What are the advantages and disadvantages of “carrier-certified second-hand smartphones”? "Let's check it out!" [February 2022 Softbank Edition]

　Main unit prices of smartphones tend to rise, mainly for high-performance models. Meanwhile, second-hand smartphones are attracting attention.

Conventionally, second-hand smartphones have been handled mainly by specialty stores, but recently, "certified second-hand products" sold by major carriers themselves have also begun to appear. How is it different from ordinary used smartphones? In this article, we will introduce the used smartphone "SoftBank Certified" sold by SoftBank as an example.

As the name suggests, SoftBank Certified is a SoftBank certified second-hand product. Here are just a few of its features:

(*1) Battery capacity when fully charged (100% charged)

　Generally, the advantage of used smartphones is that they can be purchased at a lower price than new ones. In addition, SoftBank Certified offers the following benefits:

　One of the risks of purchasing a second-hand smartphone is "restrictions on network usage". This is set to "deny" connection to the mobile phone network on an individual terminal basis for one of the following reasons.

Simply put, if network usage restrictions are applied, it will not be possible to use it as a mobile phone. Terminals in such a state are commonly called "red ROM".

　Usually, mobile phone buyers check the status of network usage restrictions before buying a device. However, after buying it or selling it as a used smartphone, it may become a "red ROM". If the usage restriction is applied, it cannot be canceled even if the current user declares it.

On that point, the point is that SoftBank Certified guarantees that SoftBank will not restrict network usage. It is a great advantage that you do not have to worry about the smartphone you bought suddenly losing connection to the network.

　The advantage of used smartphones is that they are more affordable than new ones... However, some models can be expensive.

On the other hand, SoftBank Certified terminals can be purchased in 24 installments in the same way as new terminals. As expected, it is not possible to join "New Tokusuru Support" (a program that exempts the remaining debt after the 25th payment with 48 payments + terminal collection), but the split fee (interest rate) is free, so "the burden when buying a smartphone is This is a great point for those who want to reduce it as much as possible.

　SoftBank Certified devices can be purchased by existing SoftBank users by "change model". However, if you are subscribed to Half Price Support, (New) Tokusuru Support, or Tokusuru Support +, various benefits cannot be applied.

　On the other hand, SoftBank Certified also has its disadvantages. Many of them are in common with general second-hand smartphones.

　SoftBank Certified smartphones are sold after undergoing various functional checks, including initialization, cleaning, and battery level.

　However, since the second-hand smartphone that is the basis for this was used by a different person, the condition of each one is different. Simply put, it may have a feeling of use or have minor scratches/dirt.

As mentioned earlier, SoftBank Certified comes with an initial defect warranty, but usability and minor scratches/dirts are not covered by the warranty. This point deserves special attention.

　SoftBank Certified smartphones come with accessories. is not. Please purchase separately the "AC adapter" and "USB cable" required for charging, and the "earphones" required for listening to music.

　Of course, if you have an AC adapter, USB cable, or earphones that are compatible with the model you want to purchase, you can use them. Depending on how you look at it, it may be an advantage that you don't think "I already have it, so I don't need it ...".

　Smartphones sold as SoftBank Certified are "used". Therefore, it is not covered by the extended/extended warranty (compensation) service provided by the manufacturer or SoftBank. As of February 6th, we only deal with second-hand iPhones, so specifically, we cannot subscribe to the following warranty services.

Used iPhones sold as SoftBank Certified are not eligible for extended/extended warranty (compensation) services, but you can receive paid repair services provided by Apple ( including battery replacement). Specifically, you can request repairs at the following locations (*2).

　In addition, some SoftBank shops offer a repair intermediation service to an Apple authorized service provider (please inquire at the store if it is possible to intercede).

(*2) When repairing at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (including certain SoftBank shops), depending on the nature of the work, repairs may be required.

　However, if the previous user performed repairs at a base "other than" mentioned above, it may not be possible to perform repairs at the official base if non-genuine parts are used for the repair.

　SoftBank Certified regards this as a "disclaimer". Please note that we cannot return or exchange devices that cannot be repaired at an authorized base.

　The following discounts cannot be applied to smartphones sold as SoftBank Certified.

　SoftBank Certified is sold only at the "SoftBank Online Shop". You can also apply the "web discount" limited to online shops. The terminal price will be discounted by 21,600 yen.

　The SoftBank Certified lineup as of February 6th is as follows.

The iPhone 8 is a model released in September 2017. Since it is equipped with a fingerprint sensor (Touch ID), it is an advantage that biometric authentication can be performed even when wearing a mask.

　SoftBank Certified handles 64GB models. The sales price including tax is 21,840 yen, and if you apply the web discount, you can purchase it for 480 yen.

The iPhone X is a model released in November 2017, and is the first iPhone to support an organic EL display and face authentication (Face ID).

　SoftBank Certified handles 64GB models. The sales price including tax is 31,200 yen, and if you apply the web discount, you can purchase it for 9,600 yen.

　iPhone XR is a model released in October 2018 and supports face authentication (Face ID).

　SoftBank Certified handles the 128GB model. The sales price including tax is 31,200 yen, and if you apply the web discount, you can purchase it for 9,600 yen.

　iPhone XS is a model released in September 2018 and supports face authentication (Face ID).

　SoftBank Certified handles the 256GB model. The sales price including tax is 41,280 yen, and if you apply the web discount, you can purchase it for 19,680 yen.

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