- Soum Sa
- Posts
- Best Gadgets to Buy Second-Hand in Saudi Arabia
Best Gadgets to Buy Second-Hand in Saudi Arabia
Soum Sa
April 26, 2025
When was the last time you held a brand-new phone in your hands? That feeling-sleek, shiny, untouched. Now be honest: how long did it take before it felt, just like any other phone?
Here’s a truth many tech-lovers don’t like to admit: you don’t always need the latest gadget.
What you need is value, and sometimes, that comes from the second-hand market.
But here’s the million-riyal question: Which gadgets are actually worth buying second-hand?
Let’s walk through that together. Step by step.
1. Smartphones (But Not All of Them)
Why buy used?
Flagship phones from brands like Apple and Samsung drop in price significantly after a year-but still pack premium performance.
What to look for:
Phones no older than 2 years.
Devices with minimal battery degradation (ask for Battery Health % on iPhones).
Physical condition (check camera lenses, charging ports, screen scratches).
Unlocked devices with clean IMEI.
Best value picks in Saudi Arabia:
2. Laptops for Work, Study, or Creativity
Laptops are among the safest and smartest second-hand buys—especially if you need solid specs on a budget.
Great second-hand picks:
MacBook Air (M1): Still blazing fast, lightweight, excellent battery.
Dell XPS 13: Great for students and professionals.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: A business beast.
MSI / ASUS ROG / HP Omen: For gaming or video editing (but check for overheating issues).
What to check before buying:
Battery cycle count (macOS makes this easy).
Keyboard & ports.
Screen for dead pixels.
Fan noise & heating during normal use.
3. Headphones & Earbuds
Let’s be real: you don’t need “brand new” AirPods to enjoy Qur'an recitations.
Why second-hand is smart:
Wireless earbuds like AirPods Pro or Galaxy Buds lose resale value fast.
Most people upgrade yearly, even when the device works flawlessly.
Recommended models to buy used:
Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 1 or 2)
Sony WH-1000XM4 or XM5 (Top-tier noise cancelling)
Bose QC35 / QC45
Just make sure to:
Clean them thoroughly or get new ear tips.
Check battery health (most models show it in the app).
Avoid devices with low mic quality if you’ll use them for calls.
4. Smartwatches
Used Apple Watches and Galaxy Watches are everywhere in the Saudi second-hand market.
Best picks:
Apple Watch Series 7 or SE
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 / 5
Why they’re good second-hand buys:
They age well and get software updates for years.
Most users take good care of them.
Check before buying:
Screen for cracks.
Battery life.
Connectivity (Bluetooth + cellular if needed).
Pairing ability (some Apple Watches are locked to Apple IDs—make sure it's removed).
5. DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras
If you’re a content creator, photography hobbyist, or just someone who loves quality… this one’s for you.
Why cameras are a smart used buy:
Cameras depreciate slower than phones but hold value in performance.
Lenses can cost more than the body—and they last forever.
Recommended second-hand cameras:
Canon EOS M50 (vlogging dream)
Sony Alpha A6400 / A7 series
Nikon Z50 or D7500
Check before buying:
Shutter count (like mileage for cars).
Sensor cleanliness.
Lens condition.
Battery + charger availability.
Buying second-hand tech isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making smarter, more sustainable choices—especially in a country like Saudi Arabia, where the market is full of fast turnovers, early adopters, and people who take care of their gadgets like prized possessions.
But always remember:
Do your research.
Inspect or test before you buy.
Don’t get caught up in “too good to be true” deals.
Used gadgets, when chosen wisely, can give you 90% of the experience at 50% of the price.