How do I inspect a refurbished phone before buying?

Step-by-step checklist

Follow these sequential checks during your in-person store inspection.

1. 01

   Examine physical condition & cosmetic grade

   Inspect the front glass, rear casing, camera lens glass, and corners under good lighting. Confirm that cosmetic wear matches the listing grade (A+, A, B, or C).

   • Look for dents or frame bending near the volume buttons and SIM tray.
   • Check that the display glass sits flush against the frame without gaps or adhesive residue.
   • Inspect camera lens glass for deep scratches that could affect photo quality.
2. 02

   Test display touch response & colour uniformity

   The display is the most critical and costly component. Verify touch responsiveness across all screen zones and check for display defects.

   • Press and hold an app icon on the home screen and drag it across every part of the display to ensure touch tracking is continuous.
   • Open a plain white background (such as an empty browser tab) at full brightness to check for burn-in, yellowing, or dead pixels.
   • Test auto-brightness and True Tone / display colour calibration if supported by the model.
3. 03

   Check battery health percentage

   Confirm battery health in system settings when available, and compare it against the seller listing details.

   • On iOS: Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and check Maximum Capacity.
   • Compare the percentage with TrueVolt tiers: 90–100% (Like New), 80–89% (Excellent), 70–79% (Acceptable), 60–69% (Fair).
   • Ensure the battery level remains stable during your 10–15 minute inspection and does not drop precipitously.
4. 04

   Verify hardware IMEI & purchase invoice

   Confirm that the device is the exact unit documented on the store invoice.

   • Open the phone dialler and dial *#06# to display the device 15-digit IMEI.
   • Go to Settings > General > About (or Settings > About Phone) and verify that the IMEI matches.
   • Confirm that the seller enters this exact IMEI on your purchase invoice.

   If the dialler IMEI differs from device settings or the seller invoice, do not proceed with the purchase.
5. 05

   Test cameras, audio, sensors, and charging

   Perform quick functional tests on audio, communication, and charging components.

   • Cameras: Take photos with rear and front cameras, test autofocus, and record a short video with sound.
   • Audio: Make a test call to test earpiece clarity, microphone volume, and loudspeaker output.
   • Sensors: Check proximity sensor (screen should turn off when held to ear) and biometric unlock (fingerprint or face unlock).
   • Charging: Connect a charger and verify steady charging without intermittent disconnection.
6. 06

   Confirm written warranty terms

   Before paying, review the warranty terms provided by the store.

   • Confirm whether the device retains active OEM warranty or includes a Shop Warranty.
   • Check the written duration (typically 1 month for shop warranty, varying by store).
   • Ensure warranty coverage specifics are documented on your receipt.