[Updated: 2017 April] If you hope to buy a second hand phone, or exchange your old one to a new one, then we have compiled some tips for you. You may also like to read our other posts on Tips for selecting Mobile phones and Best mobile connections in Sri Lanka.

4 Ways to find Used Second Hand Mobile Phones in Sri Lanka

• 1 – Friends and Family

This is the commonly used method used by consumers to purchase used mobile phones. The sale of the item is spread by word of mouth. Normally consumers have trust on their friends, therefore they can get a good deal.





• 2. Websites – Buy Online

Wow.lk is an ideal place to purchase used mobile phone. This site has products range from mid to high end phones and the sellers can be easily communicated.  I have personally brought a  used mobile through this web site and you can get a good bargain.

For online shopping you need to have a credit or debit card. Check here to learn How to pay & buy online without a Credit Card.

Some sites to look for
wow.lk http://www.wow.lk/mall/buyonline/phones-tablets/
Ikman.lk https://ikman.lk/en/ads/sri-lanka/mobile-phones
secondhand.lk http://www.secondhand.lk/mobile-phones
Phonekade http://www.phonekade.com/
Hit Ad Website http://www.hitad.lk/EN/mobiles
gadgets.lk http://gadgets.lk/used-brand-new-mobile-phones-for-sale-in-sri-lanka-1-1

There are several facebook groups where users sell their second hand mobile phones.

• 3. Visit Mobile Phone Store in your Town

Certain mobile stores in Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Pettah sell used cell-phones. You can even trade your old phone to these places and buy a new phone. Then first select your new brand, negotiate a price. Then you can trade your old phone to get a price reduction on your purchase.

These shops will help you to select a good phone for you.

However, some customers do not trust these dealers as the phone may be tampered and repaired.

Some shops:
Telescience, 453, Galle Road, Wellawatte, Colombo -6 Tel : 0112363532
Misfa Phones – Liberty Plaza (077 3211131)
Max Mobile – Liberty Plaza (011- 2577635)

• 4. News Paper Classified Ads Eg. Hit  Ad (Sunday Times)

Newspapers publish classified ads with used mobile phones. The Hit Ad magazine, Sunday Observer, Lankadeepa also provide details of used phones. You can have a good bargain since the seller wants to sell the phone urgently.

What to look into when purchasing a phone

Check the price of what a new phone costs with similar specifications.

• Check for Usage period and call times

• Outer quality

Check whether the phone housing is intact and check for and scratches or marks. Since, certain phones such as Nokia are able to change the housing, so better check whether it is an original phone.However, housing of phones such as Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Apple cannot be easily changed.

• Display

Check for color and spots in the display

• Keypad

Check whether it has the original keypad and whether it is blotted due to spills.

• Check what you get in the box- Accessories

Chargers, hand free kit, manual and battery. Make sure all the accessories are intact.

• Check for the Software. Make sure it’s unlocked

It is always best to surf the net for relevant information on a particular codes and also a buyer will be able to find some secret codes for certain models. If you are buying iPhone make sure it’s unlocked.

Note: You may check what you will get in the box by surfing the net, and visiting the relevant web site.

Features/ Specifications of the Phone

What actually people look into a phone totally depends on the budget and the requirements of the user. We list some of the features you should be looking at when buying new or second hand phone.

1. Screen Size – What is the Right Size for You?
2. Screen Resolution and Quality – How Vivid is the Display?
3. Camera – Resolution and clarity?
4. Software Features – How Useful Are They?
5. Battery Life – How Long Can it Last?
6. Memory (RAM) And Processing Power – How Much Power is Enough for a Good Performance?
7. Storage – Do You Really Need a Lot of it?

Phones that are high in demand for resale:

Before ending this post I will also list some of the models that you can buy from the market. In our recent post we have highlighted Popular Mobile Phones used in Sri Lanka.

According to that post Most Popular Mobile Phone brands during March-April 2017 in Sri Lanka are given below:

Apple iPhone

Samsung SM-J200G Galaxy J2 (2015)

Samsung SM-J110H Galaxy J1

Samsung SM-J700F Galaxy J7

Samsung SM-J500F Galaxy J5

Samsung SM-G531F Galaxy Grand Prime

Huawei LUA-U22 Y3II

Huawei CUN-U29 Y5II

Huawei Y541-U02 Honor Bee

Samsung SM-G361H Galaxy Core Prime TD-LTE

Samsung SM-J100H Galaxy J1

Samsung SM-J710F Galaxy J7 (2016)

Samsung SM-J210F Galaxy J2 (2016)

Samsung GT-S7582 Galaxy S Duos 2

Samsung SM-G360H Galaxy Core Prime

Huawei TIT-AL00 Enjoy 5

Microsoft Lumia 535 Lumia 535

Huawei CAM-L21 Y6 II

Apple iPad

Samsung SM-G316HU Gakaxy S Duos 3

Also read:

Tips for selecting Mobile phones
Best mobile connections in Sri Lanka.

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