How to Get the Best Value for Your Mobile
Are you holding on to a phone that has seen better days? We’ve all been there. The cracked screen and dodgy camera make every pick-up a cause for frustration.
However, saying goodbye to your trusted device can be made a bit sweeter when you know you’re getting the best value for your mobile trade-in or when selling to recycle with us at Mazuma Mobile. So today, we’ll help you thrifty folks out there looking to turn your old tech into some extra cash for a shiny new smartphone. We’ll dive into the cost of popular repairs like screen replacements and fixing common phone issues and weigh up whether refurbishing your device pre-sale ensures you pocket some more pounds.
Why trade-in your old phone?
With Mazuma Mobile, selling your device to us offers many appealing benefits. Choosing to sell phones through Mazuma lets you gain quick cash, promising a four-step, seamless transaction that offers the best value for your device without hidden fees.
Once you have this cash ready from your phone trade-in, you can upgrade to a newer model, applying the value of your old device towards offsetting the cost of your desired gadget! This is perfect for those seeking the thrill of the latest technology without the hefty price tag. And, with Mazuma, you experience a friendly, informative service promoting convenience, financial benefits, and, of course, sustainability.
Avoid cheap repairs and opt for genuine parts
Before we get into it, it’s important to note that getting the best value for your phone may mean addressing some issues and having some repairs, such as screen replacements. You’ve got a quote online and realised that replacing it with a reputable repair shop isn’t in your budget. However, your Uncle Bob’s dog sitter knows someone who can do it for a reasonable price. That sounds like a good idea, right?
Well, although we don’t know Uncle Bob’s dog sitter’s friend, the chances are that they may not be genuine phone repair specialists. It’s most likely that they are a YouTube expert and found a how-to guide online. Although many YouTube videos are a great source of information, things can easily go wrong, and a simple repair can end with you losing your device. So, if you want to fix your phone, always check that it is a genuine repair shop, especially when fixing iPhones.
This is especially important to keep in mind when selling your phone with Mazuma, as we mark devices down as “faulty” if they contain non-genuine parts. Make the right choice for your phone and your wallet, and always choose genuine parts when replacing parts of your phone.
Getting the best value for your mobile when selling
Getting the best value for your old device is important, as you can put this cash toward your new device. So, if you choose our Trade My Phone option, there are several things you can do to make sure you can swap it for a worthy upgrade; let’s take a look:
Should you repair that cracked screen?
It’s safe to say that almost everyone with a smartphone has seen the crack of despair appear on their phones. While many devices will function quite well with an odd crack, in some cases, it can make them useless and throw the calibration off.
The bad news is that a cracked screen can be a costly repair, especially if it’s deep enough to affect the screen functionality. For example, if you’re looking to sell a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra but are considering fixing the screen to get a better price for your device, it can set you back around £250*! This is a steep price for a phone you’re looking to sell and may not be financially worth it to sell your device.
*This price is for a front screen repair on a Lime Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra from Samsung in February 2024.
Should you replace the buttons?
Just like screens, buttons can also break over time or due to mishandling. The volume buttons on iPhones don’t only control the volume; they can also open the camera and be customised to open specific apps on your phone, making them essential for iPhone users. The cost of replacing a volume button largely depends on your device model.
Unlike the screen replacement price, this could actually be worth fixing to get the best value for your device. The price we will pay for a faulty iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked is around £145*, but if you wish to sell your iPhone 14 (unlocked with the same storage) in excellent condition, you could be looking at anywhere around £375*. However, always be sure to use a genuine iPhone repair expert, as we can’t accept devices that don’t have genuine iPhone parts or have been tampered with!
*Prices in February 2024.
Camera far from picture perfect?
Camera damage can be devastating if you’ve dropped your phone while taking the perfect selfie or slipped out of your pocket while on a rocky hike. Most of us use our smartphones to capture those perfect moments and memories, so ensuring this is in good condition is ideal if you want to get the best value out of your phone.
Like button repairs, this can be much cheaper than repairing the screen. Most modern smartphone cameras are easier to access than older models as they sit on the front of the phone instead of being integrated into the device, making them much easier and, more importantly, cheaper to repair. Fixing your camera could certainly be worth it in the long run, but as always, remember to choose genuine parts to avoid that “faulty” label we’ll put on your device if non-genuine parts have been used.
Prevention is cheaper than repair
The best way to get the best value for your phone when you no longer use it is to keep it in the best condition possible. A little investment in the best screen protector and case for your phone will save your tech from becoming a victim of accidents and daily wear. And who wouldn’t want to save on hefty repair costs later?
As technology advances, you can even prolong the health of your phone’s software in many ways. For example, battery health is something we consider when we test your device. There are many ways you can look after your battery. For example, investing in a wireless charging phone can prevent damage to the charging port and due to the slower charges, this can do wonders for your phone battery health. All these little investments can help you get the best value for your device when trading your mobile in for your next upgrade!
What to do before selling your phone
As we’ve established, selling your old phone to a phone recycling company like Mazuma is a great way to get cash for an upgrade.
Before you do, though, there are a few things to carry out to get your phone ready for sale. Whether you’re selling or trading in an iPhone or an Android, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your privacy, preserve data stored on the device and speed up the selling process.
Back up your data
Photos, videos, messages, passwords, game save files, calendars, bookmarked websites, credit card details; the list of things stored on your phone is long. If you’re thinking of selling your device, you’ll want to make sure all this data is backed up, either to your iCloud account if you’ve got an iPhone or your Google account if you’re using an Android. This way, even after you trade in your phone, you’ll be able to transfer all your existing data to your new device easily.
To back up your data on an iPhone, go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup
To back up your data on an Android phone, go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Select correct Google account > Select everything you want to sync with the Google account. It’s also possible to back up your Wi-Fi passwords, and other settings by navigating through Settings > Backup & Reset > Device Back Up > Back up to Google Drive.
Remove your accounts from the device
Once you’ve backed up all your data, it’s time to remove your cloud accounts from your device. We have a guide that details how to wipe an iPhone, but regardless of what kind of device you have, removing access to your cloud accounts is essential. Doing this makes sure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands and speeds up the process of selling a device to a company like Mazuma, as we’ll be able to test the phone without it being cloud-locked.
You can also use our data delete tool for easy-to-follow instructions on removing all your personal information from your phone, no matter what model you have.
It’s also a great idea to unlock your phone from its current network if you’re selling to a mobile recycling company like Mazuma. You’ll get more cash for an unlocked device.
Factory reset the device
Factory resetting your device will completely wipe all traces of your usage from the handset and should only be performed once you’re sure you’ve got all the data you need. Once you complete a factory reset, retrieving data from the phone that hasn’t been synced with your cloud accounts becomes near impossible, so only do it once you’re ready to sell the device.
To factory reset your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
To factory reset your android device, go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset > Delete All.
Note the phone’s condition and IMEI number
You’re almost there! Before you pack up your phone to be posted to a phone recycling company, make a note of your IMEI number. This is a unique 15-digit number used to identify your device. Making a note of this number means your phone can be easily located if anything goes wrong.
You can find either an Android or iPhone IMEI by dialling *#06#, and the number will be displayed on the screen.
You can also take photos of your device before sending it off for your own peace of mind regarding the cosmetic condition of the device. When you trade in your device with Mazuma, we guarantee to assess the phone thoroughly and fairly. If we feel it doesn’t mean the condition we originally quoted for, we’ll send the handset back to you, no questions asked.
Get a quote from Mazuma today
So, there you have it! Protecting your smartphone, embracing the wireless charging movement, and preserving your mobile’s lifespan – all key ingredients for the ultimate tech-savvy lifestyle. But we get it. Accidents happen, screens shatter, and sometimes even the best-laid plans can’t avoid a broken phone. No worries!
At Mazuma Mobile, we’re here to ease your pain and help you upgrade. Whether you’re looking to sell a broken phone or nab a shiny new replacement, we’ve got you covered. Take a moment to explore our website, where you can discover our user-friendly services and financially savvy options that’ll keep you snapping, sharing, and savouring all the adventures your digital world has to offer. Get a quote today, whether your phone is broken or in the condition you bought it.