smartphone. There are few things to look out for when buying a used smartphone so you don't end up purchasing one that is missing half of its important components. I'll leave you with the most important.

Run a physical check

This is the first thing to do before paying for that used smartphone. Carefully check it out for physical defects like scratches on the display and the back panel. Defects like this could alter the visual appeal of the phone. Look out for deep dents and cracks that could affect the performance of the phone.

You should also pay close attention to the camera lens as the slightest cracks and scratches can affect the quality of that camera. Don't leave the battery out of the checks if possible. Look out for rust or corrosion. Check also for dust residue. All these could spell doom for your newly purchased used smartphone if ignored.

Check the battery

Smartphones with a removable battery are a better option than unibody smartphones. Replacing a weak battery in a unibody phone could cost more than your budget for the fairly used smartphone.

Check the battery for any visible deformation like a swollen part. Any noticeable damage makes it unsafe to use. If it is devoid of any visible damage, plug in the charger for at least 5 minutes. Observe how well the phone charges and be sure it doesn't overheat while charging.

Check the specs

There are many known ways to test the performance of a smartphone and its specs, but there are two quickest ways to know this. You can download the Phone Tester App for Android or Phone Doctor Plus for IOS. These apps will quickly give you detailed information on the phone's specs and its current condition, including the battery's strength, state of the hardware and sensors.

You can also inspect a phone's specifications by running a series of codes. They can, however, differ from one smartphone brand to another but a lot of them will work on most Android or IOS phones.

• #*#4636#*#* – Detailed phone statistics (Android)
• *3001#12345#* – User settings (iOS)
• #*#2664#*#* – Touchscreen test (Android)
• *#12580*369# – Info on the hardware and software (Android)

After this, also check the headphones for any sound issues. Turn off the phone and insert your microSD and SIM card. Turn on the phone afterward and be sure it correctly identities them both.

Check the IMEI

If you're yet to find a fault after the physical and code checks, you might want to check the IMEI code for clarity. This will simply help you confirm if the smartphone is stolen or not.

You can find the IMEI number printed on the smartphone box or somewhere on the smartphone - like under the battery. The code looks like it's been scratched, with some numbers missing, that's a sign that it might have been stolen.

You can also get the IMEI using a code: dial *#06# for iOS and Android to see the phone’s IMEI code and compare