How to distinguish a refurbished iPhone 5s from a new one?

Before starting the article, we note that the word “refurbished” means the following: the smartphone has undergone repair work.

This issue became most pressing at the peak of the crisis, since for many Odessa residents the purchase of an American gadget became quite expensive. But even here, sellers quickly found a way out and began selling refurbished iPhone 5s. The cost of such devices is significantly lower than new ones. But, as you understand, any restored equipment is not sufficiently reliable and stable in further operation. After a certain time, breakdowns will recur and become more frequent. Note that repair work on such smartphones can be carried out both at an official factory and in unofficial establishments.

It is also worth noting that in 2016, Apple introduced a new model of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The cost of such a new product, for example on https://bigmag.ua/iphone/iphone-7-plus/, starts from 24,699 hryvnia. If you saved money in advance, you can still have time to collect the missing amount before the New Year or still buy a restored model from previous years.

How to identify a refurbished iPhone 5s

In the first case, all broken devices are returned to the factory, where they first undergo a full diagnosis, after which all defects are corrected by specialists. After repair, the smartphone undergoes various tests and performance tests. If everything goes well, then the gadget will be sold again, but with special markings. So, the box of a refurbished iPhone should have the “Apple Certified” mark on it.

It should be taken into account that the equipment of the device does not change in such cases. The only difference between the device and the new one is the packaging. Restored versions are packaged exclusively in white boxes without inscriptions or pictures. It is quite possible and legal to buy an iPhone 5s in Kyiv under such conditions, and the price will be 10-15% lower than that of Odessa sellers. As for the second method, it is quite risky, since repairmen in such services can easily replace original parts with Chinese ones. At the same time, you will not immediately feel the difference in work, but over time it will definitely appear.

Difference in accessories and configuration

First of all, before purchasing an original iPhone, it is recommended to visit the manufacturer’s website and familiarize yourself with the full list of accessories that should be included. However, it is worth paying attention to the following:

the official logo must be printed on the headphone case;
when purchasing the American version, the kit should not include a plug for European sockets;
Also, a fake can be identified by pronounced symbols and letters on the accessories, in contrast to the original.

Difference by serial number

In the settings of the purchased device, you can find a special IMEI code and serial number, which must completely match the markings on the box. In addition, do not forget to check the gadget for availability and availability of free memory. If the numbers are different, and the free memory has even slight deviations from the declared one, then you have a fake in your hands.

In addition to the above, the developers have created a special online service where anyone can check their iPhone 5s for authenticity using its existing IMEI. After entering it, you will be able to check the following:

capacity and color of the gadget;
serial number matches;
date of first activation;
expiration of the warranty period.

Completing the above steps will be quite enough to purchase a new original device and not fall for the tricks of scammers.