5 Mistakes to Avoid When Considering Buying the iPhone 15 in Singapore

Buying a new Apple product is always exciting, especially when it comes to upgrading to the latest iPhone models like the 15 series models. However, many shoppers make costly mistakes that could easily be avoided. Whether you’re considering the Plus or Pro models, it’s important to know what to look for, especially when comparing between each variant. 

Here are the top five mistakes to avoid before you make your next big purchase.

1. Ignoring the price difference between models

What buyers commonly miss

Many shoppers assume all iPhone 15 lineup phones are the same cost or value because they look similar. In reality, differences in display size, camera hardware, storage configurations, and materials (titanium for Pro models, for example) cause meaningful price gaps — especially between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Why it matters

• A larger model (Pro Max) usually costs significantly more and may push you into a higher tax/import bracket if purchasing overseas.

• The incremental features — e.g., advanced optical zoom or battery improvements — may be irrelevant to some users, making the extra spend hard to justify.

How to compare effectively

1. List your must-haves: camera zoom, battery life, screen size, weight.

2. Compare real prices in Singapore: check official retail, authorized resellers, and certified second-hand like CompAsia. 

3. Compute total cost of ownership: sale price ± trade-in value + warranty costs + any accessories you’ll need.

4. Evaluate price per feature: how much you’re paying for camera zoom or extra battery hours.

Practical example

If the price of iPhone 15 Pro is S$200 cheaper than the Pro Max, but you only rarely use telephoto zoom, that S$200 could instead buy two years of a premium case, extended warranty, or a wireless charger — often more practical.

2. Overlooking second-hand options

The myth vs reality

Myth: Second-hand = unreliable.
Reality: Certified second-hand devices go through multi-point testing, component replacement when needed, battery checks, and cosmetic grading. A certified refurbished device from a reputable seller can perform nearly indistinguishably from new while saving hundreds.

What “certified pre-owned” should include

• Full functional testing (CPU, GPU, radios, cameras, speakers, microphones)

• Battery health check and replacement threshold (recommendation: >80% or replaced)

• Replacement of defective parts with OEM-equivalent components

• Cosmetic grading with clear photos and a consistent grading system

• Sanitization and reset to factory settings

• At least a 6–12 month warranty (12 months preferred)

At CompAsia Singapore, every device goes through a thorough 32-step quality check to ensure full functionality and minimal to almost-zero flaws.

Benefits of buying refurbished

• Cost savings: typically 15–40% less than brand-new retail prices.

• Sustainability: reduces electronic waste.

• Faster upgrade cycles: lower cost encourages responsible upgrades.

Red flags to avoid

• Sellers with no testing details or no clear warranty policy.

• Listings with only one photo or stock photos.

• Super-low prices that seem “too good to be true.”

Buying checklist for second-hand iPhones

• Check seller's reputation and reviews.

• Confirm battery health percentage or replacement policy.

• Confirm warranty length and scope (does it include water damage? screen? logic board?).

• Ask about return policy (7–14 days minimum recommended).

• Verify IMEI is clean (not blacklisted or locked to another country/operator).

3. Not taking advantage of trade-in programs

Why trade-ins help

Trading in an old device reduces the net cost of upgrading. For many buyers, this makes Pro-level devices more affordable and reduces e-waste.

How trade-in values are determined

• Model and storage size

• Cosmetic condition and functionality

• Carrier-lock status and activation locks (Find My iPhone must be disabled)

• Market demand and supply (older popular models hold more value)

Discover trade-in with CompAsia Singapore

1. Visit CompAsia Singapore and choose trade-in via website.

2. Enter device details (device type, brand, model, and variant).

3. Answer a few questions to roughly estimate your device’s condition.  

4. Receive an instant quote.

Trade-in tips

• Back up important data from your old phone before handing it over.

• Remove SIM, memory cards

• Remove Apple ID, all accounts, and disable activation locks.

4. Forgetting to compare the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

Why non-Pro models are still excellent

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are often overlooked by buyers who assume Pro = better for everyone. For many users, the non-Pro variants offer exceptional value: strong performance, great cameras for everyday use, and longer battery life on the Plus model.

Quick feature breakdown

When to choose non-Pro

• You primarily use your phone for social, browsing, and streaming.

• You don’t need advanced telephoto zoom or ProRAW workflows.

• You’d prefer a lower purchase price and longer battery life (Plus).

Where to check prices & offers

Compare official Apple pricing vs second-hand prices on CompAsia: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

5. Buying without checking warranty & seller credibility

Why warranty and seller reputation are non-negotiable

Without clear warranty protection and a trustworthy seller, you risk long repair delays, fake parts, locked devices, or being unable to get help for software/hardware faults.

What to check before you buy

1. Warranty length — ideally 12 months for second-hand, 24 months for new if available in the region.

2. Coverage details — what is covered (display, charging port) and what voids the warranty.

3. Return & refund policy — provide a clear statement of the return and refund policy.

4. Authorized dealer status — whether the seller is an Apple Authorized Reseller or certified refurbisher.

5. Customer support — local service center, email, and phone support, and response times.

6. Payment & financing protections — secure checkout, instalment options, invoice provided.

Verifying an online seller quickly

• Check Google/ShopBack/Reddit/Hardware review threads for the seller name.

• Look for business registrations and physical addresses in Singapore.

• Verify professional product photos, serial/IMEI checks, and searchable product pages.

At CompAsia Singapore, we provide a free 3-month warranty and an extended warranty coverage. 

Bonus — iPhone 15 Pro vs Pro Max camera deep dive

Main shared features

• 48MP main sensor (ProRAW capable)

• Improved low-light computational photography

• A17 Pro chipset powering advanced image processing

Key differences

• Optical zoom: Pro Max typically has a periscope-style telephoto lens or a longer focal length, enabling up to 5× optical zoom (varies by release/spec). Pro may be limited to ~3× optical zoom.

• Sensor size & stabilization: Pro Max may have a larger sensor or advanced OIS algorithms for better low-light and stabilized zoom shots.

• Battery/processing thermal headroom: Slight benefit on Pro Max for extended bursts or longer video capture.

Which to pick

• Pick Pro if you want flagship performance in a smaller form factor.

• Pick Pro Max if you frequently use long-zoom shots (wildlife, sports) or want the largest display for media.

Price comparison & negotiation tips

• Bundle negotiation: Ask if the seller can include tempered glass or a case.

• Seasonal deals: Electronics often have promotions around major holidays — compare across pages and promos.

• Open-box vs certified refurbished: Open-box (customer returned) may be cheaper but has more uncertainty; certified refurbished gives better assurance.

• Payment options: Instalment plans (with debit/credit) may be available — choose this only if APR is reasonable.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras?

The Pro Max has a superior telephoto zoom capability (often 5× optical vs Pro’s ~3×), and may have a slightly larger sensor or improved stabilization. Both share the same main 48MP sensor and computational photography, but Pro Max targets users who need longer-range zoom or the largest display/battery.

2. Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone 15 in Singapore?

You can buy certified refurbished iPhone 15 series phones from trusted refurbishers and resellers that provide graded devices, warranty, and return policies. CompAsia Singapore lists certified refurbished iPhones and details each product page with grading, warranty, and specs: https://compasia.sg/.

3. How do I check if a refurbished iPhone’s battery is healthy?

Ask the seller to provide battery health percentage; reputable sellers will ensure batteries are above a threshold (commonly 80%) or will replace them during refurbishment. Alternatively, check in Settings → Battery → Battery Health on the device. A battery below ~80% is usually a replacement candidate.

4. Is it worth paying extra for the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Only if you need the specific benefits: larger screen, the best battery life, and advanced telephoto zoom. If these don’t matter to you, a refurbished Pro or a new/renewed iPhone 15 Plus may be a better value.