Buying Someone a Phone for Christmas? What You Should Check First

A new phone makes an excellent Christmas gift — especially for kids, partners, or that one family member still clinging to their iPhone 7 with heroic determination.

But before you wrap one up, it’s worth checking a few important details so you’re not gifting a device that’s slow, unsupported, or on its last legs.

Here’s what to look for.

Check the Model’s Age and Software Support

Not all phones still get updates.

Older iPhones and some budget Androids stop receiving security patches, which makes them slow, glitchy, and vulnerable online.

Before buying, make sure the model you’re looking at still receives updates from Apple or Samsung.

If it can’t run modern apps or log in to banking properly, it’s not much of a gift.

Look at Battery Health or Age

If you’re buying second-hand or refurbished, battery condition matters more than anything.

A weak battery means the phone will struggle through the day — especially for kids who use theirs non-stop.

Most batteries last roughly two to three years.

If the phone is around that age, factor in a battery replacement. It’s a cheap fix that makes an old phone feel new again.

Check Storage Capacity

Nothing ruins Christmas morning faster than “Storage Almost Full.”

A phone with only 64GB fills up very quickly once you add photos, videos, social apps, and games.

128GB is the sweet spot for most people.

Parents of teenagers — go bigger if you value your sanity.

Inspect the Screen and Frame Carefully

If you’re buying used, check for cracks, discolouration, green lines, touch issues, or frame bends.

A bent frame can make future screen replacements difficult or impossible.

A quick look around the edges saves surprises later.

Make Sure It’s Not Locked or Tied to an Account

If it’s second-hand, always check:

– Is it iCloud locked?

– Is the Google account removed?

– Is it carrier locked?

If any of these are “yes,” put your wallet down and back away slowly.

Check Charging and Camera Before Buying

Charging ports and cameras are the most common issues on used phones — especially Samsungs and older iPhones.

Plug it in. Take photos. Switch lenses.

If anything seems flaky, the phone probably needs attention.

The good news? Most of these issues are fixable.

Don’t Forget a Case and Screen Protector

No one wants to open a shiny new phone and then drop it on Boxing Day.

Bundle in a tempered glass protector and a case — your wallet will thank you later.

And yes, we have those.