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louis0nfire

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 22, 2008
303
8
For people who have received replacement iPhones, how was the quality of the device? Any scratches, dead pixels, dust under the screen? I'm doing a swap by mail, but I'm nervous because my iPhone is in perfect condition and it would suck to get a replacement that isn't in the same condition, even though it will work at least and fix my issues. Share your experiences, thanks!
 
For people who have received replacement iPhones, how was the quality of the device? Any scratches, dead pixels, dust under the screen? I'm doing a swap by mail, but I'm nervous because my iPhone is in perfect condition and it would suck to get a replacement that isn't in the same condition, even though it will work at least and fix my issues. Share your experiences, thanks!

Ive changed my iphone 3gs twice in one week. The replacement are as good as new. Note, if the new ones can have problems so can replacement ones.
 
Everything aesthetic is replaced in addition to the battery in addition to whatever failed in the first place.

I had a refurbished replacement that was better than the new iPhone.
 
I got the refurb from ATT about a month ago. It came in an ATT box, so I didn't get the iPhone box, but it came with everything it should have inside. The phone was also in great condition, I believe there was a small scratch on the Apple logo on the back. It has also worked great for the last month, so I am very happy about the purchase.
 
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I have not had a referb 3g or 3gs, but my referb original iphone was much better than the first one I had.

I'm actually having battery issues with my 3gs now, (it only lasts about 2 hours, I used to get at least 5 out of it every day, I have not changed my habits, or apps I use.) Im afraid that my referb will not be in cherry condition like my current iphone. Anywho all of my battery woes will be in a different thread when I get around to writing out all my weird issues.
 
Some are quite good while other forum members here experience problems with refurbs. I've never owned a refurb, but I guess its your luck when it comes to a nice set.
 
I upgraded to a 3Gs about three weeks ago. The original 3Gs had a defective GPS receiver and/or antenna. I took it to apple and they replaced it with a "new" refurb phone. The good news is, I am a jailbraker and the original 3Gs had the new bootrom which required a tethered jailbrake :( My "new" refurbished 3Gs came with the old bootrom and doesn't require the tethered jaibrake :)

The "new" refurb looks like new. I can't find a single cosmetic defect and I have had zero problems with it in the two weeks I've had it. Oh, and I swear the battery life on the refurb is better than on the original ;)

Bottom line, I would not be afraid of an Apple "refurb" unit as these seem to be as good or better (each unit individually refurbished and tested versus assembly line for new phones) as the new phones. On the other hand, I have no idea what AT&T considers refurbs so I'd be careful about these.
 
My original 3G started locking up after a year and a half. Got a refurb, worked great for a few months. Then last week the wifi stopped working. Took it to the apple store same day, got a new refurb. This one works great so far.
No scratches, but I'm not that anal about it so I don't go over every centimeter looking for something.
 
I have not had a referb 3g or 3gs, but my referb original iphone was much better than the first one I had.

I'm actually having battery issues with my 3gs now, (it only lasts about 2 hours, I used to get at least 5 out of it every day, I have not changed my habits, or apps I use.) Im afraid that my referb will not be in cherry condition like my current iphone. Anywho all of my battery woes will be in a different thread when I get around to writing out all my weird issues.

Sounds like you just like to feel sorry for yourself! Cheer up! ;)
 
Can't speak for refurb iPhones, but I got a refurbished PowerBook several years ago and it looked brand new when it arrived and is still going strong.

I would but Apple refurb again.
 
compared with the iPhone 3G i got on launch day, the replacement I got had a more solid sleep/wake button but a spongier home button. otherwise nothing was discernibly different.
 
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