Buying a phone online: a 10-point checklist

A phone is one of the most common big purchases made online in India. These checks take a few minutes and save a lot of trouble later.

Before you order

• Pick the exact variant (RAM, storage, colour) and compare that variant across stores.
• Check the seller. Prefer the brand’s own store or a highly rated seller.
• Confirm it is the Indian version with an official brand warranty.
• Read the return or replacement window. For phones it is often only a few days and may cover defects only.
• Work out the real price with the bank card and exchange offers you actually qualify for.

When it arrives

• Record a video while you unbox it. It is the strongest proof if anything is missing or damaged.
• Check the IMEI on the box matches the phone (dial *#06#).
• Look for scratches, dead pixels and that all buttons, cameras and speakers work.
• Make sure the charger and cable listed on the box are included.
• Register the warranty with the brand if it asks you to.

Tip:Some stores offer open-box delivery for phones, where the delivery partner waits while you check the device. Choose it when it is available.