Follow the same order every time: identity, ownership, accounts, network, hardware, battery and documentation.
Before meeting
- Confirm exact model, storage and regional variant.
- Request IMEI, condition photographs and seller details.
- Check payment protection and return route.
At the phone
- Match identifiers.
- Remove previous-owner locks.
- Test with your SIM.
- Inspect body and screen.
- Test camera, audio, buttons, charging and biometrics.
- Assess battery.
- Restart and confirm normal setup.
After payment
Keep the advert and receipt, then complete a clean reset and update before adding sensitive accounts.
Treat the inspection as six independent pass/fail gates
- Gate 1 — identity and ownership; Gate 2 — platform account locks; Gate 3 — mobile-network status; Gate 4 — physical safety; Gate 5 — battery and hardware; Gate 6 — seller evidence and remedy.
- Do not average the results. One critical failure, such as an owner lock, mismatched identifier or swollen battery, is enough to stop the purchase.
- For an online order, repeat the same sequence immediately after delivery and record the unboxing and first setup.
The guide is designed to prevent a low price or attractive exterior from hiding a non-recoverable problem.
Keep the inspection tied to this exact phone
Use the six-gate checklist and mark each gate pass, fail or not verified. The final decision should show which critical gate stopped the purchase rather than averaging severe and minor faults together.
Record six independent pass/fail gates
| Gate | Evidence required | Stop condition |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and seller | Exact model, storage, IMEI/serial match, seller identity and advert | Mismatched identifiers or evasive ownership answers |
| Account locks | Normal activation after the previous owner removes their account | Activation Lock, FRP or a request to use bypass tools |
| Network | Your SIM works for calls and data; lock/blacklist checks are understood | Unresolved blacklist, lock or finance risk |
| Physical safety | Flat chassis, intact screen, dry ports, no swelling or chemical smell | Battery swelling, corrosion or structural damage |
| Hardware and battery | Recorded tests of touch, cameras, audio, buttons, charging, biometrics and endurance | Critical function fails or replacement history is misrepresented |
| Remedy | Receipt, warranty/return terms and protected payment | No realistic route if the phone is misdescribed |
Do not average these gates into a score. A single non-recoverable failure is enough to reject the device. For delivery purchases, record the sealed package, unboxing, identifiers and first activation before adding personal accounts.
Official and consumer sources
Reviewed: 26 July 2026. Ownership evidence, seller claims and device status can change; verify the exact handset and transaction before payment.
