Used Cell Phones Home

Used Cell Phones Guide

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When you buy used cell phones, or refurbished cell phones there are quite a few things you should pay attention to. Firstly, with used cell phones, it is important for you to verify the Electronic Serial Number (ESN), which helps to identify the phone and where the minutes of that phone are billed. This allows you to check if the phone was stolen or if there was an unpaid balance on the phone. While you are verifying the ESN with the service provider, explain that you want to buy a used phone and want to ensure that that phone is compatible with the carrier. The carrier will also need to clear the previous owner’s name and register you as the new user of the phone.

The savings from buying used cell phones are great. For instance a new phone selling retail for $199 could be available used or refurbished for approximately $59. Obviously it depends on the phone model and its condition but regardless it still saves you a lot of money.

When buying used cell phones or even buying a new cell phone without a plan, we recommend you to buy an unlocked cell phone. Unlocked phones are typically compatible with all service providers with the same technology. This will allow you keep using your existing phone when switching carriers. Although service providers do not want you to have unlocked phones, you can get your phone unlocked for a small fee.

Used vs Refurbished

The difference between buying used cell phones and refurbished cell phones differs on the origin of the phones. Used phones are in other words second hand cell phones whereas refurbished cell phones are returned phones from dealers/consumers to the manufacturer due to damage or for other reasons. Regardless these refurbished cell phones are checked for defect and if needed repaired and cleaned up.

I would personally recommend buying refurbished phones rather than buying used phones because of the added quality check before the phone sold. The refurbished cell phone is practically used and the cost compared to a used cell phone is very similar.


So with that said if you may wonder why people buy used / refurbished cell phones one of them may apply to yourself as you are on this page.

  • To replace your lost phone
  • For use with a prepaid service
  • To use as an emergency phone
  • To use as spare parts for your existing phone
  • To use with your family plan, where you can't get all phones for the reduced price even with a contract

With the web as a new media to search for virtually everything, its also the best place to buy used cell phones. I would recommend better-established websites. The best place would be to try eBay stores since they have better protection policies from being scammed.

The links listed below are categorized by the compatibility of the used cell phones or refurbished cell phones with the service. This just makes it easier for you to find the right phone for your service.

So I hope you benefit from these links and good luck on your search!

*We are currently in the process of expanding this section, by adding more providers and to sort by compatible technology. If you didn't find what you are looking for contact us at eric(AT)Cell-Reviews.com and we will try our best to add the information your looking for.



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