Friday, September 5, 2025
  • About
  • Write for us
  • Contact
Today News
  • Business
  • Tech
    ChatGPT

    India’s IT Sector Embraces ChatGPT Alternatives: The Rise of Specialized AI Chatting Tools

    Digital Transformation

    The Role of Drupal in the UK’s Public Sector Digital Transformation

    Looking out from a window at a vibrant UK city street, with vehicles and people navigating the urban landscape.

    Smart Transport: AI Solutions for UK’s Urban Mobility Challenges

    AI Agents

    5 Tips for Using AI Agents in the Best Possible Way

    Windows 11 Safely

    How to Download and Install KMSpico on Windows 11 Safely (Step-by-Step Guide with Alternatives)

    tech

    The Rise of Minimalist Tech: Why Consumers Are Choosing Compact Gadgets

    Revolutionizing

    How Technology Is Revolutionizing the Way We Travel

    Online Casino Game

    The iGaming software provider matters: Is it the best way for online casinos to achieve long-term success?

    Casino Slot Game

    Find Legit AU Online Casinos | Safe Gambling Guide

  • Consumer
    Understanding the Baby Monitor Market: What’s Driving Growth and Innovation

    Understanding the Baby Monitor Market: What’s Driving Growth and Innovation

    Craving Connection: Why Food Gifting Is the New Love Language

    Craving Connection: Why Food Gifting Is the New Love Language

    How to Celebrate Milestones from Afar: The Rise of Digital Gifting in the UK

    How to Celebrate Milestones from Afar: The Rise of Digital Gifting in the UK

    How to adjust glasses at home – a step-by-step guide!

    How to adjust glasses at home – a step-by-step guide!

    Why quality toilet cubicle hardware matters

    Why quality toilet cubicle hardware matters

    Common Mistakes in KYC Identity Verification

    Common Mistakes in KYC Identity Verification

    Consumer habits

    British Furniture Market Sees Significant Changes in Consumer Preferences

    Why are high-street bookmakers declining in the UK?

    Why are high-street bookmakers declining in the UK?

    Straps for smartwatches: The Complete guide

    Straps for smartwatches: The Complete guide

  • Finance
    Smartphone displaying a stock chart with fluctuating lines and data points.

    CHIPS Act Shake-Up: How Washington’s Plan Impacts Tech and Industry Stocks

    sifx.com: What’s Behind the Growing Buzz Among Traders?

    sifx.com: What’s Behind the Growing Buzz Among Traders?

    Georgia’s Free Industrial Zones (FIZ): A Strategic Choice for Crypto Businesses?

    Georgia’s Free Industrial Zones (FIZ): A Strategic Choice for Crypto Businesses?

    Senior Citizen in a wheelchair

    How to Support and Manage Your Parents’ Financial Decisions Through Dementia

    Mobile Apps for Managing Finances: What to Choose in 2025

    Mobile Apps for Managing Finances: What to Choose in 2025

    Bank Branch Presence in the UK: Then and Now

    Bank Branch Presence in the UK: Then and Now

    Financial graph illustrating investment performance

    Tradock Explained | What This Trading Platform Offers

    Investment Graph in different device screens

    Quantiumax Reviews: What Makes This Broker the Best Choice Available

    Panoramic view of London's skyline featuring iconic buildings like the Shard and the London Eye against a clear sky

    Can London Still Compete with Silicon Valley and Berlin in Tech Investment?

  • Environment
    Five Ocean Discoveries That Could Change How We See the World

    Five Ocean Discoveries That Could Change How We See the World

    Choosing the Right Sustainability Partner: How Eco-Efficient Tech Transforms Industry

    Choosing the Right Sustainability Partner: How Eco-Efficient Tech Transforms Industry

    Moving Abroad? Here’s What to Expect – and Why Cardboard and Plastic Waste Removal Is Essential After Unpacking

    Moving Abroad? Here’s What to Expect – and Why Cardboard and Plastic Waste Removal Is Essential After Unpacking

    How Weather Events Like Heavy Rain or Heatwaves Affect Pest Activity

    How Weather Events Like Heavy Rain or Heatwaves Affect Pest Activity

    Building a Carbon-Competitive Advantage with Sustainability and Decarbonization Consulting

    Building a Carbon-Competitive Advantage with Sustainability and Decarbonization Consulting

    The Lost Art of Orienteering: Why Map and Compass Skills Still Matter

    The Lost Art of Orienteering: Why Map and Compass Skills Still Matter

    Sustainability in Dining: Reducing Waste for a More Profitable Future

    Sustainability in Dining: Reducing Waste for a More Profitable Future

    Environmental Benefits

    What Are The Environmental Benefits Of Choosing Eco-friendly Rubbish Removal In Croydon?

    Why You Should Hire Waste collectors for efficient waste removal

    Why You Should Hire Waste collectors for efficient waste removal

  • Property
    Furnished Apartments

    London Serviced Apartments: A Growing Trend Among Modern Travellers

    Close-up of Bungalow Houses

    The Key Reasons Park Bungalows Are A Smart Investment

    Discovering the Charlie Oven The Rural Ranges Ltd Approach

    Discovering the Charlie Oven The Rural Ranges Ltd Approach

    Sleek and Sturdy Bathroom Glass Shelves for Modern Homes

    Sleek and Sturdy Bathroom Glass Shelves for Modern Homes

    How to Streamline Your Home Expenses

    How to Streamline Your Home Expenses

    How To Plan Your Home Improvements in Six Easy Steps

    How To Plan Your Home Improvements in Six Easy Steps

    Budgeting for a House Sale: What Most Sellers Forget

    Budgeting for a House Sale: What Most Sellers Forget

    Home and business removals: Streamlining your move

    Home and business removals: Streamlining your move

    Maximizing Your Investments: A Guide to Purchasing Villas for Sale in Dubai 2025

    Maximizing Your Investments: A Guide to Purchasing Villas for Sale in Dubai 2025

  • eCommerce
    Ecommerce Platform

    What Makes a Global Ecommerce Platform User-Friendly

    From 1688 to shopee: the singaporean seller’s guide to paying china suppliers

    From 1688 to shopee: the singaporean seller’s guide to paying china suppliers

    The Importance of Digital Valuations for UK Ecommerce Brands

    The Importance of Digital Valuations for UK Ecommerce Brands

    Blink-and-Buy: Designing Checkouts That Convert in Under 10 Seconds

    Blink-and-Buy: Designing Checkouts That Convert in Under 10 Seconds

    High Stakes Strategies: Lessons E-commerce Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Casinos

    High Stakes Strategies: Lessons E-commerce Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Casinos

    Amazon Expert

    Amazon Expert: Key Qualifications to Look For

    Boosting Ecommerce Revenue with Smart Targeting Strategies

    Boosting Ecommerce Revenue with Smart Targeting Strategies

    Personalized Shopping: How Technology is Transforming Retail

    Personalized Shopping: How Technology is Transforming Retail

    How Can Ecommerce Businesses Learn From Entertainment Platforms?

    How Can Ecommerce Businesses Learn From Entertainment Platforms?

No Result
View All Result
Today News
Home Tech

How to Buy a Second-Hand Tablet in the UK Without Getting Ripped Off

David Prior by David Prior
May 22, 2025
Reading Time: 6 mins read
How to Buy a Second-Hand Tablet in the UK Without Getting Ripped Off
611
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

Let’s be honest. Tablets are everywhere now. For streaming. For school. For work. For doom-scrolling Twitter at 2am. But buying one brand-new? That’s painful. The price tags just don’t make sense unless you really need the latest tech. Which most of us don’t.

That’s why second-hand tablets are blowing up. Especially in the UK, where folks are trying to save cash without sacrificing quality. But—and this is a big but—it’s easy to get ripped off. Dodgy listings. Wiped serial numbers. Dead batteries. Fake chargers. All that junk.

Related posts

ChatGPT

India’s IT Sector Embraces ChatGPT Alternatives: The Rise of Specialized AI Chatting Tools

September 3, 2025
436
Digital Transformation

The Role of Drupal in the UK’s Public Sector Digital Transformation

September 3, 2025
441

So how do you avoid the trap?

Let’s break it down.

1. Know What You Need—Not What Looks Fancy

First off, ask yourself: what are you actually using this thing for?

  • Watching Netflix?
  • Taking notes for uni?
  • Running your Etsy shop?
  • Drawing or design work?

If you’re just streaming or browsing, you don’t need the latest iPad Pro. A 3-year-old iPad or Galaxy Tab does the job. Don’t get seduced by glossy marketing or words like “Retina” and “Liquid Retina” and whatever other buzzwords Apple makes up.

Write down the apps you’ll use. Make sure the tablet can run them. That’s it.

Stick to Known Brands

Not to sound snobby—but avoid unknown or “off-brand” tablets unless you know what you’re doing. Support might be trash. Updates non-existent. Resale value? Forget it.

Stick with:

  • Apple iPads (Air, Mini, base models—older generations are fine)
  • Samsung Galaxy Tabs (especially S-series)
  • Lenovo Tab series
  • Amazon Fire Tablets (basic but cheap and solid for streaming/kids)

You want something with decent support, replaceable parts (if needed), and accessories that are easy to find.

3. Avoid Facebook Marketplace (Unless You’re Brave)

Yeah, it’s tempting. You see a “like-new” iPad for £80 in your area. But then you message the seller and everything feels… off.

If you’re buying in person, meet somewhere public. Bring a friend. Check the tablet on the spot. Turn it on. Test the Wi-Fi. Open apps. Check the screen for dead spots. Look at the charger port. Is it charging? Is it legit?

But honestly? Most people are better off avoiding FB Marketplace unless you’re super confident and know what red flags to look for.

4. Use Trusted UK Sellers

You’re better off buying from people or platforms that back their stuff.

Here’s where to look:

  • Back Market – Specialists in refurbished tech, with warranties.
  • MusicMagpie – Decent grading system, UK-based, 12-month warranties.
  • Amazon Renewed – Good return policies. Sometimes pricier.
  • eBay (UK) – Stick to Top Rated Sellers or business accounts with high feedback.
  • CEX (web or in-store) – Might cost a bit more, but you get a 2-year warranty.

Avoid listings that say things like “no returns,” “sold as seen,” or “might need repair.” That’s code for “this tablet is probably toast.”

Check the Serial Number or IMEI

If it’s an iPad or a tablet with mobile data (SIM slot), ALWAYS ask for the serial number or IMEI first.

Then go to:

  • Apple’s site to check warranty and activation lock: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/
  • IMEI checkers like IMEI.info to make sure it’s not blacklisted

If the seller won’t give you that info, walk away. Fast.

Look Out for These Common Scams

Here’s the stuff scammers do that catches people out:

  • Activation locked iPads – You can’t unlock them without the original owner’s Apple ID. Might as well be a paperweight.
  • Reboxed fakes – Tablet looks fine but it’s not the real thing. Especially risky on eBay or gumtree.
  • Battery bluffing – Seller charges it to 100% and hands it over. But within an hour it’s dead. Always ask how long the battery lasts.
  • Cracked screen “you can’t see” – Yeah, until you turn it on and there’s a purple line through the middle.
  • “Won’t update” – If it’s stuck on an old version of Android or iOS, it might be unsupported and basically useless for modern apps.

Grading Matters—but Don’t Obsess Over It

You’ll see terms like “Grade A,” “Grade B,” or “Like New,” “Good,” “Fair,” etc.

Here’s a quick rule:

  • Grade A / Like New – Nearly perfect. Expect to pay more.
  • Grade B / Very Good – Some small scuffs, works perfectly.
  • Grade C / Good or Fair – Noticeable wear. Cheaper, but test everything carefully.

Photos help. If the seller won’t provide clear pics of their actual tablet? Don’t bother.

Batteries Die. Be Realistic.

Batteries wear down over time. That’s life.

If you’re buying a 5-year-old tablet, it won’t last all day like it used to. Unless it’s been replaced (rare), expect a few hours at most.

If battery life matters, spend a bit more for a newer model or one that’s had a new battery installed – and get that in writing.

Accessories? Don’t Stress.

If it doesn’t come with the charger or original box, don’t panic.

You can get decent replacement chargers on Amazon or in stores like Currys or Argos. Just make sure they’re compatible. Some cheap ones can fry your device or charge it slower than a dying candle.

Stylus or keyboard not included? That’s normal. Factor it into your budget if you need one.

Final Thought: If It Feels Sketchy, It Probably Is

Trust your gut. If the deal feels too good, the seller’s dodgy, or something’s just… off—walk away. Tablets are everywhere. Another one will pop up tomorrow. And it won’t come with drama.

Second-hand doesn’t have to mean second-rate. Just be smart, ask questions, and don’t rush. The right tablet’s out there—and it won’t cost your sanity to find it.

David Prior

David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.

Previous Post

Popular Gemstones Women Choose for Engagement Rings

Next Post

Keep Your Outdoor Gear Dry with BIORESTORE Water Seal

Related Posts

ChatGPT
Tech

India’s IT Sector Embraces ChatGPT Alternatives: The Rise of Specialized AI Chatting Tools

September 3, 2025
436
Digital Transformation
Tech

The Role of Drupal in the UK’s Public Sector Digital Transformation

September 3, 2025
441
Looking out from a window at a vibrant UK city street, with vehicles and people navigating the urban landscape.
Tech

Smart Transport: AI Solutions for UK’s Urban Mobility Challenges

September 3, 2025
461
AI Agents
Tech

5 Tips for Using AI Agents in the Best Possible Way

August 27, 2025
16
Windows 11 Safely
Tech

How to Download and Install KMSpico on Windows 11 Safely (Step-by-Step Guide with Alternatives)

August 24, 2025
74
tech
Tech

The Rise of Minimalist Tech: Why Consumers Are Choosing Compact Gadgets

August 20, 2025
332
Next Post
BIORESTORE

Keep Your Outdoor Gear Dry with BIORESTORE Water Seal

RECOMMENDED NEWS

4 Wellness Activities You Can Do From Home

4 Wellness Activities You Can Do From Home

4 years ago
19
Hesgoal & Popular Sports Streaming sites re-appear under a new name as United States Law Enforcement Authorities alarmed that owners are 12 year old Russian hackers

Hesgoal & Popular Sports Streaming sites re-appear under a new name as United States Law Enforcement Authorities alarmed that owners are 12 year old Russian hackers

3 years ago
703
How to Write Your Strategic Marketing Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Write Your Strategic Marketing Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

2 years ago
488
PTE score

What’s the required PTE score for PHD in Australia?

1 year ago
479

BROWSE BY CATEGORIES

  • Business
  • Careers
  • Charity
  • Consumer
  • Culture
  • eCommerce
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Entertainment
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Environment
  • Fashion
  • Finance
  • Food & Drink
  • Gaming
  • Gardening
  • Health
  • Insurance
  • Interiors
  • Legal
  • Leisure
  • Lifestyle
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Pets
  • Politics
  • Property
  • Sales
  • Sport
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Transport
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

BROWSE BY TOPICS

Agency AI autosmart banking Beauty business Christmas construction cyber security data digital Digital Marketing Services ecommerce entertainmnet finance fitness Forex health inflation insurance kitchen KYND lifestyle manchester music News north overseas Personal Injury Pharmaceutical Industry property Real Estate recruitment Sir Michael Morpurgo Skincare sports technology tourism travel UK vehicles Warkworth village watch workspace yorkshire

Latest news

Super 98 Fuel

Special 95 vs Super 98 Fuel Comparison: How to Choose the Right Petrol in UAE

September 5, 2025
AC Not Cooling

Car AC Not Cooling After Recharge: Hidden Problems Explained

September 5, 2025
RADV Audit

RADV Audit Expansion: Why Vendor Oversight Should Be a Health Plan Priority

September 5, 2025
Social Proof

Social Proof Explained: 7 Types That Drive Real Influence

September 5, 2025
Furnished Apartments

London Serviced Apartments: A Growing Trend Among Modern Travellers

September 5, 2025
Skiing

Skiing on a Budget? Here’s How to Do It Without Compromising the Experience

September 5, 2025
Man wearing a coat is seated on a bench, focused on his laptop in an outdoor setting.

What Experienced Players Value That New Gamers Often Overlook in Online Casinos

September 5, 2025
Woman seated on the floor, using on her laptop, surrounded by a comfortable and inviting space.

How Online Casinos Keep At-Home Gamers Engaged and Entertained

September 5, 2025
Smartphone displaying a stock chart with fluctuating lines and data points.

CHIPS Act Shake-Up: How Washington’s Plan Impacts Tech and Industry Stocks

September 5, 2025
Person gently holds a baby's hand, symbolizing connection and care between them.

6 Postpartum Routines You Should Instil for Your Wellbeing

September 5, 2025

Today News

  • About
  • Write for us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

@2024 Rooftree Publishing Ltd

Today News in association with Kajino.com

Sign up for our newsletter




  • Business
  • Tech
  • Consumer
  • Finance
  • Environment
  • Property
  • eCommerce

Recent News

Super 98 Fuel

Special 95 vs Super 98 Fuel Comparison: How to Choose the Right Petrol in UAE

September 5, 2025
AC Not Cooling

Car AC Not Cooling After Recharge: Hidden Problems Explained

September 5, 2025
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Consumer
  • Finance
  • Environment
  • Property
  • eCommerce
  • Write for us
  • About
  • Contact