How To Check A Used IPhone’s Hardware?

Buying a used iPhone can save you money, but hidden hardware issues can turn it into a bad deal. In this guide, we'll show you easy ways to test the screen, battery, and camera to avoid common problems. No fancy tools needed-just your eyes and a few tricks!

 

1. Screen Check: Is It Original?

Test 1: Touch Sensitivity

Open the Notes app, tap the drawing tool, and scribble all over the screen. Look for spots where lines skip or don't register ("dead zones").

Press and hold an app icon, then drag it slowly across the screen, especially near the edges. Non-original screens often fail here.

Test 2: Display Quality

Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and turn off True Tone. If the screen looks too blue or yellow, it might be a cheap replacement.

Display a pure white or black image (use Google). Check for bright spots, dark patches, or uneven lighting-these mean screen aging.

Test 3: Is the Screen Genuine?

Original screens fit perfectly with the phone's frame-no glue spills or gaps.

Shine a flashlight near the front camera. Original screens show tiny, evenly spaced dots (fake screens might have a long bar-shaped cutout).

 

2. Battery Health: Don't Trust the Numbers Blindly

Check 1: The Basics

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If "Maximum Capacity" is below 80%, the iPhone may slow down.

Warning! Sellers can fake this data. Plug the iPhone into a computer and use free tools like 3uTools to check the charge cycles (original batteries last 500+ cycles).

Check 2: Real-Life Testing

Play a video for 1 hour. If the battery drops by more than 15% or the phone gets hot, there's a problem.

Test overnight standby: Charge to 100%, unplug, and leave it untouched for 8 hours. If it loses over 5%, the battery is weak.

 

3. Camera Issues: More Than Just Blurry Photos

Test 1: Basic Checks

Switch between all lenses (wide, ultra-wide, zoom). Point the camera at a blank paper-dark spots mean dust inside the lens.

Record a 4K video at 60fps for 5 minutes. If the phone freezes or restarts, there's a hardware issue.

Test 2: Hidden Problems

Gently tap the camera module. If it rattles or feels loose, it might have been poorly repaired.

Use Portrait Mode on a person. If the background blur looks fake or patchy, the camera's software is damaged.

 

4. Pro Tips for Extra Safety

Tip 1: Secret Service Menu

Dial #0# on the phone app to open a hidden menu. Test:

Touch: Check if all parts of the screen respond.

Sensor: Test the gyroscope (tilt the phone) and proximity sensor (cover the top of the screen).

Tip 2: Verify History with GSX

Spend $3-5 on a GSX check (search on eBay or Amazon). It reveals if the phone was repaired, has a network lock, or has a replaced motherboard.

 

Final Tips to Avoid Scams

Buy from platforms that allow returns or professional inspections. Avoid "local pickup only" deals.

A super-cheap iPhone with "minor scratches"? It might have a fake screen.

Always record a video while testing the phone-you'll need proof if something goes wrong.

Used iPhones can be great, but you need to check carefully. Got more tips? Share them in the comments!

 

Bonus Hacks:

Shine a UV light on the screen. If it glows purple, the oil-resistant coating is intact (common on original screens).

Place a magnet near the back. If it sticks strongly, the wireless charging coil is working.

 

Now you're ready to find a perfect used iPhone-without the risks!