To buy or not to buy a used iPhone? That is the question.

I see that you're considering purchasing a used iPhone. This is certainly a great option since it enables you to enjoy all of the benefits of the best Smartphone out there at a fraction of the cost. Prior to finalizing your purchase, however, there are certain things that you should take into consideration, especially if you have never bought used electronics before. Read our list of things to take into consideration before you hand over cash for a used iPhone.

1. Warranty

You should always check that the used iPhone comes with some form of a warranty plan; the longer the warranty, the better. Ideally, it will come with a warranty of at least 90 to 180 days. Whether or not you have the option of getting a warranty depends on where you buy the device. Reputable sources usually offer a free warranty and perhaps even a premium extended warranty for a little extra cost.

2. The technical condition of the device

No matter how great a deal you are getting on the iPhone, the price will not be worth it if it breaks soon after you purchase it because it was in poor condition. You should thoroughly inspect the device to check for signs of wear and tear and ask the seller to thoroughly look it over as well. Check the outer surface for visible signs of damage such as scratches and dents. If you do not detect any outer indications of damage, ask the seller if the phone has been exposed to water in the past. You should also check for water damage yourself by removing the battery and seeing if there is a tiny white dot painted on the battery compartment. If there is a white dot, the phone has not suffered significant water damage. If there is a red dot or no dot at all, however, the phone has almost definitely been water damaged in the past.

3. Verifiable ESN

All cell phones come with an ESN (electronic serial number), whether you are talking about a basic Motorola Razr or an advanced iPhone. The ESN is used to activate the phone. In the event that the phone you purchase has been listed as lost or stolen, the ESN will not work, and you will not be able to activate your new used iPhone when you go to set it up. For that reason, if you are purchasing your used iPhone online, make sure to check that the seller is willing to provide the ESN number for their products. With the ESN number, you will be able to tell if the phone is able to be activated or if it is blacklisted.

4. The seller's credibility

You should investigate the seller's reputation by reading any feedback that prior customers may have left about him as well as by examining what products he stocks and asking him plenty of questions. The more you get to know the seller, the better the sale will go. If possible, find a seller who primarily sells used cell phones; you are more likely to have a positive experience with a seller who specializes in the product you are looking to buy.

5. Get the details down

Most of the fine details that you need to know about a used iPhone are usually found in the product description. Take advantage of this information, and review it thoroughly. Do not rely solely on pictures; looks can be deceiving, and the pictures provided may not even be of the exact iPhone for sale. In the event that the product description is short and uninformative, ask the seller lots of questions prior to cementing your purchase so that you will know exactly what you are getting into.

Don't allow yourself to become the victim of a used iPhone sale gone wrong. Take the things listed above into consideration, and use your brain when deciding on a seller from whom to buy a used iPhone.