Devices We Buy: Phones and Accessories Guide PDF

**DEVICES THAT WE BUY.** **PHONES** Some of the major devices that we buy are the iPhones and Samsung Phones. Most of the time we encounter legit and fake devices, such as scammers posting fake devices on the listing platform, and usually they post the newest and latest copy or fakes of the latest...

**DEVICES THAT WE BUY.** **PHONES** Some of the major devices that we buy are the iPhones and Samsung Phones. Most of the time we encounter legit and fake devices, such as scammers posting fake devices on the listing platform, and usually they post the newest and latest copy or fakes of the latest phones. There are a lot of ways to identify fake devices, usually fake devices show maximum storage for the device, the purchase country is China when you run the IMEI on our IMEI checker. For Samsung phones, legit devices have the IMEI printed on the back of the phone just below the Samsung logo but know that not all Samsung phone models have the IMEI printed on the back. Samsung Galaxy Flip 6 and Fold 6 don't have the IMEI printed on the back. This is what the IMEI looks like on the back of a Samsung phone. Another way to check the legitimacy of a Samsung Phone is when it has a sticker at the back of the phone, it is a white sticker that contains the IMEI, serial number, and model of the device.  Another way to identify if a Samsung Phone is fake is through its cameras and edges appearance. The cameras for the S24 Ultra have a thicker rim on the cameras. You see how the metallic edges of the rim give an embossed or elevated design to the cameras.  **FAKE REAL** The edges are very noticeable it has a metal finish but looks like a gray matte plasticky design. Which one do you think is fake? The fake one is the one on the right. Look how uneven the black bezels are, and how thick the bottom bezel is for the fake Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Another thing about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra camera is that the original one doesn't emit a blue hue on the glass of the camera, while the fake ones do emit or reflect a blue hue to the camera lens. Aside from fake phones emitting or reflecting a blue hue, the camera and edges of the fake Samsung phones look like it is made of plastic materials. --- Google Lock or FRP is a security feature in Android devices that provides a built-in security feature individuals use to protect their information and devices, including screen locks and data encryption. Google Locked/FRP device is most likely blacklisted because probably the customer reported it to the carrier. The likelihood of the device being blacklisted increases as to the newer models. If someone tries to factory reset the device without removing the Google account, it will require the original Google login details to access it. Without these credentials, the phone is essentially locked and unusable, this is what we want the seller to think. This type of lock is commonly seen on Samsung, Google Pixel devices, and other Android phones that have a good value. Note: Google Locked/FRP Devices are easier and cheaper to bypass or removed, unlike the other locks but the price it is still affected because of the fact that the device could be blacklisted, or in the future. Google Locked/FRP is more desirable and prioritized than an iPhone iCloud Locked because the FRP can be removed. With that being said, it is expected that you will negotiate and lowball more due to the fact that the seller is willing to accept a low price. But you will apply more pressure and try to secure the deal than iCloud Locked phone because Google Locked is more prioritized. Note: Do not mention to the seller that Google lock/FRP can be bypassed or removed as we want the seller to think that the phone is just good for parts. On very few occasions, you are expected to ask the IMEI if the seller is not willing to negotiate further. To ensure that the device model is the same as what the seller states, You\'ll have to check the IMEI to check the correct model or if it\'s not blacklisted. An example is the Samsung S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra, they are very similar and it tends to confuse the seller on what model or device they are selling. 90% of the time the IMEI for Samsung Phones was at the lower back of the phone. Here is an example of Google/FRP locked phones: Here is an example of a Samsung phone that was forcefully reset without removing the Google Account:  As you can see the phone was already reset as we are already on the welcome page, circled above is the padlock icon which is an indicator that the phone was locked even after reset. Here is another picture of the phone being Google Locked/FRP Locked: **S21 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra**  **Samsung S21 Ultra**  **Samsung S22 Ultra** As you can see, the most obvious difference between the two is the back. The camera of an S21 Ultra has a box-like surround to the cameras while the S22 Ultra doesn\'t have it. The 4 edges are different too, S21 Ultra has round edges while S22 has pointed edges. **S23 vs. S23 Plus**  **Samsung S23**  **Samsung S23 Plus** These 2 models are quite hard to compare but one thing that you should look at is the camera lens rim. Observe the lens rim of the S23 and compare it to S23 Plus. The S23 has a finer rim than the S23 Plus. Also, look at the back of the phone, the S23 has a matte shine when it's lit and the s23 Plus is just pure matte. Note: If the model is not stated and it's hard for you to identify either its S24 or S24 Plus, ask for the IMEI. **S24 vs. S24 Plus**  **Samsung S24**  **Samsung S24 Plus** While the differences between the two models may be subtle, a key detail to focus on is the camera lens rim. Observe the lens rim of the S24 and compare it to the S24 Plus. The S24 features a finer rim compared to the more robust rim of the S24 Plus. This distinction can help in identifying the specific model. Note: If the model is not stated and it's hard for you to identify either its S24 or S24 Plus, ask for the IMEI. **S23 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra**  **Samsung S23 Ultra** *(The IMEI and Samsung Logo is not showing in this picture as its from google and they tend to not show it for privacy purposes)*  **Samsung S24 Ultra** They might look similar but there's two obvious things you would notice if you see them. Look at the back of an S23 Ultra, the sides are round while the S24 Ultra is flat. The other one is the lens, the S24 Ultra has bigger lenses than the S23 Ultra. **Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5 vs. Z Flip 6**  **Samsung Z Flip 4**  **Samsung Z Flip 5**  **Samsung Z Flip 6** The primary difference between the two models lies in the camera placement. The Flip 4 features a horizontally aligned camera, whereas the Flip 5 has a vertically aligned camera. This distinction makes it easier to differentiate between the two models at a glance. Both the Flip 5 and Flip 6 feature vertically aligned cameras, making them look similar at a glance. However, the easiest way to distinguish them is by checking if there\'s an IMEI number imprinted on the back. The Flip 5 has the IMEI imprinted on the back of the phone, while the Flip 6 does not have this marking. **Z Fold 4 vs. Z Fold 5**  **Samsung Z Fold 4**  **Samsung Z Fold 5**  **Samsung Z Fold 6** This distinction can be subtle, but focusing on the camera design helps. On the Fold 4, the cameras sit flush with the surrounding box-like frame. In contrast, the Fold 5 features cameras that bulge out slightly from the body. This difference in camera placement can help you identify the model more easily. Both the Fold 5 and Fold 6 feature cameras that bulge out slightly from the body but Fold 6 has bigger camera lenses. However, the easiest way to distinguish them is by checking if there\'s an IMEI number imprinted on the back. The Fold 5 has the IMEI imprinted on the back of the phone, while the Fold 6 does not have this marking. **How to know whether the accessories or another device is included in the listing?** There are some cases which you will counter a listing that will make you wonder whether the accessories or the other device is included, and you are torn if you are making an offer for all or just making an offer for the main device in the picture unless the seller stated clearly on the description that the accessories are included or if they are just selling the main device. This usually applies when the seller doesn't mention what's included in the listing. Most of the time this scenario applies to the camera and lenses. Here are some examples and how should we deal with them. The seller posted a Camera with a lens attached to the camera. The title says Canon 5D Mark IV with Lens and in the description, it says "good condition". For this sample, we already know that the lens is included as it is stated in the title. Therefore we will make an offer for all. Most of the time you will see indicators of whether the accessories or another device is included. Either the seller mentions it in the title or in the description "The lenses are included", "must take all", "camera, lens, bag, strap, etc is included", or "great camera bundle". Some sellers have no extensive knowledge when it comes to cameras, doesn't know that the lenses can be sold separately so they just posted their camera with the lens for a price of one because they knew that for a camera to work it needs a lens, which is true but it doesn't always mean that you have to sell it together. You will also see the other types of sellers who are knowledgeable when it comes to this trade as they sell cameras and lenses separately or bundled together at a high price. Another example, is the seller posted a Camera with Lenses. The title of the listing says Camera and there is only one picture on the listing, the picture was like taken from a Studio, well lit and you see the boxes of the lenses in the background then in the description the seller gave the sizes of the lenses (only the brand and sizes), the camera model and brand. For this sample you already know that the seller listed everything as a bundle therefore you will make an offer and negotiate the price for everything. Here is another example, The seller posted a camera with a lens and in the title it says Canon RF 24-70mm 2.8 L II USM and in the picture you see a Canon EOS R camera with the Canon RF 24-70mm 2.8 L II USM attached to it. And in the description reads. "If you're interested in the camera. See the other listing under my page." This means that the camera is not included in the listing as it is posted separately by the seller. Or if this listing doesn't have that description and you open the seller's profile page and you see the camera posted separately, it is highly likely that the items are posted separately. How do we clarify if the accessory and the camera are included? We asked the seller "Does the camera and lens (lenses) works and in good condition?" It's either the seller will say "Yes" or the seller will correct you and say that "It's just for the lens." Or "I'm just selling the camera". From there you can adjust your offer based on the sellers response. Now there are also times, that assuming that items are being sold together can hurt as more than help us. What do I mean by this? There are times seller posted 2 of the same cameras. For example the seller posted a picture of 2 Canon EOS R body and the title says Canon EOS R, and the description says "Almost new. Good condition", The listing is price at 600. The picture looks pristine and the background is some sort of a studio as you can see the tripods and umbrellas at the background. In this example, we will not assume that the camera is being sold together. If you price-check the Canon EOS R, you will know that the camera body for this model is sold at \$900. So how does it relate to the statement it can hurt us more than help us, using this example let's say we make an offer for both at \$550, the seller see our message and did not respond to our listing and you say let's do 600 for both. The seller says "600 each". You made another offer but the seller no longer responds to us simply because the seller find us weird. We could lost a deal just because we made a very costly mistake of assuming that it is for both device. Some seller might agree negotiating the price after you send so many messages but ended up not getting the cameras because the seller finds you weird. If you come to think of it and make an analysis the seller could have been working as a photographer or someone on the same field because of the background, the price will also make sense if it's selling for each and the item is not defective. But if you tweak this listing let's say the background was changed to a messy bedroom or a lot of trash on the background and the hands that holds the camera are unwashed hands. Same price \$600 and title is Canon EOS. We will be making an offer for all just the background alone we can say that the cameras could have been stolen or just found by the seller. Note: When the listing is posted for a camera and there are other accessories in the background (it could be lenses, monitor, flash, etc) and the seller doesn't mention what is included we will negotiate or offer as if everything is included. We do not directly ask the seller if the accessories are included instead we ask **" Does the camera and lens (insert the type of accessories here) work and are in good condition?**" because if the accessories are not included the seller will mention it to his response. We do not ask the seller directly "Are the accessories included" or "Does it include the lens?" because you are giving the seller an idea the listing could be worth more than the price he posted it for, and it will be harder for us to lower the price. **When the seller does not respond** Every now and then you will experience wherein the seller is not responding, now there are a lot of reasons why the seller is not responding and we should be aware of the queues or hints also there are other contributing factors as to why the seller is not responding. We know that when the seller does not respond, the listing is exposed to our competitors and we don't like that, thus we should know how to apply pressure to have the seller respond. Here are some reasons why the seller does not respond to us: - - - - When you are first in the listing there is a high probability that the seller might think that all buyers are like you, remember our objective earlier we want the seller to think what is the lowest acceptable price for the device and not how much he can get away with listing. This is how to respond to or apply pressure depending on the scenario. You already have sent your initial message and your initial offer, you have seen that the seller just saw your message but did not respond, this only means that the seller didn't like your offer. If this is the case you have to make a counteroffer to your initial offer, apply pressure like "Let me know" or I can pick up today" to cover your counteroffer so the seller will be curious to open our message. Example: You: Hi. Is this available? You: Can do \$150? You: Let me know. Thanks Seller: \*\* Seen\*\* but did not respond You: Can you do \$175? \< we should send our counteroffer once the seller seen the message and did not respond in a minute then apply pressure. You: I can pick up today. If the seller haven't seen the message, we will still apply pressure by asking a question even if you already know the answer to the question. It's just to make the seller respond to us. You: Hi. Is this available? You: Can do \$150? You: Let me know. Thanks You: What carrier is it? Ask questions like: What carrier is it? Does the camera work and in good condition?" Does the lens work and in good condition? Does the phone have any cracks? Do not send multiple messages (4-8 messages) under a minute, as we don't want the seller to think that we are weird and stop engaging with us. But for really good deals we should be fast because of the competition, we should be on it. As mentioned earlier we will disregard the other listing because of the really good listing, we should be on it, respond quickly to the seller, ask for the address once agreed with the price then mark it sold. We can't waste our time on other things when engaging with really good deals. As we don't want the seller to leave our chat box and engage with other buyers. Note: When sellers use their phones to check notifications from the listing app they can read the first line of the last message sent through chat. Remember the goal is to get the address and to mark it sold as fast as we can because we don't want other buyers to slip an offer that is agreeable to the seller and accept the highest offer. **Additional notes on Price Checking** Another way of knowing the exact model of an item is through Google Lens via your phone or your PC, this gets a bit tricky because sometimes Google Lens results will show multiple models of an item, which means you still have to picture check if the listing matches the result from Google lens via eBay. For example, you saw a listing for an Alienware laptop but the seller did not specify the exact model and the description only includes the specs of the laptop, and the only picture posted is this.  Either, you ask the seller for the exact model or you can directly use Google Lens to search for the specific model. Let's say you use the Google lens instead. When you right-click the picture it will show you the Google Lens option from the menu and once you click the "search with Google Lens" option it will show the search result at the right side of the listing  Note: When Google Lens is not available on your desktop or laptop, you can download the Google Lens app to your phone, most of the time Google Lens is already installed for Android phones. You just have to open the app, point it to the picture of the listing that you want to identify then hit search, the search result will appear at the bottom so you have to scroll up to see the result. Now, you have the exact model to price check on eBay. But what if the Google Lens result is vague? What if the Google Lens result shows multiple results for the model? And the seller doesn't know the exact model? Here are our options: We can ask the seller to check the settings to see the exact model or upload a picture of the laptop on settings for us to identify the model. Or we investigate which model matches based on the Google Lens search result and by picture-checking it on eBay. It is easier to picture-check on eBay as the listings posted on eBay have pictures of all the sides of the item..