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I got a brand new one... Though i think the UK does it differantly

I got a brown box refurb when I had my 3G replaced, so I don't think the UK does anything different.

I'm guessing that if you had your 3GS replaced just after the launch, there wouldn't be any 3GS refurbs available so they would have to give you a new one.
 
It came in a brown box yeah but i asked him and he was like everyone asks this and no there brand new replacements...

I also checked online with the serial number and it was only manufactured about 2 weeks before i got it....
 
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