Exchanging your old phone: how the quote is worked out

Many customers bring their old phone when they buy a new one, and the exchange price takes a good chunk off the bill. Here is how we work out the quote in about ten minutes, so you know what to expect.

We start with the model, memory and age. Every model has a base price that we update each week from what we can sell it for after refurbishment. A two-year-old mid-range phone with 128 GB is worth much more than a four-year-old one with 64 GB, even if both look perfect, because the older one may stop receiving updates soon.

Then we check the condition. The screen is checked for cracks, scratches, dead spots and burn-in, a faint shadow of icons on AMOLED screens. We test the touch, cameras, speakers, microphone, charging port and fingerprint sensor, and read the battery health from the phone’s settings or our test software. A cracked back glass or a battery under 80 percent each brings the price down, and a phone that does not switch on is priced for parts only. Having the original box and bill adds a little, as it makes the phone easier to sell again.

The quote is given in writing and comes off your new phone’s price straight away; there is no waiting for a transfer. Before handing over the phone, sign out of your Google or phone account and remove the screen lock, or we will do it with you. We wipe it in front of you, and you take your SIM and memory card home.