I Spent Way Too Much On This iPhone | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A buyer shares their experience purchasing a flawed iPhone XS Max in 2019.

Key Insights

• 🥺 Urgent needs often lead to hasty purchasing decisions, sometimes resulting in poor choices.
• ✅ Buying secondhand electronics requires thorough checks for physical damage and activation status.
• ⌛ Price depreciation in technology can significantly impact the perceived value of devices over time.
• ❓ The resale market can be unpredictable; prices can vary greatly in just a few years.
• 📈 Consumers should educate themselves about market trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
• 💄 Hidden damages can sometimes be obscured by accessories like screen protectors, making careful inspection essential.
• 👶 The author's experience serves as a reminder to balance the desire for new technology with prudent purchasing practices.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated the author to buy the iPhone XS Max despite its flaws?

The author was in urgent need of an iPhone and overlooked the issues with the device. Despite being aware of some imperfections, they felt that having the phone was more critical than the potential risks involved in the purchase. The urgency to acquire a smartphone led them to compromise on condition.

Q: How did the author realize that the phone was blacklisted?

After purchasing the phone, the author used a website to check the IMEI number and discovered it was blacklisted. This revelation came as a surprise, especially considering they had planned on using the device. The inability to activate the phone emphasized the importance of thorough checks before buying secondhand.

Q: What were the main issues faced by the author with the iPhone XS Max?

The author faced multiple problems with the device, including a cracked back, a minor crack on the screen, and a damaged camera. These flaws ultimately outweighed the perceived value of the phone. The experience illustrates how crucial it is to inspect devices closely before purchasing them.

Q: How has the resale market for the iPhone XS Max changed since 2019?

The resale market for the iPhone XS Max has flooded with options, significantly lowering prices. Devices that previously sold for about $1,099 can now be found for as little as $300 to $400. This price depreciation underscores the rapid devaluation of technology and the importance of market awareness when buying.

Q: What lesson does the author emphasize from their buying experience?

The author emphasizes the importance of diligence when purchasing used electronics. Despite conducting some research, they were still stung by hidden flaws. Their experience highlights the necessity to thoroughly investigate the condition and history of devices and encourages potential buyers to be wary even with thorough checks.

Q: How might the author approach buying a phone differently in the future?

In the future, the author would likely conduct more thorough research and checks on a device’s condition before purchasing, especially concerning its status. They might also consider avoiding urgent purchases to enable a more careful and attentive selection process, thus minimizing the risk of similar buying mistakes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In 2019, the author purchased an iPhone XS Max for about $670, which had multiple issues, including a cracked back and camera.

• Despite the condition, the phone couldn't be activated due to being blacklisted, highlighting the risks of buying used devices.

• The current market shows significant price drops for the iPhone XS Max, making the author's 2019 purchase seem overpriced and misguided.