Friday, August 15, 2025
  • About
  • Write for us
  • Contact
Today News
  • Business
  • Tech
    Artificial Intelligence

    Europe’s AI Act Enters New Phase

    Close-up of a laptop screen displaying lines of code in a text editor, highlighting programming work in progress.

    How Technology Innovations Are Redefining Online Casinos and Sports Betting Experiences

    Ray-Ban Meta Partnership Drives EssilorLuxottica’s Q2 Success

    Ray-Ban Meta Partnership Drives EssilorLuxottica’s Q2 Success

    Aerial view or a Sustainable Urban Space

    Innovative solutions for sustainable urban development

    Smart Car Dash Cam

    How new drivers in big cities can stay safe with smart dash cam technology

    Close-up of a Ray-Ban Eyeglasses

    Ray-Ban Meta Partnership Drives EssilorLuxottica’s Q2 Success

    Telecom Communication

    Guideline to Picking Right Tailored Telcom Solutions

    Spreadsheet

    From Spreadsheet to Smart System: Why Financial Teams Need Web Apps and Formula Transparency

    Why eSIMs Are a Game Changer for Remote Workers

    Why eSIMs Are a Game Changer for Remote Workers

  • Consumer
    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

    High street retailers are at a “crossroads”, says retail tycoon

    High street retailers are at a “crossroads”, says retail tycoon

  • Finance
    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?

    Using a Laptop

    How to Accept Altcoin Payments and Upgrade Your UX Strategy

    Crypto Loans Meet Open Banking: Will Hybrid Products Redefine Borrowing?

    Crypto Loans Meet Open Banking: Will Hybrid Products Redefine Borrowing?

    Fintevex.io vs The Rest: What Happened When We Put It to the Test

    Fintevex.io vs The Rest: What Happened When We Put It to the Test

    5 Smart Money Moves For Dynamic People

    5 Smart Money Moves For Dynamic People

    What Is a Payment Gateway and Why Your Business Needs One

    What Is a Payment Gateway and Why Your Business Needs One

    How Ethereum is changing things in the business world in 2025

    How Ethereum is changing things in the business world in 2025

    Financial Literacy and Artificial Intelligence – A Psychologist’s Perspective

    Financial Literacy and Artificial Intelligence – A Psychologist’s Perspective

    Everything You Need to Know About Multi-Million Loans

    Everything You Need to Know About Multi-Million Loans

  • 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
    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

    6 Common Admin Mistakes that Property Managers Make

    6 Common Admin Mistakes that Property Managers Make

    Property Investment Strategy

    Interest Rate Hikes and How They Impact Your Property Investment Strategy

  • eCommerce
    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?

    Magento Web Development Company: Unlocking the Power of E-Commerce

    Magento Web Development Company: Unlocking the Power of E-Commerce

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
609
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

Artificial Intelligence

Europe’s AI Act Enters New Phase

August 14, 2025
475
Close-up of a laptop screen displaying lines of code in a text editor, highlighting programming work in progress.

How Technology Innovations Are Redefining Online Casinos and Sports Betting Experiences

August 12, 2025
543

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

Artificial Intelligence
Tech

Europe’s AI Act Enters New Phase

August 14, 2025
475
Close-up of a laptop screen displaying lines of code in a text editor, highlighting programming work in progress.
Tech

How Technology Innovations Are Redefining Online Casinos and Sports Betting Experiences

August 12, 2025
543
Ray-Ban Meta Partnership Drives EssilorLuxottica’s Q2 Success
Tech

Ray-Ban Meta Partnership Drives EssilorLuxottica’s Q2 Success

August 11, 2025
451
Aerial view or a Sustainable Urban Space
Tech

Innovative solutions for sustainable urban development

August 8, 2025
523
Smart Car Dash Cam
Tech

How new drivers in big cities can stay safe with smart dash cam technology

August 7, 2025
526
Close-up of a Ray-Ban Eyeglasses
Tech

Ray-Ban Meta Partnership Drives EssilorLuxottica’s Q2 Success

August 6, 2025
558
Next Post
BIORESTORE

Keep Your Outdoor Gear Dry with BIORESTORE Water Seal

RECOMMENDED NEWS

3 Ways to Inspire Children to get Artistic

3 Ways to Inspire Children to get Artistic

2 years ago
514
What You’ll Actually Learn in an AI Certification

What You’ll Actually Learn in an AI Certification

3 months ago
387
Workforce Beyond Paychecks

What Motivates Today’s Workforce Beyond Pay Cheques?

4 months ago
500
Sending Money

5 Tips for Sending Money to Family and Friends Overseas

1 year ago
54

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

The Autumn Menswear Trends to Get a Headstart On

The Autumn Menswear Trends to Get a Headstart On

August 14, 2025
How UK online casinos attract Hong Kong players

How UK online casinos attract Hong Kong players

August 14, 2025
Why Staying in a Pod Is the Ultimate Vacation Experience

Why Staying in a Pod Is the Ultimate Vacation Experience

August 14, 2025
Garage Flooring

Understanding the Long-Term Value of Quality Garage Flooring

August 14, 2025
Trading

The Role of N P Financials in Forex Trading

August 14, 2025
Fire Doors

How to Choose UL Listed Fire Doors

August 14, 2025
Global eSIM Card

Global eSIM Card Explained: A Smarter Way to Stay Connected Abroad

August 14, 2025
Friendships

The Power of Long-Term Friendships in a Fast-Paced World

August 14, 2025
Carpet Cleaning

Carpet Cleaning Myths That Could Be Costing You Time and Money

August 14, 2025
Why You Should Buy a Corner Sofa in 2025

Why You Should Buy a Corner Sofa in 2025

August 14, 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

The Autumn Menswear Trends to Get a Headstart On

The Autumn Menswear Trends to Get a Headstart On

August 14, 2025
How UK online casinos attract Hong Kong players

How UK online casinos attract Hong Kong players

August 14, 2025
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Consumer
  • Finance
  • Environment
  • Property
  • eCommerce
  • Write for us
  • About
  • Contact