Look, buying a new flagship phone in 2026? That’ll cost you Rs. 300,000 or more. That’s crazy money for most of us, especially students or people on a budget.
But here’s the good news you can get the same phone, barely used, for half that price. The used phone market for Smartphones in Pakistan has grown huge, and with good reason.
The problem? Scammers. Fake phones. Stolen devices. Phones with hidden problems. I know someone who bought what looked like a perfect iPhone, only to find out it was a clever Chinese clone. Another friend’s “mint condition” phone died after a week.
This information will teach you exactly how to buy used Smartphones in Pakistan safely. Whether you’re a student in Lahore wanting your first good phone or someone in Karachi upgrading on a budget, I’ve got you covered.
Why Buy Used Instead of New? (For Beginners)
Let’s talk about why buying used Smartphones in Pakistan makes sense:
Save Huge Money
A brand new Samsung Galaxy A52? Rs. 280,000. The same phone, 6 months old? Rs. 140,000. That’s literally half price.
With that saved money, you could buy:
- Earbuds
- Powerbank
- Good case and screen protector
- Still have cash left
Get Better Phone for Your Budget
Rs. 40,000 can buy you:
- New: Basic phone with okay camera
- Used: Last year’s flagship with amazing camera, fast processor, premium feel
Phones Last Longer Now
A 2023 flagship in 2026 still runs perfectly. Apps work smoothly. Camera is still great. Not like old days when 2 year old phones felt ancient.
New vs Used Smartphones in Pakistan
| What You Get | Brand New Phone | Used Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Full retail (Rs. 200,000+) | 40-60% cheaper |
| Warranty | 1 year official | Usually none |
| Condition | Perfect | Depends on seller |
| Latest Features | Yes | Might be 1-2 years old |
| Battery | 100% health | Check before buying |
| Risk | Zero | Medium (if you’re careful) |
For most people looking at Smartphones in Pakistan, used offers way better value if you know what to check.
What to Check When Buying Used Smartphones in Pakistan
Print this and take it with you. Seriously.
Before You Meet the Seller
Research Phase
- Check current market price online (OLX, PakWheels, Facebook)
- Know what this phone should cost used
- Read phone reviews (camera quality, common issues)
- Decide your maximum budget
Contact Seller
- Ask why they’re selling
- How long they’ve used it
- Any repairs done?
- PTA approved or not? (SUPER important)
- Original box available?
- Can you test it before paying?
Physical Inspection (When You Meet)
Screen Check
- No cracks or deep scratches
- Touch works everywhere (test all corners)
- Open white screen no yellow or blue tint
- Brightness adjusts properly
- No dead pixels (tiny dots that don’t light up)
Body Check
- No major dents
- All buttons work (volume, power, silent)
- Back glass intact
- Camera lens not scratched
- Charging port not loose
Battery Test
- For iPhone: Settings > Battery > Battery Health (should be 80%+)
- For Android: Ask seller to show battery stats
- If battery is below 75%, factor replacement cost
Camera Test
- Front camera takes clear selfies
- Back camera focuses properly
- No fog inside lens
- Flash works
- Take 2-3 photos and check quality
Sound and Calls
- Play music loud (no crackling)
- Make a test call
- Both speaker and earpiece work
- Microphone picks up your voice clearly
Connectivity
- Insert YOUR SIM card (both slots if dual SIM)
- Make a call
- Send a text message
- Turn on WiFi and connect
- Test Bluetooth with your earbuds
- Check GPS (open Google Maps)
Critical Checks (Don’t Skip These!)
IMEI Verification
- Dial *#06# to see IMEI
- Write it down
- Send IMEI to 8484 via SMS
- Wait for PTA reply
- “Device Approved” = good, “Blocked” = don’t buy
This IMEI check is THE most important thing when buying used Smartphones in Pakistan. A blocked phone will stop working on all networks.
Account Locks
- For iPhone: Ask seller to remove their Apple ID
- For Samsung: Make sure Google account is removed
- You can sign in with your account
- Phone is NOT locked to any account
Step-by-Step How to Buy Safely
Follow these steps exactly:
Step 1: Know What You Want
Before looking at used Smartphones in Pakistan:
- What’s your budget? (Be realistic)
- iPhone or Android?
- What will you use it for? (Gaming needs better processor, photography needs good camera)
- What’s your minimum battery health? (I say 80%)
Step 2: Research Prices
Check what used Smartphones in Pakistan actually cost:
- Browse OLX (don’t contact yet, just look)
- Check Facebook Marketplace
- Ask in local phone groups
- Note the average price
If everyone’s selling an iPhone 13 for Rs. 120,000-140,000, and someone offers it for Rs. 60,000, that’s suspicious.
Step 3: Choose Where to Buy
Safest options for buying used Smartphones in Pakistan
- Friends/Family: Best option, they won’t scam you
- Reputable shops: Slight warranty, tested phones, bit expensive
- Online platforms: More options, but riskier
- Markets: Can see phone, but overwhelming
For beginners, I recommend shops with warranty or friends. Avoid random online sellers.
Step 4: Meet in Safe Place
Good meeting spots
- Coffee shop
- Mall food court
- Inside a bank (seriously safe and has cameras)
- Mobile phone shop
Bad spots
- Seller’s house (unless you know them)
- Empty parking lots
- Isolated areas
For expensive Smartphones in Pakistan (above Rs. 50,000), ALWAYS meet where there’s security and people.
Step 5: Inspect Using Our Checklist
Use the checklist above. Take your time. Don’t feel rushed.
If seller gets impatient or says “just trust me,” walk away.
Step 6: Verify PTA Status
This is crucial for Smartphones in Pakistan:
- Get phone’s IMEI (dial *#06#)
- Send IMEI to 8484 via SMS
- Wait for reply:
- “Device Approved” = Good to buy
- “Not Found” = Will be blocked soon
- “Blocked” = Don’t buy under any circumstances
Step 7: Negotiate Price
Most people expect negotiation when selling used Smartphones in Pakistan:
How to negotiate
- Point out any issues you found
- Show lower prices from other sellers
- Offer 10-15% less than asking price
- Stay polite
When NOT to negotiate
- Price is already very fair
- Phone is in perfect condition
- You really want this specific phone
Step 8: Pay Safely and Get Receipt
Payment tips
- Cash is king for used Smartphones in Pakistan
- For expensive phones, consider bank transfer
- Never pay before inspecting
- Get written receipt
Receipt should have
- Date
- Phone model and IMEI
- Price paid
- Seller’s name and number
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Don’t buy if:
- Seller won’t let you check phone properly
- IMEI shows as blocked
- Phone is locked to someone’s account
- Price is 40-50% below market (probably fake/stolen)
- Seller seems nervous or super rushed
- Meeting location is sketchy
- Seller can’t answer basic questions
- Says “small issue, easy to fix” (it’s not)
Trust your gut. There are plenty of used Smartphones in Pakistan available. Don’t settle for a suspicious deal.
How to Check if Phone is Original (Not Fake)
For iPhones
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Check model number against Apple’s official list
- Serial number should be unique (check on Apple’s website)
- Face ID should work smoothly
- iOS updates should be available
For Samsung
- Dial #0# (opens diagnostic menu)
- Test all sensors
- Check if Samsung Members app works
- Software updates should be available
- Samsung Pay should work
Fake Smartphones in Pakistan often look perfect outside but fail these software checks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Not Checking PTA
“Bought iPhone 13 for Rs. 90,000. Great deal! One month later, SIM stopped working. IMEI was blocked.”
Lesson: Always check IMEI before buying.
Mistake 2: Trusting Photos Only
“Phone looked perfect online. When it arrived, screen was cracked, back was dented.”
Lesson: Always see phone in person or use video call for online purchases.
Mistake 3: Not Testing Everything
“Only checked camera. Got home, speaker was dead. Seller blocked me.”
Lesson: Test everything on our checklist.
Mistake 4: Paying Before Inspection
“Seller said pay first, check later. I paid. Found problems. He refused refund.”
Lesson: NEVER pay before checking.
Where to Buy Platform Comparison
OLX Pakistan
Good: Huge selection, can filter by price/brand
Bad: Many scammers, no buyer protection
Best for: Experienced buyers
Facebook Marketplace
Good: Can check seller’s profile
Bad: Still has scammers
Best for: Buying from people with mutual friends
Hafeez Center / Saddar Markets
Good: See phone immediately, multiple options
Bad: Can be overwhelming
Best for: People comfortable bargaining
Phone Shops (Refurbished)
Good: Some warranty, tested phones
Bad: Slightly expensive
Best for: First time buyers wanting safety
Price Guide: What to Pay for Used Smartphones in Pakistan (2026)
iPhones (Approximate Used Prices)
- iPhone 15: Rs. 280,000-320,000 (6 months old)
- iPhone 14: Rs. 180,000-210,000 (1 year old)
- iPhone 13: Rs. 120,000-140,000 (2 years old)
- iPhone 12: Rs. 85,000-105,000 (2+ years old)
Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S25: Rs. 280,000-320,000 (6 months old)
- Galaxy S23: Rs. 160,000-190,000 (1 year old)
- Galaxy S22: Rs. 110,000-130,000 (2 years old)
These help you spot if a price for used Smartphones in Pakistan is fair or suspicious.
Final Tips for Buying Used Smartphones in Pakistan
Before Meeting
- Research prices thoroughly
- Check seller’s reputation
- Choose safe public place
- Tell someone where you’re going
During Meeting
- Bring a friend for expensive phones
- Take your time inspecting
- Use complete checklist
- Don’t feel pressured
Before Paying
- Verify IMEI on PTA (this is critical!)
- Test everything twice
- Negotiate if issues found
- Get written receipt
After Buying
- Factory reset phone
- Change all passwords
- Add your accounts
- Get case and screen protector
- Consider insurance for expensive models
Conclusion
Buying used Smartphones in Pakistan can save you tons of money and get you a better phone than buying new. But you MUST be careful. Use this guide. Follow the checklist. Check the IMEI. Meet safely. Test everything.
Yes, it takes time. Yes, it might feel awkward being so thorough. But 30 minutes of checking can save you Rs. 50,000-100,000 on a scam. The used phone market has amazing deals if you know what you’re doing. Now you do.
Good deals exist. Perfect deals don’t. If something seems too good to be true, walk away. There are plenty of used Smartphones in Pakistan out there. Don’t rush into a bad decision.
Stay smart, stay safe, and happy phone hunting in 2026!
FAQs
Is buying used Smartphones in Pakistan safe?
Yes, if you check IMEI, meet in public, and inspect properly. Follow our guide.
How much cheaper are used phones?
Used Smartphones in Pakistan cost 40-60% less than new, depending on age and condition.
What’s the most important check?
IMEI status on PTA. If blocked, phone is useless no matter how good it looks.
Should I buy online or in person?
In-person is safer for beginners. You inspect before paying.
What if phone has problems later?
Private sellers rarely give returns. That’s why buying from shops with warranty costs a bit more but offers protection.
Can I use a US iPhone in Pakistan?
Yes, but you’ll pay PTA tax (Rs. 70,000-100,000). Factor this in.
What’s a good battery health percentage?
For iPhone: 80% or higher. Below 75% means replacement needed soon.
How do I know if it’s fake?
Check software (can it update?), test features (Face ID, Samsung Pay), verify serial number with manufacturer.
What if IMEI is not PTA approved?
Either walk away, ask seller to register it, or factor in tax cost (Rs. 50,000-100,000 depending on phone).
How long will a used phone last?
A well maintained flagship can last 2-3 more years easily.
For more tech tips and Pakistan specific guides, visit Visualpakistan.com
