
2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-06-04 23:58
Since the winter of 2015-2016, a number of Russian Apple retailers (Svyaznoy, MTS, M. Video, etc.) for the first time launched sales of refurbished (refs, “like new”, CPO) iPhones. We will understand how attractive this proposal is in the material below.

What is a Refurbished iPhone
First you need to decide on the concepts. A refurbished (or "refurbished") iPhone is not always a second-hand smartphone, completely free from existing defects. It may also be a new smartphone, which, but due to some reason (for example, a defect in the production process), was interfered with by the manufacturer's technical service.
From service centers around the world, iPhones are damaged with damage to the Apple partner factory, where all problem modules are completely replaced (not repaired), the case screen must be replaced, the software is reinstalled and the device is removed from the database of used (activated) gadgets.
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At the same time, the "like new" iPhone receives a new serial number, a manufacturer's warranty (the same as a new one - 1 year), documentation, a charger, headphones (ie a whole new set) and is sent to the Apple Store shelf or reseller store …

Naturally, the final price of such a device is lower, but the difference is not as significant as we would like.
How to distinguish a refurbished (CPO, ref) iPhone from a used one
It is highly undesirable to buy a new iPhone in ordinary small online stores and from sellers from flea markets (of course, large official retailers such as Svyaznoy, MTS, M. Video, etc. are out of the question). Most of these phones will be packed with non-original kit. In this case, it is best to buy an official iPhone refurbished by Apple specialists.
It is quite easy to distinguish a smartphone that has been really restored by the manufacturer.
First of all, this is indicated by the box - it differs markedly from the packaging of the new iPhone (photo below), and also has a corresponding inscription at the bottom of the front side - "Apple Certified Pre-Owned" (CPO).
On the right in the photo below is the box of the new iPhone X, on the left is the box of the original refurbished (ref, CPO, "like new") Apple iPhone X:

In addition, the model of the refurbished iPhone starts at F and sometimes contains the abbreviation RFB (refurbished). In detail.

New iPhone label:

Refurbished iPhone label:

As mentioned above, the buyer of a refurbished iPhone is entitled to a year of free warranty service, which can be easily verified using this instruction:
How to check if you bought a new iPhone?
And yes, the official CPO ("like new", ref) is always sold unactivated, just like a regular new Apple smartphone. This can be easily verified using this instruction.
Good luck with your iPhone!
See also:
- Birthdays on iPhone, iPad and Mac: How to add and turn on reminders.
- Viruses on iPhone: Can you infect an Apple smartphone?
- Top 20 wireless charging options for iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X, and iPhone 8/8 Plus