Mobile Phones

Buying used electronics safely

Test the device in person before paying: for phones, check the IMEI matches the box, confirm the device is signed out of the previous owner's accounts, and look for screen or battery replacements. A device still locked to an account is not transferable, whatever the seller promises.

Meet in a public place during the day, and prefer items that still carry UAE retailer invoices — they simplify warranty claims and prove the device isn't region-locked. If a price is far below the market band shown on similar listings, treat that as a signal, not a bargain.