Compare new iPhone and refurbished

Often, when trying to buy an iPhone in some Chinese online store (or even on eBay), you can come across very interesting offers. It seems to be the device of the last or at least the current generation — but it is sold for mere pennies. Unless the ad itself is marked «Refurbished» or Refurbished.

Let’s figure out how the new iPhone differs from the restored one and whether it is worth buying this device.

How does a new iPhone get refurbished?

In short, refurbished iPhones are iPhones that, for some reason, have already been to an Apple service center. But why they were brought there is a completely different question.

In the best case, the iPhone acquires the status of «Refurbished» if it was returned to the service center because the owner did not like it. For example, because of the color. Or just feel sorry for the money.

But the worst cases are much more:

1. Found a factory marriage;

2. The device was damaged during transportation;

3. The device was used as a demonstration model and stood in the window for a long time;

4. The manufacturer has recalled the product.

In all these cases, the device was damaged or worn out. The manufacturer sends it to a service center, replaces the broken components, and returns it for sale as «refurbished».

Is it safe to buy refurbished iPhones?

Speaking specifically about iPhones and other Apple products, it is completely safe to buy refurbished devices. They are covered by the same warranty conditions as new ones. In addition, the manufacturing company replaces broken components with so-called original ones, which guarantees a long operating time.

However, some devices may have problems with water resistance. Service intervention means that the iPhone will be disassembled and then assembled back. And such a procedure, of course, negatively affects the tightness of the case — even if it is carried out by Apple specialists, and not by someone in the «basement».

But with other devices and from other manufacturers it is better to wait a little. There is no guarantee that the service intervention was carried out at the proper level. In addition, the question is in the configuration.

For example, the refurbished Google Pixel 2 XL comes in a plain white box without any accessories at all. Of course, there and in the original there is only a charger, a paper clip and an adapter from USB Type-C to 3.5 mm for connecting headphones, but it’s still a shame.

iPhones are not lost in the package. However, instead of a beautiful branded box, the smartphone comes in a dull and white, unmarked. That’s the cost of saving.

An important “but” when buying refurbished iPhones

There are two types of remanufactured goods:

1. Manufacturer Refurbishment;

2. Seller Refurbishment.

Manufacturer refurbishment means that service operations were carried out directly by the manufacturer of the device. In this case, Apple. This guarantees that the device will be repaired with high quality, using original spare parts and accessories.

Seller refurbishment — is more controversial. This mark means that service interventions were made by the seller. Therefore, there is a risk that the work to restore the functionality of the device could be performed poorly, using non-original components or identical spare parts.

If it is possible not to buy iPhones marked «Seller refurbishment» — do not buy. It’s better to look at something else. In addition, display goods are often marked in this way, which means that one of the components of the device may be physically worn out.

So, in the new generation of iPhone, the battery physically wears out (it loses capacity) and the display (it burns out, that is, inactive pixels remain on it with a trace of constantly displayed interface elements).

It is also worth noting the marking «Reserve Fund». These are completely new devices that are stored in service centers as exchange ones. They are in no way inferior to those sold in stores in functionality, reliability and durability, but at the same time they come with a minimum configuration — or without it at all, just a smartphone in an envelope.

It should be noted that devices from the reserve fund can be serviced under warranty to a limited extent. In addition, questions may arise about their origin, since the buyer will not be able to provide a receipt, a warranty card and a box on which the IMEI of the device is indicated. They should be bought with caution and a willingness to bear responsibility.