I'm sure many have seen iPhones labeled "like new" in electronics stores and wondered what that meant. There is an opinion that this is just a used gadget that has been slightly improved and put up for sale. The "Refurbished" label is only needed to attract buyers. This is fundamentally wrong - under this name you are sold a "refurbished" device, which, in fact, is not even used. I will try to clarify the situation and share my personal experience of such a purchase.
Small spoiler: a year of intensive use of the refurbished iPhone 8 did not reveal any differences from new smartphones.
What does it mean to say that an iPhone is “refurbished”?
A refurbished iPhone is a phone that has been in use for some time, but then it was handed over to Apple service because of a malfunction. For example: a person buys a phone, brings it home, and it does not turn on. Naturally, he returns it to the seller or official apple service. When the smartphone gets into the hands of the manufacturer, a full diagnostics and replacement of the failed units is carried out. Along the way, the battery, case and screen are changed - everything that the previous owner could have come into contact with. In addition, the manufacturer re-assembles the product: headset, charger, etc. Do not forget about a full software update, clearing of memory units, and voila - we get a phone that is absolutely indistinguishable from a new one.
Naturally, before being sent to the retail network, the goods undergo thorough testing. Only those iPhones that have not been significantly damaged during use are subject to such restoration. Completely destroyed copies are sent for disposal, so the chances of buying a device that has been long and thoughtfully abused are minimal.
Is there a guarantee?
Since the restoration takes place at the company's production facilities, and not in underground workshops, such products are covered by the standard store warranty. Compared to buyers of new iPhones, the owner of an iPhone Refurbished is not at all infringed in consumer rights.
You can check the warranty by the serial number, just like on a new phone. Advice: it is better to check the serial number right at the counter, in the presence of the seller.
To understand, I will give a real-life example. I bought a new smartphone from an official representative office and did not bother to immediately check the serial number. As a result, they handed me a copy that had been activated two months ago. I will not describe all my adventures from Apple to the store and back, I will only say that enough nerve cells were lost.
What is the difference then?
In principle, only the appearance of the packaging and the serial number (the letter “F” is added to it) are different.
These products come in a white box with a picture of the smartphone, the model name, and a label that says “Apple Certified Pre-Owned.” That’s the only difference.
The delivery set is absolutely identical:
- headphones,
- charger,
- cable.
There is even a paperclip key.
What's the point of buying a refurbished iPhone?
If you only recognize the latest models, buying a refurbished device is not your case. The same can be said about people who are well versed in used equipment. Such smartphones are bought by those who want Apple, with good performance, even if the previous model, but with warranty service.
Judge for yourself: a refurbished one costs less than a new one, and is practically no different from it. At the same time, there is a guarantee, and no hints of reuse.
This is not a purchase from an ad, with assurances like: "was lying around", "barely used", "bought, but urgently needed money", and other nonsense. It is clear that a used one will cost much less, but this is the owner's business.
If you have experience and contacts for purchases on the secondary market - why not. Just for comparison. The official price of the iPhone 8 with 256 GB is 36,990 rubles, while "white" resellers ask for 35,100 rubles for it.
The restored "eight" of the same capacity will be released already 23,500 rubles.
In my region, sellers on Avito offer used 8, in good condition, with 256 GB, for 19-20,000 rubles. The first to appear on sale are usually models with 64 GB drives. After that, these versions disappear, and sellers put up 128 GB and 256 GB. The previous modifications can only be found as refurbished ones. That's how I got acquainted with this market.
I couldn’t find a model of the color I needed for 256 GB, except for some suspicious retail outlets, but “like new” – here it is, please!
I had to delve deeply into the topic.
How to recognize a fake?
Often sellers themselves "restore" iPhones and sell them, adding the "like new" label. In fact, this is a direct deception of the buyer, since in artisanal conditions it is impossible to carry out repairs the way the manufacturer does. In order not to become a victim of such "craftsmen", you need to follow a few simple rules.
Read publications, visit thematic forums, official distributors' websites or just specialized resources. There you can really find information about which models were restored by the manufacturer. You can find out everything, right down to the color. Once I came across information online about Apple receiving a batch of restored "eights" in the retail chain. The gadgets were made in gray, and that's exactly what I was looking for.
I placed an order and picked it up – all in one day. I asked after a couple of days – they were already taken apart. Of course, six months will pass and they will appear again, but a long wait is always stressful, and there is no guarantee that they will be grey.
It is better to look for a refurbished iPhone from officially registered Apple resellers - a full list of them is available on the company's website. Pay attention to the quality of the packaging. The box should be factory, and there will definitely be a layer of protective film on top. Check the serial number of the product. For refurbished smartphones, it begins with the letter "F".
Check the number through the Apple website, if the seller makes up excuses not to do this - leave. Carefully inspect the device itself, try to turn it on. There should be no scratches, dirt or other traces of previous owners on the case.
The device should look brand new and boot up like the first time. If you need an iPhone under warranty, and having the latest model is not essential, a smartphone marked "Refurbished" will be a great choice. In addition, you will save a lot on this purchase.
And both a restored and a new gadget can be defective - that's life. By the way, a batch of restored "sevens" at the price of 6s, which recently arrived in Russia, has already been completely sold out.
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