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The allure of a pre-owned Samsung phone is undeniable: top-tier specs at a fraction of the cost. However, with used devices comes the risk of hidden problems and it’s important to test a used Samsung phone thoroughly to avoid costly surprises down the line.
1Use One UI’s Secret Hardware Diagnostic Menu
One of the best ways to assess the condition of a used Samsung phone is by utilizing the secret hardwarediagnostic menu in One UI. This menu allows you to run tests on essential hardware components, helping you check for potential issues with the display, sensors, touch input, speakers, and more.
To access this menu, simply open thePhoneapp on the Galaxy device and type*#0*#. Once the diagnostics menu appears, you can perform each test individually to evaluate the device’s condition. Some of these tests are interactive, requiring you to follow on-screen instructions, while others are quick and easy to verify.
For example, tapping on theVibrationoption will activate the phone’s vibration motor, allowing you to confirm that it works as expected. If you choose theTouchoption, you’ll need to draw a line across a series of boxes to test the touchscreen’s responsiveness and accuracy.
Screenshot by Pankil Shah – No attribution required
Running these tests should help identify potential defects or malfunctions, such as unresponsive touchscreens, faulty sensors, or audio issues, that could impact your overall experience.
If any issues arise during the tests, it’s best to reconsider the purchase or negotiate a discount with the seller to account for potential repairs.
2Run Phone Diagnostics Using the Samsung Members App
While One UI’s built-in diagnostics menu is a great starting point forassessing the condition of a Samsung phone, it isn’t comprehensive. What if you purchase the device only to later discover its battery health has significantly deteriorated, the fingerprint sensor is malfunctioning, or—worse yet—it has mobile network issues?
With the Samsung Members app, you may check the phone’s most crucial hardware and software components. It lets you test everything from NFC, Bluetooth, and microphone to more practical features like cable charging, the camera, and speakers.
Again, some of these tests will require your interaction. For instance, you may be prompted to press specific buttons to assess their responsiveness or listen to audio samples to evaluate the speaker’s performance. However, you should be able to complete all the tests in just a few minutes.
3Other Things to Keep in Mind
Once you’ve completed the essential tests, it’s important to carry out a fewextra checks before finalizing the purchase. Here’s what to look for:
Even if the Samsung phone you plan to purchase is a couple of years old, it can still deliver excellent performance and last you a few more years. However, it’s essential to thoroughly verify its condition.
Running the tests mentioned above allows you to quickly assess any Samsung Galaxy phone within minutes. Remember, a little extra effort upfront will help ensure you make a smart purchase and get a device that meets your expectations.
