How to Know If a Phone Is UK Used, Refurbished, or Brand New in Nigeria
Someone once walked into a phone shop and dropped over ₦700k for a “brand new” smartphone. Fresh nylon. No scratch. Looked untouched.
Two weeks later, it started hanging. He checked the battery settings and found something strange: the phone had over 300 battery cycles already. Turns out, what he paid for wasn’t new, it was refurbished abroad and repackaged in Nigeria.
Now, that happens every single day. And yes, sometimes even the cartons are sealed.
But how can you know for sure whether the phone you bought is actually new, UK used, refurbished, or a cleverly repackaged mess?
Keep reading.
How to Know If the Phone You Bought Is Actually What You Paid For
1. Check the Battery Cycle Count
This is one of the easiest ways to catch a refurbished or used phone.
On iPhones:
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Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging > Battery Cycle Count (on iOS 17.4 or higher).
If it’s more than 20–30 cycles, that phone has been used.
On Android (especially Samsung):
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Dial *#*#4636#*#* or use apps like AccuBattery to check charge history.
2. Verify the Serial Number & Warranty
Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g. checkcoverage.apple.com for iPhones or Samsung IMEI Checker).
Plug in the phone’s IMEI or serial number.
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If the warranty has already started or expired, it’s likely used or refurbished.
To find the IMEI, dial *#06#.
3. Use a True Device Checker App
Apps like Phone Info for Samsung or 3uTools (for iPhones via PC) can expose hidden details like:
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Original region
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Manufacturing date
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Repackaging or refurbishment
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Activation status
4. Check the Retail Box Details
A sealed carton doesn’t mean it’s new.
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Look for mismatched fonts, poor-quality shrink wrap, or boxes without proper warranty stickers.
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If the model number ends in “LL/A” (US), “B” (UK) or other country codes, it's likely imported.
5. Ask for a Purchase Receipt or Activation Report
A real store (like Tekkas Store) will issue a receipt showing whether it’s new, UK used, or pre-owned. If the seller is avoiding documentation, that’s a red flag.
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Why Is This Important?
Because phones aren’t cheap in Nigeria. With the unsteady exchange rate, no one should be paying ₦700k–₦2 million for something they think is brand new, but is really not.
At Tekkas Store, we only sell what we say and right now.
Some common misconceptions
"The carton was sealed, so it’s new."
→ Seals can be faked. Some sellers even have machines to reseal old boxes.
"It’s a UK phone, so it must be legit."
→ “UK used” doesn’t mean “good as new.” It just means it was once used in the UK, nothing more.
"The price is cheap, I’ll manage."
→ Cheap phones can be expensive mistakes. If it crashes after two weeks, you’ve lost both the phone and your peace of mind.
Where to buy a genuine new phone in Nigeria
If you want peace of mind, go with stores that have a reputation and a clear return policy. Like Tekkas store:
We recently stocked up on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Brand New Only)
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256GB — ₦2,000,000
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512GB — ₦3,000,000
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1TB — ₦3,700,000 (Not in stock for now)
Nationwide delivery available.
FAQs
1. How can I know if a phone is new or used?
Check the battery cycle, verify IMEI on the brand’s website, and inspect the warranty status. These steps will tell you the truth.
2. What does "refurbished" mean in Nigeria?
Refurbished phones are old or damaged phones repaired to look new. In Nigeria, they’re often sealed again and sold as new without disclosing the history.
3. Are all sealed phones new?
No. Seals can be faked. Always check the device history, battery cycle, and activation status.
4. How can I check if my iPhone is refurbished?
Go to Settings > General > About.
Look at the model number:
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Starts with M = New
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Starts with F = Refurbished
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Starts with N = Replacement
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Starts with P = Personalized
5. Is buying UK used phones safe in Nigeria?
Only if you trust the seller. Always ask for IMEI reports and receipts. Many UK used phones are good, but others are disguised junk.
6. Can a phone be both UK used and refurbished?
Yes. Some phones are used in the UK, then refurbished in China or Nigeria and sold as new. That’s the double-scam.
Final Take
Don’t get played. The easiest way to avoid buying a fake "brand-new" phone is to buy from stores that are clear about what they're selling and give you the tools to confirm it.
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