[Aslan52]

This is something that occurred to me while I was browsing on eBay over the last few days.

I buy quite a lot of 2nd-hand tech'.
I've recently bought a used PC monitor, keyboard and mouse and a used laptop and they've all been "refurbished" and they've all been totally indistinguishable from a new item.
My own phone (a GS4) is two years old, lives in a slim-armor case with a screen-protector and it is absolutely spotless.

While browsing on eBay, I've noticed that phones are often described as "Grade A condition" but then the description goes on to state that the phone has scratches on the screen, chips on the bezel and sometimes even a cracked screen or an obviously damaged or discoloured fascia.
I can understand how it might be expected that the rear case or bezel will be scratched but it seems a bit optimistic to describe anything more as "Grade A condition".

Do I have unrealistic expectations and is it really normal for a used phone to look like it's been kicked around a school playground?

[oilman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aslan52

This is something that occurred to me while I was browsing on eBay over the last few days.

I buy quite a lot of 2nd-hand tech'.
I've recently bought a used PC monitor, keyboard and mouse and a used laptop and they've all been "refurbished" and they've all been totally indistinguishable from a new item.
My own phone (a GS4) is two years old, lives in a slim-armor case with a screen-protector and it is absolutely spotless.

While browsing on eBay, I've noticed that phones are often described as "Grade A condition" but then the description goes on to state that the phone has scratches on the screen, chips on the bezel and sometimes even a cracked screen or an obviously damaged or discoloured fascia.
I can understand how it might be expected that the rear case or bezel will be scratched but it seems a bit optimistic to describe anything more as "Grade A condition".

Do I have unrealistic expectations and is it really normal for a used phone to look like it's been kicked around a school playground?

It's like the classic estate agent speak 'deceptively spacious' ie no room to swing a cat.
Sellers say grade a but are basically lying in hope you will not read full description.

Caveat Emptor.

[artnada]

You'd be amazed at how many people advertise phones /tablets on Facebook selling groups as "Perfect condition. Slight crack on screen". or "Pristine, never had a problem with it. Small dents on corner".

So...it's not "perfect" or "pristine" then is it? /rolleyes/

So annoying.

[Aslan52]

"You'd be amazed at how many people advertise phones /tablets on Facebook selling groups as "Perfect condition. Slight crack on screen". or "Pristine, never had a problem with it. Small dents on corner"."


Haha!

I noticed that exact thing on at least two or three occasions.

"Perfect condition. Slight chip at edge of the screen".
"Perfect condition. Crack on screen but not in place where it is noticeable"

I'm almost tempted to purchase one simply so I can return it with a note saying "we obviously have very different ideas of what 'perfect condition' means".

[mupet0000]

I've always taken really good care of my things, be it a desktop computer, laptop or phone. I don't usually put my phones in cases, even with phones like the Galaxy S6 and iPhone 4S both with glass on the front and back, after owning them both they never got a single dent or scratch, after cleaning them with a cloth they look brand new.

I'm just careful, I very rarely drop my phone and I've never dropped any phone I've owned outside.

The first phone I ever had that got damaged was a Galaxy S4, and that's what happened going from being single to in a relationship. She dropped it face first on our bedroom floor (laminate) and there was some kind of small black dots from some kind of makeup on the floor. When she picked it up it got scraped along the floor and it scratched the screen quite badly. At that point I gave her the phone and bought myself an S6.

Since then she dropped the S4 multiple times, denting the edges but somehow not smashing the screen. Ended up selling the S4, gave her my S6 when I got a Nexus 6 and told her she must use a case and screen protector with it. So far, she's dropped it plenty of times but the case is durable and it's fine.

To put it simply, some people are just clumsy as **** and don't take enough care. She says she tries to be careful with stuff and I believe her, she is just clumsy and drops anything. Not thinking about what she is doing, she cracked a glass screen protector by holding the phone in her mouth.

[tealady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mupet0000

Not thinking about what she is doing, she cracked a glass screen protector by holding the phone in her mouth.

They must be this FM.
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2101131

[Cloudane]

I certainly try to baby them and *touch wood* my iPhone is still "pretty much perfect" (small marks where the connector plugs in because I use a docking stand and... go figure ) but in most cases alcohol scuppers my plans

[heiker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloudane

I certainly try to baby them and *touch wood* my iPhone is still "pretty much perfect" (small marks where the connector plugs in because I use a docking stand and... go figure ) but in most cases alcohol scuppers my plans

I've used my Sony Xperia x10i Mini every day since Sony introduced them onto the UK market in 2010. I've never fitted a screen protector but have looked after it sensibly though without wrapping it in cotton wool.

Consequently, I can confirm that the screen and body are still in factory fresh condition. I avoid throwing it about and never put it in a pocket containing keys or coins. Simples....

[Soundbox]

Case plus screen protector from day one meant that when I sold my HTC M7 after nearly three years daily use I was able to get the highest price possible from CEX. In fact leaving the Beats headphones sealed in their bag and returning the phone to the plastic envelope it was supplied with had the assistant asking if it was new or used.

[Black Box]

My iPhone 5 has been in a waterproof LifeProof case since it was brand new in 2013.

I hope the case has done its job and kept all the crap out!