What is the difference between an original iPhone and a refurbished one? How to check the authenticity and distinguish a refurbished iPhone

From new. But first, you should get acquainted with some concepts so that it will be easier for you to navigate further. So, what is a refurbished iPhone?

These devices were once used by the user, but then, under certain circumstances, under warranty it was returned to the manufacturer, Apple, where all non-working parts and worn-out housing were completely replaced with new original spare parts. However, this only applies to official refurbished iPhones. There are also Chinese refactories that are assembled at some suspicious factory or home.

Refurbished by Apple

This type of device becomes popular after the release of a new iPhone model: it most often costs less than a new one, without being much inferior in terms of quality. The first such phone was the refurbished iPhone 5S, released along with the sixth one. Now, you can become the owner of a refurbished iPhone 6, although its price tag is not much less than the new device. As for the operation of the device, there are no complaints: non-working parts are replaced only with original components at the Apple factory, and smartphones have a one-year warranty from the company from the date of activation. They receive updates in exactly the same way as new phones. The box will contain exactly what is found in a regular device.

And here an involuntary question arises: how then can you find out whether the iPhone is restored or not? Everything here is very simple: there will be no picture of the phone on the box, it will be white with an inscription stating that Apple has officially carried out the procedure for restoring the device. Such smartphones can be purchased from official dealers (for example, M.Video, Svyaznoy, Eldorado, and so on). Please note that the first batches of the new sixth iPhone also do not have a design on the front of the box. If you doubt anything, you can ask a consultant for help.

Refabrics from third-party manufacturers

Surely many of you have heard such a word as refactoring. It is short for the English Refurbished, which means restored. If the manufacturer describes the device in advance as Refurbished, then it is definitely a Chinese refurbishment. The phones we talked about above are also refurbished, but only by Apple itself and have a one-year warranty, like new devices.

The recovery procedure by third-party manufacturers (most often these are just computer specialists) is no different from Apple’s. The only exception will be what components and parts are used to replace non-working parts. The cheapest materials are used here: screens, cameras, screws, buttons, and so on. Therefore, such restored ones will last you much less. They can also cause you a lot of problems.

How to distinguish from new?

So, dear friends, if now we have completely figured out what a restored iPhone 5s or 6 looks like at the official Apple factory, then we will not consider its difference from a new smartphone. Let us immediately warn you that it is definitely not worth buying devices from unofficial dealers, since the chance of getting a refurbished iPhone is much higher. Now we will learn how to distinguish refactories from Chinese or other manufacturers (unofficial), since these are the iPhones that lead to unpleasant consequences. Let's look at all the components and parts of the phone as we unpack the device.

Box and kit

• Firstly, Special attention You should pay attention to the box in which the phone is packed. Refactories use cheaper material, the image of the iPhone is sharply different from the picture on the original box: the bezel of the Home button, Touch ID is reflected in the light, has more light color. This factor is key for buyers of new sealed devices that sellers do not allow to be turned on or unpacked.
• Secondly, be sure to check that the IMEI, serial number, memory capacity and other data are correct with what is written on the device itself. To do this, go to the iPhone settings, open the “General” tab and the “About this device” item. Of course, third-party manufacturers have gone far in terms of design, but some are too lazy to put the correct data on the device box. If at least one point on the packaging does not coincide with the information stored in the device itself, then this is definitely a Chinese refactory. For example, if the box says that this is an iPhone 16 GB SpaceGrey, and you are holding the 64 GB version in your hands, you can give the device to the seller.

Be sure to check the correct IMEI, serial number, memory capacity

• Now let's talk about components. Please note that the box should contain: a charging unit, a Lightning USB cable, a user manual with a paperclip for opening the SIM card slot, two stickers with the Apple logo and the iPhone itself. If at least one of the elements is missing, you can immediately start to worry.

• The refactored charging unit weighs much lighter and feels cheap to the touch. The cable for connecting to the computer is also replaced with a cheap analogue, which has more grey colour. The USB area on the original cable has a uniform metallic color with no grain (it's smooth). It is not difficult to bend it, and it easily restores its shape. We can say that the Chinese counterparts seem more “wooden” compared to the original ones.
• The headphones have the same story: they are much lighter in weight than the original ones, have a whiter or gray shade, while the original ones seem light cream. If you have the opportunity to listen to them, then be sure to do so: there will be neither deep bass nor high-quality lows, the headphones will be flimsy and uncomfortable for the ear. The box from them is made of cheap and lightweight plastic.
• The user manual, sticker and paperclip usually do not differ much from the original, so do not pay special attention to them. Of course, you also need to check them. This means that the Chinese manufacturer could have put original parts in the box: they are easy to get and not difficult to make.

iPhone

After thoroughly checking the box and its components, you can begin to study the device itself. Let's look at the main points that you should focus on:

• Buttons and Touch ID. If the latter does not work, then immediately turn around and leave the store. This is the first sign of Chinese refurbished iPhones. Look at the color of the volume and lock buttons: they should be the same color as the body, be in full working order and should not creak. This point especially concerns the Home button, which should clearly respond to clicks and have no play (for example, if you can easily move it in a circle, and if it crunches when pressed).

• In the device parameters, where you looked at the IMEI from the second paragraph of the previous instructions, look at the model of the device, where there should be a number with the letters RU, meaning that the product is Rostest. Other letters will tell you that the device is intended for other countries. For example, model ME311LL/A is produced for America.
• Carefully examine the iPhone screen: the original display may have a slightly yellow tint against a white background. If the screen on the device has been replaced, it will appear blue. This is also one of the signs of a Chinese refactory.
• Make sure there is no dust on the back or front camera. Also check the screws near the speakers where the charging and headphone inputs are located.
• Check the activation date on the support page of the official Apple website. You will need to enter the device serial number. After confirmation, you will receive information about the device. If the page says that checking the activation date is required, then most likely the device has never been activated. If it indicates that your warranty is active, then the phone was turned on. Then you can check the end of the warranty period and calculate the activation date of the iPhone. If the page says that the warranty period has expired, then the device was turned on more than a year ago. This is definitely not a new iPhone.

Conclusion

Dear readers, today we learned how to determine whether an iPhone is refurbished or new. We hope you don’t have any questions and you were able to buy a new original device. If you know more ways How to distinguish new from refurbished, we share this in the comments.

Articles and Lifehacks

What is refurbished iPhone, how to distinguish such products from the original? A refurbished iPhone is called a Refurbished iPhone. This is a used phone with settings reset and in a new case. For example, if it’s new, it’s quite possible that it’s actually refurbished

What types of refurbished iPhones are there?

Refurbished phones can be of two types:
- Manufacturer refurbishing – devices officially refurbished by the manufacturer. These are phones returned under warranty. They dress in new building, the display changes, all ports and connectors, speakers, cables, microphone. The devices undergo quality control, are packaged in a new box and sold as new, but at a lower price.
- Seller refurbishing – these are phones assembled using handicraft methods. Roughly speaking, it’s a fake.

It is clear that purchasing a fake does not bode well. So before you go shopping for an iPhone, it’s better to arm yourself with the knowledge of how to distinguish a fake from an original.

How to distinguish an original device from a refurbished iPhone

1. The first thing you can evaluate is the packaging. The original packaging is dense, smooth, the paint is durable and cannot be washed off even with a wet cloth. Fakes may have dents, scratches, and paint may rub off on your hands.
2. The phone is clean, without foreign odors, packed in a control film, which can only be opened once.
3. The speaker grid is also clean.
4. The documents are clean, not wrinkled, completely new.
5. The bolts do not show signs of unscrewing, their heads fit tightly to the body.
6. The charger and headphones are working properly. You need to check them when purchasing.
7. The quality of color rendering, display lighting, image clarity at high magnification - this is something that cannot be faked. In addition, the original screen has a special coating that repels fats and oils. If you run a marker over it, the paint begins to melt.
8. The square on the large round button is white, not gray (for black iPhones).
9. Metal edging without flaws and fingerprints.

Perhaps you should also look into it, but this is only for older models.

As for officially refurbished phones, Apple does not hide the fact that these are exactly refurbished devices and their serial number starts with 5K. So if your budget is limited, then you can purchase such a device - it’s not so bad. It is subject to the usual warranty conditions, and it can please the owner for a long time with impeccable work.

So-called “refurbished” Apple smartphones have appeared on the markets. Many people are at a loss as to what kind of phones these are. Maybe they are used? The cost is slightly lower than new ones and this attracts attention. Let's look at how to distinguish a refurbished iPhone 6 from a new one when purchasing.

The Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program was launched by Apple as an opportunity reuse the largest number components of their creations, to protect the environment.

Since the winter of 2015, refurbished phones have appeared on sale. In order to better understand the features, let's look at the concepts. Refurbished, from the word refurbished, means that the phone had some malfunctions, and all these malfunctions were eliminated technical service manufacturer. This does not mean that the smartphone was necessarily used by someone. Perhaps he had a manufacturing defect.

This happens at a special partner factory, where damaged gadgets are received from all service centers. There, faulty parts are replaced, the screen is necessarily changed, new software is installed, and the device is removed from the database of activated smartphones.

After these procedures, the phone receives a new individual number. A standard one-year warranty, a new packaging package, and documents are issued. After this you can send it for sale. The cost of such a smartphone will be slightly lower than that of the one that came out “normal” from the manufacturer’s factory. But the difference is relatively not big.

How to Determine Whether an iPhone is Restored or Not

After factory restoration, the phone receives a CPO prefix included. But smartphones can be “restored” not only at a special factory. Store owners can do this too. Telling your clients about this circumstance when selling is not always profitable, so you can be deceived. To avoid this, you need to know the differences between CPO phones and simply repaired ones.

1 Pay attention to the packaging. A CPO phone has a different box than a regular one. It does not have embossed body parameters, there is simply the inscription “iPhone 6”. Below this inscription is the required text: “Apple Certified Pre-Owned.” The protective film fits the box tightly and its seams are even. 2 Please note the serial number. CPO smartphones have the letters “FG” at the beginning of the number. 3 The next step is to check your registration on the site. Check the serial number on the official Apple website and see if there is a warranty and technical support. If the phone is handcrafted, there will be no warranty period. Using IMEI, you can determine what color the device is and what capacity it has. This will be visible on the website on the Internet. 4 If inspection appearance The boxes and checking on the website did not raise any suspicions, ask the seller to unpack the box. The protective film should fit tightly to the body. Check the surface. It should be smooth, without defects or abrasions. The screen should not stick out too much. Otherwise, it's fake. 5 When turned on, the color rendition and brightness of the screen should be uniform. Check the cameras. Hole in correct location- in the center, any deviations indicate a fake. 6 Inspect the connector carefully. If it has marks in the form of abrasions, then this indicates its use. 7 The components must be packaged and have the new kind. Check that the kit is complete. Take a closer look at the headphones. The original box they come in has an embossed bullseye logo. The seams are even and without gaps. Take a closer look at the charger box. If the phone is made in the USA, then the recess will have a rectangular shape recessed in plastic. The Euro standard will reach the edges of the box. 8 The charger must have a Euro plug or a US plug. No pattern is allowed on its surface, only a flat surface. The letters are moderately bright. If the letters look too flashy, it is most likely a fake. 9 After you turn on your smartphone, check that the serial number indicated on the package and on the device itself matches. Go to the main settings and view the information “about the device”. The number on the package is located at the bottom. Also check the amount of internal memory. Compare with the data on the packaging. 10 The “find iPhone” function is not initially active. If you see on the device that it is already turned on, then this is a signal that the phone has been in use. 11 Also, using IMEI, you can find out the date of manufacture of the phone, more precisely, the week of the year when it was released. If the seller claims that it is new, but in fact it was released a long time ago, it is worth considering how honest the seller is.

In addition to all of the above, be sure to check the overall performance of the phone. How the buttons work and are pressed, how good the sound is, whether the camera takes good pictures. Check the operation of various applications. Connect your headphones and check if they are working properly. Connect Charger, for charging. Inspect the seams of components for tears or defects.

If after such an inspection you are convinced that this is a restored iPhone, then you can buy it. The advantage of this device is its price. At the same time, at a low price you also get a one-year warranty and technical support.

As a rule, refurbished models begin to be released on the market with the release of new iPhone. Buying such a phone is not scary, because it has been fully tested at the Apple factory and passed all the necessary tests. Everything that was faulty was replaced with a new one under factory assembly conditions.

Warranty service activation begins after the SIM card is activated and connected to the network. Before doing this, be sure to check the IMEI on the company’s official website for warranty service and technical support. Refurbished phone in mandatory receives a one-year warranty.

The IMEI code can be found on the back of the iPhone 6 and 6S. This code is also duplicated on the SIM card slot. If the same number is indicated on the box and in the phone settings, then it is a refurbished phone.

If after purchase the smartphone does not require activation, it means it has already been done. This procedure is carried out by connecting the SIM card to the Internet or via Wi-Fi. Also, such a request is submitted every time after the OS is restored. When checking a new device on the website for eligibility for service and technical support, a message will appear on the screen indicating that the device must be activated. This message is confirmation that the device is not used.

Feel free to inspect, inquire and ask questions before purchasing. Of course, the likelihood that a large popular store will act dishonestly is small, but still, you should not let your guard down. Moreover, you have every right to get acquainted with the product before purchasing and make sure that it corresponds to the stated price and documents.

If you don’t want to bother too much with checking, then compare the numbers indicated on the back of the case, on the SIM chip slot, on the box and in the document for the phone. If they all match, then this is most likely a normal phone, not a used one. But it's better to check the warranty and Maintenance Online.

The difficult economic situation in the country affected family budget of people. And if two years ago every fifth resident of Russia could afford to buy latest model the best best wishes mobile phone - Apple iPhone, then now everything has changed dramatically. Now the domestic buyer, often sacrificing quality, purchases Chinese devices that are low in cost. Unfortunately, we can’t even talk about flawless work.

However, what should those who still want to purchase a high-quality device, but not pay exorbitant amounts of money, do? There is a solution - iPhone phone 6 restored! "Svyaznoy" is the official partner who deals with retail trade such gadgets. They receive products directly from the manufacturer, so counterfeits are completely excluded.

Currently, not everyone knows the difference between a refurbished phone and a new one. This and other equally interesting points will be discussed in our article.

Briefly about the iPhone 6

Just two years ago, in 2014, a new gadget was introduced - the iPhone 6. This is the brainchild of the famous company Apple. This is not the first time that Yablochko surprises its customers. Two modifications of the model were released: with the index 6 and 6 Plus. They belong to the eighth generation of the popular phone. Externally, the gadgets are quite similar. Both run on the iOS 8 platform. Their thickness is 7 mm. But the screens are slightly different. For the iPhone 6, it has a resolution of 1334 × 750 pixels (4.7"), and for the modification with the Plus index - 1920 × 1080 pixels (5.5"), type - RetinaHD. Accordingly, the devices differ in size: the first is 138.1 × 67 × 6.9 mm, the second is 158.1 × 77.8 × 7.1 mm. The models are equipped with a proprietary processor - Apple A8. The unique thing is that used phones do not differ in characteristics from new ones at all, provided that they were repaired at Apple service centers. A refurbished iPhone 6 looks exactly the same as the original one.

Reviews about the model

Even for a refurbished iPhone you will have to pay more than 15 thousand rubles. Therefore, buyers want to know real reviews about this model. It’s worth saying right away that 90% of owners are completely satisfied with their purchase. The sensor works great high quality pictures and videos are good specifications. Everyone immediately fell in love with the updated design. The rounded edges made the rather large smartphone look quite neat in size.

However, shortcomings were also discovered. Some iPhone 6 Plus devices had problems with the rigidity of the case. According to the company, there were no more than 10 such situations. However, competitors immediately took advantage of this, calling this model fragile and unreliable. Of course, this was a simple manufacturing defect, which Apple workers quickly fixed. Therefore, when purchasing a refurbished iPhone 6 Plus, you don’t have to worry: this problem will no longer arise.

One more important point is that nickel was found in these devices. This metal is a strong allergen. It can cause serious complications. Therefore, people are advised to be extremely careful.

Refurbished iPhone - what does it mean?

Before we begin to describe this model, you need to understand what the expression means: “i Phone 6 16Gb refurbished.” Since last year, such devices have filled store shelves. Now let's look at the main points that will help you understand what these smartphones are.

• Products that are called “refurbished” undergo certification. What this means will be explained a little later.
• The cost of such models differs significantly from the price tag of new ones and varies within 17,000 rubles.
• Devices are repaired at official Apple service centers.
• Refurbished iPhone 6 16Gb is packaged in special boxes that contain the relevant information. Comes with everything you need (charger, USB cable, headphones). Serial number on the box and the phone may not match. Why? Read below.
• During the repair, all parts, including the housing, are replaced with new ones, so as a result, essentially a new device that has passed all the necessary checks and tests goes on sale.

How to distinguish an iPhone 6 from a refurbished one?

Many buyers are concerned with the question: “What are the differences between original and refurbished phones?” Now we will present the main criteria that will help you quickly decide on the version of the smartphone.

• Serial number. All devices are sold in branded boxes, which also have it duplicated in the phone itself and on the case. If the number matches in all three cases, then you have new model. However, there are also discrepancies. This means that the device has been restored. During the repair work the manufacturer changes the body and other parts. The phone is also packaged in another box.
• Price. As a rule, original Apple TM gadgets are sold at a high price (16Gb - about 37 thousand rubles, 64Gb - within 42 thousand rubles, 128Gb - 55 thousand rubles). If it is significantly underestimated, this is the first signal to make the buyer think about it. Refurbished phones cost a third less, but sometimes there are ones that cost less than 15,000 rubles. As a rule, these devices are fake and do not have RosTest certification.
• Guarantee period. The manufacturer provides a warranty for refurbished devices for only one year. However, this is quite enough to check the functionality of the phone. Some sellers offer to extend the warranty period by two years. For this purpose, an agreement is drawn up and a small payment is collected. If the phone is not purchased in a showroom mobile communications, then it is recommended to check with official suppliers whether the warranty applies to this particular device. These simple steps will help you avoid becoming a victim of scammers.

Types of Refurbished Phones

Refurbished iPhone 6 can be of two types. The first one is factory repaired. That is, the device carried out complete replacement parts, housing, battery. All elements used are original. The set includes branded headphones, which are packaged in a special box. Such models, before hitting store shelves, undergo RosTest certification. This is proof that the device was repaired at an Apple service center.

The second type includes phones that, as a rule, are repaired by Chinese companies. They buy broken devices for next to nothing. Then they carry out repairs using cheap parts. Only the motherboard and processor remain from the original iPhone 6. Such gadgets will not work for long.

How to distinguish a fake by its configuration?

If a refurbished iPhone 6 is certified by Apple, then the charger, headphones, and cable will only be original. It is recommended that you check the entire package before purchasing. Why is this necessary? If the device is a Chinese counterfeit, then the charger will differ significantly from the original one. It is also worth paying attention to the packaging of the headphones. There is no company logo on it. One more nuance is noticeable to the naked eye - the difference in the font. On some elements I printed much brighter than on the original models.

Functionality check

Before purchasing a refurbished iPhone 6, you need to check its functionality. This is necessary in order to immediately detect obvious defects.

The main problem with this model is the earpiece. He's very quiet. It would be a good idea to immediately check the microphone volume. To do this, you will need to turn on the phone and insert the SIM card right in the store and call any subscriber. During this conversation, volume problems will be identified. It is also recommended to pay attention to the screen. The image must be clear. You can take a couple of pictures to check the camera's operation.

Important: externally, a restored iPhone 6 is like new, so there is no point in looking for differences.

This model is a functional smartphone equipped with big amount different applications. Sometimes they help check the condition of the device. For example, the compass does not work in Chinese fakes. Its arrow rotates in random order, without determining the cardinal directions.

It is worth considering that such devices may have hidden defects (problems with battery operation, spontaneous switching off/on, etc.). It takes time to identify them. This is why the manufacturer provides a one-year warranty.

Backup copy

Many owners of Apple TM smartphones are interested in how to restore backup copy on iPhone 6. Despite the fact that these phones are quite reliable, failure can still occur. In this case, the developers have provided options for quickly restoring existing data. To do this, you need to create an iCloud backup in advance. You can save it both on the phone itself and on your PC. To create a copy, you need to go to “Settings” and find the iCloud item there. There will be a submenu “Storage and copies”. Having entered them, you need to click “Create a copy”. After successful creation, you can move on to the second stage. It will depend on which phone - new or old - the restoration will take place on. Let's look at both options.

1. Restoring a copy on a new device. When setting up your phone, you must use the “Restore from iCloud copy” option. Before installation you will need to log in account. Then start the recovery process and wait for it to finish.
2. Restoring a copy on an old phone. To do this, you will need to reset the current settings. This can be done by going to the following menu items: “Settings”, “General”, “Reset”, “Erase content and settings”. The phone will ask for confirmation. You must click “Yes” and wait until the device reboots. After this, you can restore the backup in the same way as in a new phone (via iCloud).

Let's sum it up

So, is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone 6? Of course! Almost all owners of these phones will give this advice. The article discussed all the nuances in detail. The information is reliable, so there is no need to doubt. It is important to understand that in restored models all parts and elements are completely new. Therefore, the question naturally arises: “Why pay more?”

If mobile device from Apple is outdated and has any external defects, it can be sent for restoration. Of course, this is a very useful feature that allows you to return your iPhone (be it a 5s, 6 or some other model) to working condition and restore its pleasant appearance. But there is also a downside to this, since unscrupulous sellers who buy and distribute used devices send phones for restoration and then sell them at the price of new, unused ones. This is completely unfair to the buyer, since no one wants to pay the same amount for a used phone, even if it has been fully restored, as for an original one. In addition, not only individual sellers, but also some large companies resort to such deception. But there are several ways in which you can distinguish a refurbished iPhone from a new one.

What is a refurbished iPhone?

A refurbished iPhone is a phone that has gone through the factory process of repairing external faults such as damage to the case and screen. That is, this is a mobile device that has already been used by someone for some time, and then went through the procedure of returning its original appearance. Such an iPhone should cost less than a brand new one, so there is a chance that its filling or software there are still errors.

What are its differences from the original?

There are two ways in which you can determine the reliable status of an IPhone.

Recognize using the number on the box

When purchasing a used device, you are required to provide the box in which it was contained after purchase. The important thing here is that after the process iPhone recovery They are sent in a new box or in an old one, with the back sticker re-glued. Each device is provided with its own unique number, for new ones the code is written in the form MG492ZD/A, and for those that have undergone the restoration process - FF354RU/A.

But there is a high chance that they will slip you the wrong box, change the sticker, or give you a fake box from China, one of those that is actively produced there. But Apple has provided for this, so there is a second way to check the status of the device.

How to find out using the device itself

It is much more difficult to falsify data on the phone itself than on the box from under it.

Video tutorial: How to distinguish a refurbished iPhone from a new one

When buying an iPhone secondhand, and sometimes in large companies, be careful not to get caught replacing the original with a refurbished device. You can find out the status of an iPhone from the information on the back of its branded box, but it can be easily faked, so it’s better to start the device and view its model through the settings. It would also be a good idea to go to the Apple website and use their database to check as reliably as possible whether the device was restored or not.