BTW: is there a way I can verify based on the serial number, IMEI, etc. whether my new phone is a refurb or a brand new unit? I was told it pretty much depends on stock at the time.
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I'm not sure I'm sympathetic to these kinds of assessments; the following snippet from a Tech Crunch article, though a bit harsh, sums it up nicely:
"Ill be the first to admit that this is the epitome of a First World problem, but this is also a device from a company that makes a big deal about how
its phone was `made with a level of precision youd expect from a finely crafted watch not a smartphone.` Supposedly, `each iPhone 5 aluminum housing is photographed by two high-powered 29MP cameras. A machine then examines the images and compares them against 725 unique inlays to find the most precise match for every single iPhone.` Clearly, Apple needs to install some of these cameras at the end of the production line, too."
I spent a significant amount of money on a brand new iPhone 5; it arrived with the "rattling problem" that while it's hardly a deal breaker, it's certainly disconcerting given that other iPhone 5s don't exhibit that issue.
Since I was within my carrier's 14 day DOA window I got a brand new, sealed replacement. This unit doesn't rattle, but there's something wrong with the vibration motor: it's hard to describe but believe me, the vibration sounds dreadful, as though though the motor is "grinding" or rubbing up against some other componentry in the unit.
So now I'm past my carrier's DOA window and phone #3 is on its way from Apple Care, likely a refurb. When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of refurbs over new phones it's clear that this isn't the end of the world.
But it's also clear that there are a few quality control problems with the first few batches of 5s, and given that refurbs are often sold at discounts, it's unfortunate that consumers wanting new phones are being handed refurbs when the problems weren't their fault.
Love Apple, and I know this is just a bump in the road, but still.
BTW: is there a way I can verify based on the serial number, IMEI, etc. whether my new phone is a refurb or a brand new unit? I was told it pretty much depends on stock at the time.
Ok you got a refurbished iPhone 5.
So?
honestly i dont think its a big deal whether its refurbished or not. As long as it works and looks like new I dont care if its been used before.
So i went to the apple store the other day, the genius told me that the white box replacements are brand new, and that they do not do such things as remanufacturing or giving out refurbs for replacements. I seriously doubt that they are allowed to lie about something like that. What do you guys think?
Most DEFINITELY refurbished. They hand out refurbs all day long.
I just got back from my Apple store- took my iPhone5 in. The speaker just stopped working for no apparent reason. They took it to the back to "replace" whatever parts had gone bad, and after 45 minutes the guy comes out and tells me they're just going to give me a new phone, because he'd 'tried two new' speakers, or speaker components, whatever, and neither worked.
1. I asked pointedly if the 'new' phone I would be receiving would be NEW, and not refurbished, and he said that it would be new.
2. He hands me the 'new' phone, and the frame on it was totally dented, in numerous places
3. I look at the guy and laugh, and tell him I want a NEW phone, not a scratched up refurb
4. He gets another phone out of another 'skinny little white box' of death, and sure enough, this one too is scratched up. And has a tiny black hair (puke) stuck between the glass and frame at the top lol.
5. That was their last phone. So I took it. I am now the pissed off owner of someone else's rejected iPhone5.
Ohhhhhh and to top it off nicely, after I'd attempted to sign in with my Apple ID and the phone auto-corrected my email to SOMEONE ELSE'S EMAIL TWICE, I was finally able to 'claim' the used phone.
I bought the 5 on pre-order in October and they shipped it from China- it was beautiful when it arrived. lol. Glossy. Perfect. No dents. I wanted an equal replacement since I paid 800 bucks for the damn thing and the speaker stopped working. I didn't drop the damn thing. Or get it wet. Not my problem. Give me a new freaking phone. But no. They give me a used phone. Blech.
Ahhhh that felt good Whatever. So long as I have a damn iPhone 5 that actually works. That's what I paid for. It's still BS.
Did you bring them a "new" phone to exchange? Of course not so why do you feel you should get a "new" phone in return? The sense of entitlement is high with some.... seems higher with you.Ahhhh that felt good Whatever. So long as I have a damn iPhone 5 that actually works. That's what I paid for. It's still BS.
The sense of entitlement is high with some.... seems higher with you.
Absolutely I agree 100%. I however take issue with those that believe they should get a retail boxed phone. As long as the warranty transfers, which it does, a refurb unit is 100% acceptable.Should he at least be entitled to get one back in return in the exact, or close to, condition as the one he's returning? Minus the defects, of course.
Absolutely I agree 100%. I however take issue with those that believe they should get a retail boxed phone. As long as the warranty transfers, which it does, a refurb unit is 100% acceptable.