5 Must-Check Things Before Buying a Used/Refurbished Laptop (Don’t Get Scammed)

Hi, squad! 👋 So are you ready to grab a refurbished laptop and save some cash? Smart move! But hold up—don’t hit “buy” yet! Whether you’re eyeing a refurbished gaming laptop or a student laptop, here is the ultimate checklist to getting mugged and score a steal. 

1. Processor (CPU): This is the engine of the laptop

⚠️ Why it matters: A slow CPU = Netflix buffering while you are trying to mutli-task 

• Intel Core i3/i5/i7:  Only buy 8th Gen or newer (e.g., i5-8250U) is for smooth multitasking.  
• AMD Ryzen: Ryzen 3/5/7 (3000 series+) these are budget-friendly powerhouses.  
• Avoid: Dual-core CPUs (e.g., Intel Pentium 2015-era).  

🔥 Pro Tip: Google “[CPU name] + benchmark” to check performance scores!  

2. Screen Size & Quality: Big is not always better 

• 📺 For Students: 13-14 inches = lightweight, portable 
• 🎮 For Gamers/Creators: 15.6”+ with 1080p+ resolution, though these are heavy laptops  
• 🚨 Red Flags: Faded colors, dead pixels: Always ask for screen pics/videos!  

3. RAM & Storage: God Speed !! 

• 💻 RAM: 8GB is the bare minimum in 2025. 16GB if you want to edit videos or game.  
• 💾 Storage: SSD is better than HDD. A 256GB SSD boots faster than a 1TB HDD (trust me, it’s life-changing). 
• 🔍 Check: The Brand of the SSD and also how old is it (e.g., 90% lifespan left).  

4. Battery Health:  Ask for minimum 2 hours battery backup

• 🔋 Ideal: 80%+ battery health (apps like Battery Info View can verify).  
• ⚠️ Watch out: If the seller says “battery is replaced,” ask for proof!  
• 🔥 Pro Tip: Laptops with removable batteries = easier/cheaper fixes!  

5. Seller Reputation: This your on safety net

• 🚨 *Never* buy from sketchy Olx, Quikr, Local nearby shops. Stick to certified sellers like EazyPC, NewJaisa, Electronics Bazaar. Reputed online sellers provide warranty, and only sell laptops with warranty. This will help you avoid wasting your money with non reputable vendors. 
• EazyPC: 6-month warranty + enterprise-grade ThinkPads.  
• Electronics Bazaar : Return policies + quality checks.  
• New Jaisa: 1 year warranty (yes, really!).  

🔍 Always:  

• Read reviews (Reddit/YouTube don’t lie!).  
• Check warranty terms (extend it if you can!).  

Final Checklist Before Buying: 

✅ Run a diagnostic test (ask seller for BIOS screenshots).  

✅ Test ports, webcam, and speakers.  

✅ Demand original charger + invoice (if possible). 

Also Read: 7 Tips for Avoiding Scams When Buying Used Laptop in 2025