Other Can you use a phone you just bought without activating it first to make sure you want to keep it?

[max2]

If you pay for it by financing?

or is there a refund penalty?

 

[now i see it]

If you’re returning it back to Apple, they don’t care and won’t ask within 14 days. If retuning back to a cellular provider you purchased it from, then they’ll have their return policy.

 

[ssledoux]

If you put your current SIM card in it, you'll have to go through a few steps to get to the point where you can use it, but you don't have to set it up completely - you can try it out then if you want to keep it, just restore to original settings, and go through the full setup, transferring data over or restoring from backup.

 

[beerseagulls]

If you’re returning it back to Apple, they don’t care and won’t ask within 14 days. If retuning back to a cellular provider you purchased it from, then they’ll have their return policy.

if the OP buys the phone now, doesn't he/she have until January 8 to return it?

 

[Lihp8270]

What county are you in?

If UK of Europe you have 14 days to return anything on finance and cancel the finance / credit agreement.

 

[Shadowbech]

if the OP buys the phone now, doesn't he/she have until January 8 to return it?

Technically yes, but only applies to items purchased in full price. If it’s carrier financing then it’s only 13/14 days And does not qualify for the extended return policy.