[yungboi]

I might need to get a replacement from apple store they told me but Is there a way to check on the iPhone itself if its refurbished or new? And is it true that refurbished is better ?

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[iOS Gravity]

I think you can check using the serial number. I prefer new devices, but refurbished is good too.

[pr1nce]

I've had a few refurbished phones over the years. They are usually pretty good because they've been inspected before being shipped out.

[MacintoshDan]

Model number in "About" menu will start with an NE


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[yungboi]

Model number in "About" menu will start with an NE


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It'll start with NE if it's refurbished or new ?


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[EmceeGeek]

Model number in "About" menu will start with an NE


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Interesting, I've never heard that before.

[Ledsteplin]

How to identify a an iPhone refurb:
http://m.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Refurbished-Iphone


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[iOS Gravity]

So Apple changes the model #?

[Engire]

How to identify a an iPhone refurb:
How to Identify a Refurbished Iphone: 4 Steps (with Pictures)


Sent from from my iPhone 5

Not sure how accurate this page is anymore. If I go by their definitions of the serial number my 4S was made in 2008.


Getting back to the OPs question about refurbs being better, not all refurbs are created equal. I have gotten a refurb (iphone 4) from Asurion and to be honest it was junk and overheated just by looking at it. Thankfully that phone was still under Apples warranty period and the Apple store replaced it for me with one of their refurbs. My son is still using it as we speak. If you are getting a refurb from Apple then you have little to worry about because Apple has an image to maintain. They will not pass junk over their counter unlike phone insurance companies like Asurion who are more profit driven, than loyalty driven.

[MacintoshDan]

It'll start with NE if it's refurbished or new ?


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Every refurbished model I've ever had started with NE in iPhones or iPod touches.


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[tigerinexile]

The NE- indicates whether it's a replacement unit or not, but it still might be new or refurbished.

When it's an Apple refurbished unit, I won't care. They replace the battery and the casing, and make sure the rest of it works. So it's as good as new anyway.

[acerace113]

I've had a replacement 4S that had 20% worse battery life almost all the way across the board (expect standby, that actually improved) compared to my original 4S.


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[iOS Gravity]

I've had a replacement 4S that had 20% worse battery life almost all the way across the board (expect standby, that actually improved) compared to my original 4S.


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That's strange...

[MacintoshDan]

I've personally had about 4 iPhone 5s, and 3 iPad Airs, it's been a replacement nightmare for me as of late. I'm happy with my 3rd iPad Air, the original had bands going through the screen, the second misaligned magnets for the Smart Cover, but this iPhone has bad battery life. I think I'm going to have to go back again for yet another replacement. I must be unlucky.


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[yungboi]

Also when they exchange do they know that my iPhone is unlocked already or do I have to tell them? Because my iPhone is Att but unlocked using on Tmobile


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[yungboi]

Yea I went today they gave me a new one it's refurbished tho. But at least the problems I had with the other one isn't happening with this one so I'm ok with it.


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[tigerinexile]

Also when they exchange do they know that my iPhone is unlocked already or do I have to tell them? Because my iPhone is Att but unlocked using on Tmobile


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If you got it unlocked legitimately -- i.e., the IMEI is on the whitelist -- you should have been given an unlocked unit.

As we haven't heard a complaint about that here, I assume they did.

[HankAZ]

This is all BS. There is no way to tell. And that site referenced above says my 5S was manufactured in 2007. More BS. Not sure it really matters, anyway. The "refurbs" are completely redone, and good as new, IMO. And you have a warranty. Why all the hand wringing?

[HankAZ]

If you got it unlocked legitimately -- i.e., the IMEI is on the whitelist -- you should have been given an unlocked unit.

As we haven't heard a complaint about that here, I assume they did.

Apple will only give you an unlocked phone as a replacement if you bought an unlocked phone. If you had the phone unlocked after the fact by anyone, including your wireless provider, you get a phone that is locked to your carrier. Maybe it’s unfair, but that’s how it works. Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt.

[tigerinexile]

Yea I went today they gave me a new one it's refurbished tho. But at least the problems I had with the other one isn't happening with this one so I'm ok with it.


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Answer a final question for us, please: was your refurbished replacement phone unlocked, or did you have to get it unlocked again? And did you talk to them about that?

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[anon(4698833)]

lol...this thread is so full of BS.

[yungboi]

Answer a final question for us, please: was your refurbished replacement phone unlocked, or did you have to get it unlocked again? And did you talk to them about that?

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I told the guy it's unlocked att but unlocked for t mobile and he asked did att unlock it and I said yea and then I checked the website and it said it's unlocked.


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[yungboi]

lol...this thread is so full of BS.

How is that ?


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[anon(4698833)]

How is that ?

There is no way of knowing your device is refurbished based on any information located on the phone or within it's various identifying codes/numbers.

Also, getting a new model or refurbished model strictly depends on the amount of new stock vs. refurb stock when the device is being replaced...for instance, shortly after release, you are almost assured to receive a new model because there simply aren't many refurbs available (by comparison).

I still find it funny that people get caught up with the new vs. refurb mess...I guarantee you that you'd never know the difference if you didn't know refurbished units existed.

[tigerinexile]

I told the guy it's unlocked att but unlocked for t mobile and he asked did att unlock it and I said yea and then I checked the website and it said it's unlocked.


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Good to know.

That's what I thought the practice was, but it looks like others have had problems in the past. (Hopefully the distant past.)

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