Refurbished iPhone - what is it, how to distinguish it, reviews and where to buy. Should you be afraid of refurbished iPhones? What is a refurbished iphone 7

More recently, the iPhone 7 appeared in stores and connoisseurs of "apple" products began to buy new models. Several months passed and iPhones marked "Like new" appeared in the catalogs of popular online stores. Many users do not understand what this means.

It should be noted that the cost of such devices practically does not differ from the gadgets that have just gone on sale. Before purchasing 7, you need to understand what it is.

What does a refurbished iPhone 7 mean?

Many users believe that a refurbished phone is a device that has been repaired. In fact, this is not the case. Some devices and iPhones, including, have a factory defect. Once deficiencies are identified, Apple employees fix them and then put them up for sale again.

On the websites you can find the mark “Refurbished” opposite the selected phone. Yabloko employees understand that the phone has been slightly altered, which means that a discount must be made on it. Unfortunately, resellers do not want to lose profits, which is why they often pass off “almost new” devices as new iPhone 7s.

How to distinguish a refurbished iPhone from a new one by IMEI?

In order not to purchase a refurbished iPhone 7 for the price of a new gadget, you need to learn how to spot the differences. One of the best ways to find out if a gadget has been recovered is to check the device by IMEI.

A similar check can be performed using services such as:

• iphoneimei.info.

Both resources are in English. It doesn't matter which method you decide to use, as the result is important. It should be noted that it is impossible to download 100%, that the phone was restored, but on the basis of the data obtained, conclusions can be drawn.

Service "imeidata.net"

When the main page of the resource is loaded, in the "IMEI No e.g." you need to enter the IMEI code of your device. This code can be viewed:

1. On the package.
2. Through iTunes.
3. In the settings of the iPhone 7.

After entering the code, you must check the box next to the "I am not a robot" field, and then click on the "Check" button.

After 3 seconds, information about the smartphone will appear. According to the information provided, it is difficult to understand whether the gadget was being restored.

For more information, click on the "Free Check Now" link. After that, additional information will be displayed. Thanks to the service, you can find out if a smartphone was stolen or lost. To get a complete picture, it is recommended to use additional services.

Service "iphoneimei.info"

After loading the web page, a form will appear in which you need to specify the IMEI of the iPhone, and then click on the arrow.

It takes 10-15 seconds to find information about the iPhone 7 or other gadget model. Once the search is complete, a table with details appears.

To understand whether the device is new or almost new, it is necessary to analyze points such as:

• The color of the iPhone 7, which is written in the header. If it differs from what the seller demonstrates to you, then the gadget has been replaced with a case, that is, it is not new;
• If the field “iCloud / Find My iPhone” is set to “off”, then everything is in order with the device. When the phone is attempted to be restored, the status of this line will change to "on";
• If there is an Expired value next to any of the fields, then the gadget has been used before. We can talk about technical support or warranty service. In this case, it is clear that the gadget is not new.

According to these criteria, it can be understood that the iPhone is not new and the seller can be caught in deception.

Checking via model number

The most efficient way is to check. The first thing to consider is the box. On the back side, where the barcode is glued (printed), is the model number. It is in front of the "RFB" value.

There are times when you are not shown the box, but there is an opportunity to consider the iPhone. You should go to the settings, and then find the item "Basic". In the window that opens, you need to go to the section "About the device". Code will be written opposite the "Model" field.

In both cases, you need to check the first letter. There can be 3 variants of beeches:

• M - denotes that the iPhone is new and is intended for sale in stores;
• F - letter belonging to the gadget that has been in recovery;
• P - the letter is installed on customized models.

In addition to the first letter, it is recommended to look at the letters preceding the "/" character. If there is RU, then this is normal, since the device is intended for sale in the territory of the Russian Federation. There are times when there is an LL (region of the USA) at the end. If such a code is specified, you need to ask how the device got to Russia.

Even before the iPhone 7 went on sale, it made a lot of noise and became desirable for millions of people in absentia. Alas, many dreamers will not be able to afford to buy this smartphone due to unrealistic prices. A refurbished iPhone 7 costs a lot less than a new one, and in essence there is no difference. Upon purchase, you get an original phone in a new package, in a new case, complete with original headphones and a charger. When ordering this model - free shipping and a protective glass as a gift. You can buy the dream of millions now.

Why is there such a significant difference in price? The refurbished iPhone 7 already had an owner - the device cannot be called new. It's just an Apple smartphone with original parts. You will be the first owner of the new device. Whether this advantage is worth a significant overpayment - decide for yourself.

The risks of buying a refurbished iPhone are exactly the same as buying a new one. The marriage rate is minimal. In large stores, refurbished Apple smartphones are sold at discounted prices and are positioned “as new”.

Benefits of buying an iphone 7 from our store.

You can order iPhone 7 with delivery right now! Our company offers customers 5 advantages: a 12-month warranty, various design options, original smartphones refurbished at Apple factories, favorable prices, and various payment methods.

Our online store complies with the Consumer Rights Law. Within two weeks, the buyer has the right to return the purchased iPhone 7 to us without explaining the reason for his decision. In this case, the funds spent on the smartphone are returned to the client in full.

Do you want to order an iPhone 7, but the cost of this smartphone seems prohibitive to you? Take advantage of the offer of our online store - buy a remanufactured version! Place an order in a couple of minutes and become the owner of the original iPhone 7 - one of the most stylish, reliable, and productive smartphones of our time!

Why is the price so low?

IPhone models sold in our store are Refurbished smartphones and they are also called "Like new".

What does "Like new" or "Refurbished" iPhone mean?

A refurbished iPhone is a used smartphone that has been factory refurbished. Namely: the case, screen and other necessary spare parts have been replaced. After, "Renewed" it was packed in a new box, equipped with a new charger and headphones and put on sale.

Unreasonably high prices for Apple smartphones make many people refuse to buy them. But there is a way out! Buy refurbished iPhone! ORIGINAL, checked by IMEI number, externally perfectly new phone and is much cheaper.

Buying refurbished iPhone is a real chance to save up to 80% of the cost of a new device! You get a fully functional device, complete set (headphones and charger) and documents for the device.

Many stores sell phone models with the phrase “like new” attached to the product name. In this article, we'll talk about official recovery. Some questions and doubts arise - should I buy a refurbished iPhone 7 or not? The correct answer is of course buy... By purchasing this model, you save a sufficient amount of money. Those who are thinking about whether to make such a purchase can purchase a new phone in the showroom cellular and not worry about whether you did the right thing or not. Users who will be interested to know detailed information For Refutbished phones by Apple, please read this article.

How does the iPhone 7 appear “like new” and what is it?

In short, the designation of this phrase is: iPhone 7 already in use. Do not immediately perceive negatively “What !? This is a used smartphone. Situations can be different and here is an example of one of them:
1. A man comes to the salon and gets his brand new iPhone 7. Let's not go into details of color and memory capacity.
2. After purchasing the product, the speaker, charger connector and many other reasons do not work for the smartphone. This is called a defective item.
3. When contacting the service center under warranty, if the defect is considered "factory", he is given another device. (Cognitive information: he is being replaced with the same smartphone, which we will talk about in the article - refurbished).
4. The Apple factory receives a defective phone, repairs it, replaces parts that did not work, puts it in a new box with other new headphones and a run-of-the-mill device. The phone “like new” is reappearing on store shelves.

When buying such a gadget, you get a brand new iPhone 7, as it necessarily changes:

1. Model body and display glass.
2. Loops and connectors.
3. The battery is completely replaced.
4. All defects are eliminated in this product, which was defective. This is a huge plus.

Work was done once again on the components of the phone that worked and did not raise suspicions of collection. All diagnostics are performed in the same place where new iPhones are assembled at the Apple plant.

Warranties and models available for sale in Russia.

Today, in Russia, the official implementation is iPhone 5S 16 gb refurbished, 5C, iPhone 6, 6S and iPhone 7. Previously, these models came with 32 or 64 GB, then when restored at the Apple factory, the program pulls up to 16 GB. Know!
In the spring of 2017, iPhones 7 plus 64 GB and 128, officially restored, were delivered to the Russian Federation. They are on sale with Apple partners. not too high, this factor is very pleasing. Therefore, if you want to save money when buying an iPhone 7, then you shouldn't even think about it - we are buying it. A warranty card is required when making a purchase. As with a regular iPhone, its life span is exactly one year.

Distinctive features of a new gadget from a refurbished iPhone and how to check a refurbished iPhone before buying - what exactly to look for

The appearance of the smartphone, unfortunately, cannot help you in any way in this difference. In appearance, there will be two completely identical gadgets.

To prevent you from being tricked into purchasing a refurbished phone under the guise of a new one, you need to know some points:
1. When buying a phone, take a look at the box. The iPhone, which is "like new" coating without a painted smartphone on the front side, is all white. Only lettering will be indicated on the white box.

2. The batch number is indicated on the packaging, as well as on the iPhone itself. They must match.
3. We check the phone using the website and IMEL for activation. Naturally, it should not be activated.
4. The three important letters that appear on the back of the RFB box. They mean that the phone has been restored.

I hope our facts have led you to the conclusion that such phones are not scary to buy. If you look from the outside at the difference in prices, then a new phone of the order of 15,000-20,000 rubles will cost more. And this is not economical and unprofitable. It is better to make such purchases from those companies that cooperate with Apple. There are a large number of them, for example, M. Video or Svyaznoy. In addition, you can find similar gadgets on various message boards, for example, buy a refurbished iPhone on Avito. Prices there are even cheaper than those of Apple's partner stores. But the quality of your iPhone will be slightly worse.

Here are some of the features of the "diseases" of refurbished iPhones on Avito:

• The speaker creates a kind of hiss when talking (be sure to check before buying!)
• The screen may not fit tightly (not completely) into the case. Don't forget to check it out. Usually seen "By Eye"
• Don't forget to check wi-fi, fingerprint work.
• Connect iPhone to charger - check if it is charging.
• Don't forget to check your phone cameras (both external and front)
• Press the HOME button. On some models, it often pushes too hard.
• Do not forget to check the screen and the case - press in different places - if there is a creak, ask to replace the model.

Our opinion: Apple has made a great opportunity for many to purchase their products and save their finances at the same time. After all, everyone has a completely different family budget.

Everything you ever wanted to know about refurbished iPhones.

What is a refurbished iPhone? Is it worth buying an iPhone "like new", is there a serious risk in this? Where is performed iPhone recovery and how exactly does this process take place? Everything related to refurbished iPhones was described in detail in this article.

Fast passage:

What does "restored" mean?

First of all, let's define a refurbished iPhone with two important explanations.

Refurbished iPhone - used iPhone that was returned by the user to Apple due to a minor malfunction or as part of the trade-in program, and was subsequently repaired and reassembled into a new case at the company's factory. After the old iPhone is repaired and reassembled, it is thoroughly checked and tested, and then packed in a box with a full set of new accessories and sent on sale at a markedly reduced price.

Important explanation No. 1. An iPhone with any minor malfunctions (about which in detail below) is not restored by a contractor, not by Chinese craftsmen, but exactly by Apple... This means that after being repaired, cleaned and assembled, the refurbished iPhone goes through a full cycle of testing, just like all new Apple smartphones. In other words, iPhone restoration is carried out at the highest quality level.

Important Explanation # 2. Refurbished iPhone has an official factory 1 year warranty... The refurbished iPhone has the same guarantees as the new Apple smartphones - there are absolutely no differences in this regard.

Why is Apple restoring iPhone at all?

Apple has a recycling program for old or broken devices called the Apple Recycling Program. Within its framework, the company invites users of its devices to part with old gadgets in the most environmentally responsible way. Moreover, parting for money - Apple calculates the amount itself, assessing the condition and relevance of the devices given by users.

But why disassemble down to the smallest screws and recycle devices, in which breakdowns are insignificant? For example, when a defect is found in a camera module and all other components work as new. Apple has launched a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) recovery program specifically for such devices.

How is the recovery process going

So, the smartphone given back to Apple goes to the factory for the restoration procedure. How does it work? First of all, experts determine what the breakdown is, and also find out if it entailed side effects. After diagnostics, they proceed directly to the repair. All damaged components are replaced with new ones, re-checked, and then the smartphone undergoes the traditional Apple series of fitness tests.

Restoring an iPhone changes not only defective components, but also the display and battery, even if they were in a completely new state. At least that's what Apple says itself, although as you can see by reading the section with real ones about refurbished iPhones, this is not always the case for repairmen.

When all the insides of the refurbished iPhone have been checked, the case is replaced. The old shabby case is sent for recycling, and the "resurrected" iPhone gets a new case without a single scratch.

At the end of the restoration procedure, the repair specialists assign a new serial number to the iPhone so that all connections with the old smartphone, which were recently returned back, are cut off. All that remains is the packaging process. iPhone is packed in a new box, along with new headphones, charger, Lightning to USB cable, flyers, stickers, and a SIM eject clip.

The reassembled iPhone receives the title of "refurbished", a noticeably reduced price and a nice bonus - a full one-year warranty for a period of one year. Then the smartphone can only take its place on the store shelf.

Summarize. Refurbished iPhone:

• checked for defects and repaired by qualified Apple technicians
• gets a new case, battery and display,
• undergoes standard iPhone testing for full functionality,
• receives a new serial number and a one-year warranty,
• packed in a new box, complete.

How iPhones get included in the recovery program

A person who buys an iPhone and finds that the smartphone is defective can return the device to the company during the warranty period. In the first 14 days after buying an iPhone from Apple, the smartphone can be returned at all with the wording “I changed my mind”. These are the official rules, clearly spelled out on the Apple website in the section “ Refunds and refunds ».

These iPhones, which have been in use for some time, but were returned by their former users, are sent by Apple for repair and reassembly as part of a recovery program. It is important to understand that iPhones that have been in use for a long time or have serious defects cannot be repaired. They are sent for full analysis. Apple keeps the components that can be used with benefit, and recycles unnecessary ones in the most meticulous way.

In addition, iPhones are sent for restoration, which were exchanged by the former owners under the trade-in program in Apple Stores Store. As in previous cases, frankly "beaten" smartphones with serious breakdowns do not go to recovery.

Where iPhones are restored

The recovery process itself is carried out only at the Apple factory. We are talking about a powerful enterprise where the craftsmen have all the necessary equipment for testing and repairing smartphones. At which specific enterprise this happens, the company does not report.

What iPhones are recovered from - examples

A lot has been written on the Internet about refurbished iPhones. In particular, we have two great articles on this topic on our site:

Regardless, oh Apple smartphones labeled "like new", there are many conflicting rumors. According to one of the most common, Apple sends for recovery all iPhones returned to it indiscriminately. Is it so? At first glance, it seems that no.

Below we have provided real examples of the reasons why users return their purchased iPhones to Apple. Subsequently, these smartphones undergo a recovery procedure.

Note: Most of the comments below are from the official Apple Support Forum.

I returned my iPhone 6s due to the speaker making an unpleasant popping sound when playing music. The store told me that this should not be the case and my iPhone will be exchanged for a new one.

Commentary: The smartphone is being sent for recovery. Easy speaker replacement and return on sale marked "like new".

I returned my new iPhone 7 Plus due to a stuck volume up button. There were no problems with the return.

Commentary: Button replacement and return on sale marked "like new".

On my iPhone 6, I was not always able to successfully complete purchases with Apple Pay, and I thought the problem was with the NFC chip. And so it turned out, the phone was exchanged.

Commentary: replacement of the NFC module and return on sale marked "like new".

I bought an iPhone 7 in silver, but after a week I felt that I wanted more matte black. iPhone was successfully exchanged in the Apple Store under the program

Commentary: there are such cases. As we noted above, any iPhone can be returned to Apple within 14 days of purchase due to “changed my mind”. The iPhone shown in the example should also be marketed as new in the future.

Last week, I traded in my defect-free 32GB iPhone 6s for a 128GB model. Been in the store for only 20 minutes or something.

Commentary: Another case of returning a working iPhone. Such an Apple will not have to be repaired.

There are thousands, tens of thousands of such "ideal" cases of return. Most iPhone fans would not mind buying smartphones refurbished due to such minor malfunctions, because there is nothing critical in replacing one of the components. But alas, not every iPhone marked "like new" has previously been returned to Apple in such excellent condition.

Also, smartphones handed over by former users via trade-in program... Under the terms of the program, you can return your old iPhone company and get a discount for the purchase of a new model. Many of these older iPhones (if not all) also go to the Apple factory for later restoration.

Note: The official trade-in program from Apple, unfortunately, does not work in the CIS countries.

And you can really worry about them. The trade-in program returns smartphones that have been in use for a long time. Yes, Apple specialists thoroughly test smartphones before labeling them "like new" and change components if necessary, but the total number of defects (see section reviews) indicates that it is not always possible to track downright "dead" iPhones.

Fortunately, refurbished iPhones are backed by a full one year warranty. If you bought an iPhone “like new” and to your disappointment found that, for example, Touch ID does not work for it, then there will be no problems with exchanging a smartphone, just like with exactly new iPhone.

Is a refurbished iPhone used or new?

When Apple restores an iPhone, it repairs it, cleans it, changes its battery and case, in general, makes the smartphone as much like a new one as possible. However, the smartphone does not become a new one, it must be considered used and keep this fact in mind when buying. This is most clearly confirmed by the customer reviews of refurbished iPhones that we have collected below.

Refurbished iPhone - reviews

Note: We have studied thousands of reviews of refurbished iPhones in various online stores and selected the most notable ones, both positive and negative. After reading these reviews, as well as our conclusion, which literally suggested itself after reading a huge number of customer comments, you will form an even better picture for yourself about refurbished iPhones.

Positive

Bliznyuk Alexander, about iPhone 5s:

I have been using it for a month, everything works, it is assembled perfectly. If I didn’t know that it was restored, I couldn’t distinguish it from the new one. The battery is new - it showed 1 cycle through the program, it doesn't vibrate, the speakers don't wheeze, Touch ID works. New box, headphones, charging.

Natalia, about the iPhone 6:

I am not buying the first restored iPhone, there were also new ones, there is something to compare with. I don't see any difference between new and refurbished ones. More in my life I will not buy a new one because there is no point in overpaying.

Eugene, about the iPhone 6:

So far so good! Now the price has gone up. As for the complaints, it is that you can hear and feel a click on the panel to the right of the "home" button.

KatarinkAaa25, about iPhone 6:

Honestly, when I saw this phone, I didn't even think that it was already in someone's hands !!! Looks just super cool) Dali is still in such a new pretty box, with new headphones, even a new charger !! There are zero claims to the iPhone itself! Works just flawlessly

Maxim, about the iPhone 6 Plus:

A very good buy because there is no difference between regular and refurbished iPhone. There are no complaints about the use.

Negative

Titov Vitaly, about the iPhone 6:

It is assembled from parts taken from nowhere, after unpacking from the film, scratches were found on the display, one on the edge and many very small ones on top, as well as a jamb in the form of a smeared dot on the back cover. The display in the corners does not work well, perhaps because of the protective glass, or maybe something is wrong with the display itself. When typing, the display produces strange, different shades of gray, something is clearly wrong with it.

Anonymous, about the iPhone 6:

I got a defect, the sensor did not work on the phone, stripes appeared and disappeared on the screen, uneven display backlighting (spots), and in the end, the phone started talking in Spanish). And these are Apple products! What, I wonder, is the quality control at the factory, if such copies go on sale ?!

Artamonov Sergey, about the iPhone 6:

The first and main drawback of this particular restored model (it started with F) I had a defective screen (when I first turned it on, I drew gray stripes on the floor of the screen, then it worked like norms, but multitouch began to glitch, i.e. the sensor froze until it was turned on / off screen The phone was replaced with the model provided under warranty cases (starts with N).

Sukhomlinov Daniil, about iPhone 5s:

The nightmare slows down on charging, I want to break it straight; the charge holds up terribly, sits down quickly, turns off in the cold; sometimes does not record audio in video

Berezovsky Yuri, about iPhone 5s:

The first iPhone turned off forever after 11 months, was replaced under warranty, the second one began to freeze after 12 months! The proprietary service offered to repair it for 21,000 rubles! When asked why they break so quickly, they delicately kept silent. Do not buy this stuff!

Lana, on the iPhone 6 Plus:

I used the phone for two weeks, I was very happy with the purchase. After 2 weeks, I simply did not turn on, I handed over the phone for diagnostics under warranty, I am waiting for the result. they said they'd wait a month.

Note that most of the reviews about refurbished iPhones are either positive or neutral, but negative comments are not difficult to find, there are enough of them. In this regard, a very logical conclusion is formed - when buying a refurbished iPhone, there is a real the opportunity to run into marriage... Buying a refurbished iPhone can be called a lottery with an increased chance of winning. You can buy one iPhone marked "like new" and use it successfully for years to come, but you can also get another one that will be disappointing as soon as you take it out of the box.

How to tell a refurbished iPhone from a new one

Distinguishing a new iPhone from a refurbished one is quite simple. The model number of the refurbished version begins with FG, and at the end it necessarily has an abbreviation RFB from the word refurbished.

The same model number should be displayed on the iPhone itself under the “ Settings» → « The main» → « About the device». Important! We recommend checking iPhones purchased in dubious places additionally through iTunes. Craftsmen often fake the model number in the iPhone settings, so it's worth playing it safe once again. To perform a check, simply connect your iPhone to iTunes and compare the serial number of the device with the one indicated on the package.

If, when buying an iPhone off-hand, the seller tells you that this unit has a refurbished status, but the model numbers differ, then he is trying to sell you a regular used smartphone at an inflated price. It is important to note that there are a huge number of such scammers in the secondary market, stay vigilant!

Of course, before comparing the numbers, you need to make sure that the iPhone is original. The most in a simple way is the connection of the device to the computer - if iTunes recognizes the smartphone, then this is a real iPhone. If you don't have a computer with iTunes at hand, check your iPhone using the App Store. Find one of the Apple apps in the store that isn't in Google play like Garage Band. The presence of such an application in the store will clearly indicate that this is the App Store, and not a disguised version of Google Play.

For other surefire ways to tell an iPhone from a fake, see this article .

We also emphasize that such checks should be carried out only when buying an iPhone hand-held or in small stores. When buying an iPhone from authorized Apple retailers, for example, in Svyaznoy, Eldorado, etc., you should not worry that a refurbished iPhone is in the box with a new iPhone.

How to tell a refurbished iPhone from a fake one

Buyers' interest in refurbished iPhones is huge, and therefore fraudsters are showing their interest in the field. They also "restore" the iPhone, but they do it in their own artisanal ways, and as objects for restoration they take any used iPhone found on the secondary market.

Fraudsters should be given their due, they almost perfectly copy the iPhone packaging, indicate on it the model number with the FG and RFB symbols typical for refurbished smartphones, and all the same accessories that are provided in the standard set are attached to the device. Of course, all of this is of low quality, which experienced iPhone owners can recognize. But what if a newbie ran into scammers?

The same comparison of the model number on the packaging with the one indicated in the menu “ Settings» → « The main» → « About the device". If they do not match, then the seller is trying to sell a used iPhone under the guise of an officially restored one.

Refurbished iPhones - Current Pricing & Availability

Abroad, in particular in the United States, Apple sells dozens of its products marked refurbished, or “like new”. You can buy at a reduced price not only certain iPhone models, but also Mac, MacBook, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and even Apple Pencil. In the CIS countries everything is different.

In our country, Apple does not officially sell remanufactured equipment, shifting this task to its authorized retailers. The latter have only iPhones in the list of refurbished devices for sale.

Here are the models of refurbished iPhones released for sale in the CIS countries:

Prices and availability are as of September 12, 2019 from authorized Apple retailers in Russia.

Important! Refurbished iPhones vary by region. We recommend buying iPhones from official Apple dealers in Russia. 7181 rub 30 516 rub.

The iPhone data is absolutely official, not some kind of Chinese fake on Android. But what's the catch with such low prices? The fact is that such iPhones were restored unofficially, that is, by Chinese (in some cases, Dutch) craftsmen. The overwhelming majority of reviews of refurbished iPhones are positive - people are simply amazed how they managed to buy a fully working iPhone in excellent condition for such a low price.

Should you buy a refurbished iPhone?

What conclusion can be drawn from all of the above? Should you buy a refurbished iPhone at a reduced price compared to the new model?

Our answer is worth it if you are on a tight budget. First, there are significant savings. Secondly, defects in refurbished iPhones are not very common. And thirdly, the iPhone "like new" comes with a full one-year warranty that will solve any problems associated with possible defects. Those who have enough funds to buy a new model and do not want to risk it can categorically refuse to buy a refurbished iPhone.

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