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Buying a used 4S, but model/part numbers and GB on box don't match...

trife

trife

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 16, 2012
584
750
Ok, so I'm looking for a used 4S and found a decent deal. The only problem is that the part number (MD269LL/A) and model number (A1387) don't match the given storage capacity (32 GB) on the label of the iPhone box.

A quick Internet search shows that with those numbers it should be a 64 GB iPhone, correct?

Has anyone seen this before? I looked up the IMEI number and it checks out, but I find that real fishy. I asked the seller whether it was 32 or 64 and he said that he was told it was 32. Claims he never used it since it was a gift and he's on Tmobile and obviously without a micro SIM he can't turn it on and check. My gut says to avoid the deal but he also has great feedback.

Thoughts? Thanks!
 
Might just be a different box - I've had to do that when I switched from Sprint to AT&T (I couldn't find the Sprint box, so I put the phone in the AT&T box to ship it).
 
r.j.s said:
Might just be a different box - I've had to do that when I switched from Sprint to AT&T (I couldn't find the Sprint box, so I put the phone in the AT&T box to ship it).
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Ahh, didn't think that....good call. I'll have to ask the guy. Like I said, everything else seems to check out, but I guess the skeptic in me is wary.
 
trife said:
Ahh, didn't think that....good call. I'll have to ask the guy. Like I said, everything else seems to check out, but I guess the skeptic in me is wary.
Click to expand...

I would suggest if you are skeptical you should find a seller which you are 100% confident in. There are so many iPhones for sale and there quite expensive so it's not worth taking the risk IMO.
 
Do you know the serial number?

If you do that can be very helpful in finding out the info..
 
Last edited:
daaneel said:
Do you know the serial number?

If you do that can be very helpful in finding out the info..
Click to expand...

Indeed I do. He posted a clear as day shot of the box label w/ all that info.

What can I find out w/ that info? Sorry for the n00b questions.
 
trife said:
Indeed I do. He posted a clear as day shot of the box label w/ all that info.

What can I find out w/ that info? Sorry for the n00b questions.
Click to expand...

Go to apple.com/support and then choose the "check your service and coverage option" and it will tell you the warranty expiration date. That is a year from the purchase date.

Another thing you might want to do is call Apple support and give them the serial number and just ask them if the device has ever been swapped out. That could explain the different box.

I called them last week about a phone that I was thinking about buying on Craigslist and they couldn't give me a lot of info but they did tell me the phone has been swapped out.
 
I have always gone to Apple and picked up a refurbished before selling on craigslist then sold in original box. I've never had a problem but also added in ad what I've done.
 
Wirelessly posted

Are you buying for eBay? There are risks which you should keep. If price justify the risk go for it.
 
I've used boxes for different devices when I couldn't find the original. I sold my old 3GS in y friend's box. I did let the buyer know up front that the box won't match the devices though.
 
Sheesh if you are buying an iPhone that is used from a third party seller be happy you get any type of box. It's used and you're buying it cheap, don't expect the original box.
 
andyx3x said:
Go to apple.com/support and then choose the "check your service and coverage option" and it will tell you the warranty expiration date. That is a year from the purchase date.

Another thing you might want to do is call Apple support and give them the serial number and just ask them if the device has ever been swapped out. That could explain the different box.

I called them last week about a phone that I was thinking about buying on Craigslist and they couldn't give me a lot of info but they did tell me the phone has been swapped out.
Click to expand...

Wow, I didn't know that it was possible to call Apple and get info on a random phone via the serial number. I'll give that a try to see what info I can come up with. And yeah, I already checked the warranty--good until October 2012. Just in time for the next iPhone.

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taedouni said:
Sheesh if you are buying an iPhone that is used from a third party seller be happy you get any type of box. It's used and you're buying it cheap, don't expect the original box.
Click to expand...

I hear you on that, but I guess my main concern was maybe a fraudulent box tag. Seems weird that the model/part numbers ON THE LABEL don't match the GB capacity on the exact same label.

I'm a big sneaker guy and one of the best ways to spot a fraud is the box label--usually if something is off you already know what you're dealing with. Just wasn't sure if this could be the same.
 
taedouni said:
Sheesh if you are buying an iPhone that is used from a third party seller be happy you get any type of box. It's used and you're buying it cheap, don't expect the original box.
Click to expand...

The idea here is "proof" of original ownership. If I were to steal an iPhone, it would be impossible for me to sell it with its original box (unless I robbed you on the way out of the store or something LOL). having a box with serial numbers that match is pretty good insurance that you don't have a stolen item on your hands.
 
nwmtnbiker said:
I have always gone to Apple and picked up a refurbished before selling on craigslist then sold in original box. I've never had a problem but also added in ad what I've done.
Click to expand...

Most people don't do that though. They will just say brand new iPhone.
 
With the serial number you can find the exact model, make, production date, size, etc of the iPhone.

Visit the url below and just type in the serial number and hit enter. It will display all the info you need without having to call Apple or anything
http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

trife said:
Indeed I do. He posted a clear as day shot of the box label w/ all that info.

What can I find out w/ that info? Sorry for the n00b questions.
Click to expand...

Preferably you might want him to take a picture of the serial number as it is displayed on the SIM tray of the iPhone or on the about page. Because I think you mentioned that you are not sure if the box is for that iPhone .. therefore the box label might not be the right box for the iPhone he is selling you.
 
I understand the importance of the serial numbers to match, but lots of times people get their iPhones replaced at the apple store so they won't match.
 
Thanks for all the opinions folks...appreciate it.

Fortunately, I was able to find an unlocked 32 GB 4S locally for an even better price, so I'm rolling with the sure thing instead of chancing it online.

If I wasn't so cheap, I'd pony up the $$ and just get a factory unlocked 4S from Apple, but it hurts my soul to think about paying $700 minimum for a new phone. :eek:

Thanks again though.
 
lordofthereef said:
The idea here is "proof" of original ownership. If I were to steal an iPhone, it would be impossible for me to sell it with its original box (unless I robbed you on the way out of the store or something LOL). having a box with serial numbers that match is pretty good insurance that you don't have a stolen item on your hands.
Click to expand...

It's not sure fire though. Apple replacements never carry the same serial, and they don't give the stickers to put on the old box anymore. I haven't actually had any buyers verify the serials match on my old iphones either
 
It's best to have them send you a screenshot of the About page out of settings. Then take the IMEI on checkesnfree.com. Also call the service provider. Bought and sold tons of phones on Craigslist and not a dud in the bunch!
 
terraphantm said:
It's not sure fire though. Apple replacements never carry the same serial, and they don't give the stickers to put on the old box anymore. I haven't actually had any buyers verify the serials match on my old iphones either
Click to expand...

Nobody said it was sure fire, but it's a safer bet. If I have a box with a serial number that matches my phone, it is probably legit. Just because they DON'T match doesn't mean they are NOT legit, but it's pretty tough to steal a phone, box and all with matching serials.
 
if you can physically get your hands on it check the sim tray, or if you can see it turn it on and hit the italicized i on the main screen it should show relevant imei info.
 
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