Apple iPhone 8 Refurbished or New?

AussieDolphin on 09/01/2020 - 03:12

Hello! I have a case of jet lag so I'm trying to use my time wisely:). My don is starting middle school and I feel he is old enough to have his first phone (nearly 12). I'm after opinions in terms of buying a new or refurbished phone? There's so many different options on eBay that the more I research the more confusing it gets.

Thanks as always.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • Kandrew on 09/01/2020 - 07:50
    +1

    I almost always buy refurbished. But I always check who has done the refurbishment.

    In the case of Apple devices and laptops etc, I buy only when it says that they have been refurbished by the manufacturer. That way, I can be certain that genuine parts were used. If the seller has lied to me about who did the refurbishment, and I encounter a problem with the equipment down the track, I can, hopefully, have recourse against the seller for misrepresentation.

    I hope that that’s helpful.

    • AussieDolphin on 09/01/2020 - 08:42

      That's very helpful, thank you. I've found two sellers on eBay claiming their items have been manufacturer refurbished.

      • zoombie on 09/01/2020 - 12:08

        Manufacturer refurbished means it's refurbished by Apple. I doubt very much that these ebay sellers have access to these stock. The pricing will give you an idea if it is, Apple refurbished phone are not much cheaper than the brand new one.
        It's better to get a used one with original parts that's in really good condition than a "manufacturer refurbished" one on Ebay. I can pretty much guarantee you that it's not refurbished by Apple or any of it's affiliate.

        • Kandrew on 09/01/2020 - 17:21

          Do you have anything to back up any of your claims?

          Specifically, what do you know that says 'that these eBay sellers wouldn't have access to this stock'? and,

          Why would it be better to 'get a used one with original parts that's in really good condition than a 'manufacturer refurbished' one on eBay'. And finally,

          How can you 'pretty much guarantee that it's not refurbished by Apple or any of it's (sic) affiliate (sic)'?

          • zoombie on 10/01/2020 - 18:52

            @Kandrew: I have a phone shop and we specialised in used phones.
            The reason why ebay sellers do not sell genuine Apple refurbished stock is pricing. Apple refurbished product are about 10% cheaper than their brand new product. I'm willing to bet that your Apple device is more than 10% cheaper than a brand new one, otherwise you would never buy it.
            If you want to know if your Apple device is genuine Apple refurbished, check the serial no on Apple warranty page. Apple provides 1 yr warranty on their refurbished product. Or email one of the ebay seller that claims "manufacturer refurbished" and ask if it has Apple warranty or if the warranty is with the seller.
            Unless you are Apple or it's authorised service provider, you cannot get access to original Apple parts. All these "manufacturer refurbished" are refurbished with third party components or mix and match (some part Apple, some part something else) hence it is better to buy a used phone in great condition than a "manufacturer refurbished" phone on ebay.

            Edit: If you look at Apple US's website, there's hardly any refurbished iPhone available yet there are tens of thousands on Ebay - somehow these sellers have access to Apple stock that Apple themselves don't ;)
            https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/iphone

            • Kandrew on 14/01/2020 - 06:52

              @zoombie: @zoombie I don't really want to get into a public (or private) spat with you, or anyone else for that matter.

              Thanks for replying. Sorry for not replying sooner. I've been travelling.

              I take your points about pricing.

              However, as I stated in my original answer, I almost always purchase refurbished devices. And I buy iOS devices, so I'm well aware of the need to have original Apple parts etc.

              When problems have arisen with devices that I have purchased, not once have Apple come back to me and said that the device was repaired/refurbished using third party parts.

              I also have a few friends who work for an Apple Authorised Reseller and Repairer and when I'm considering a particular device, I ask the seller for the serial number (and IMEI) and get one of my friends to check the history. I'm very careful and I have always been protected that because of my care.

              There used to be a lot of refurbished iPhones available on the Refurbished Store, but that number has dried up in many, if not all, countries. I don't know if there's been a change in Apple's policy. But I doubt that Apple doesn't have access to the stock, as you put it. In fact, another Apple Authorised Reseller and Repairer - not the one where my friends work - definitely has Apple Refurbished stock. It also sells demonstration models as well as used devices, mostly iPhones. I rarely see any iPads on their stock list.

  • k-rokfm on 09/01/2020 - 08:40
    +2

    As above I would only do refurbished if it is done by apple itself and comes with the apple warranty. If not, then buy new.

    Sidenote I also have the iphone 8 with a symmetry case + screen protector and its held up solidly. Definitely recommend as a case

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 09/01/2020 - 09:14

    I have always purchased phone new so I wouldn’t know about the quality of a refurbished one, however if you do decide to get a brand new one I would recommend you check this page first.

  • jackinyourbox on 09/01/2020 - 10:16

    👍 iPhones for 12 is awesome ! I wished I got such a great toy at that age !

    I would buy new for warranty purposes in AUSTRALIA given ACL requirements

    • brendanm on 09/01/2020 - 11:12

      Pretty sure I was much happier when I was 12, without a mobile phone.

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