iPhone 8/Plus Should I get this refurb iPhone?

[AMSOS]

I just saw this deal at Apple refurbished -

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...fb30593957eae32eeee4d3b664d6963b2f66368220eb0

I understand that there is a 1 year warranty and the battery and case are new, but is there some way to know if this was one of those faulty logic board phones?

I definitely prefer an unlocked phone and I was considering just going for the 7 at $450. But I can put in another $50 if you think this is a good deal.

Thanks!

 

[44267547]

I just saw this deal at Apple refurbished -

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...fb30593957eae32eeee4d3b664d6963b2f66368220eb0

I understand that there is a 1 year warranty and the battery and case are new, but is there some way to know if this was one of those faulty logic board phones?

I definitely prefer an unlocked phone and I was considering just going for the 7 at $450. But I can put in another $50 if you think this is a good deal.

Thanks!

I won’t comment on the faulty logic boards, regardless, this phone is from Apple, and it’s the *best* possible source to purchase a phone from, because they stand behind their product and their phones go through rigorous inspections/tests over any other manufacturer that could offer with a refurbished device. Fact.

 

[AMSOS]

Yes, I see what you mean. But how did they solve the faulty logic board issue? Did they put in new ones that had a different design? Or, just new ones with the same design?
I wouldn't want to be stuck with such a serious issue in the 13th month of ownership!

 

[bodonnell202]

The logic board issue was a manufacturing defect affecting iPhone 8's manufactured between particular dates. I imagine that iPhones that were replaced under warranty for logic board issues also had the logic board replaced as part of the refurbishment process.

I'd definitely go with a refurbished 8 over a new 7 (for $50 you get some nice upgrades and double the storage, well worth it in my opinion). I'm very happy with my 8.

 

[eyoungren]

Yes, I see what you mean. But how did they solve the faulty logic board issue? Did they put in new ones that had a different design? Or, just new ones with the same design?
I wouldn't want to be stuck with such a serious issue in the 13th month of ownership!

When it comes to remanufactured devices ('cause that's what they are, not refurbs) the testing that they undergo for QA is more rigorous than the testing Apple does on NEW devices.

And in this instance, Apple knows exactly what they are looking for (because they are now aware of it) when it comes to the logicboard. It's not like Apple rolls a few new parts, slaps old parts into the case and pushes them out the door.

I always find it interesting that a lot of people believe Apple is the best in quality - but when the word 'refurb' comes up all of a sudden they get lumped into the same category as Assurion/Assurant.

OP, because of the rigorous testing, Apple's remanufactured devices are often better than new devices. I don't believe you have anything at all to worry about.

 

[AMSOS]

I'd definitely go with a refurbished 8 over a new 7 (for $50 you get some nice upgrades and double the storage, well worth it in my opinion). I'm very happy with my 8.

I've never bought anything refurb. But I've generally heard good things about Apple refurbs. So, I am considering this seriously.

1- I actually want the Space Grey colour. Do you think another refurb in that colour will come up soon enough? I don't mind waiting a bit.

2- So, if it is as good, or even better than a new iPhone, why is the price dropping by a substantial $100?

 

[eyoungren]

2- So, if it is as good, or even better than a new iPhone, why is the price dropping by a substantial $100?

Because Apple (and other companies) cannot legally claim that these are 'new' devices. Since everyone knows they are 'used' no one is going to pay 'new' prices for them.

But knowing what you now know, you're more likely to purchase this 'used' device thinking you got a good deal. So, win/win for Apple and you.

 

[Reno Raines]

My experience with Apple refurbed phones has been great. The warranty always seals the deal for me.

 

[44267547]

Because Apple (and other companies) cannot legally claim that these are 'new' devices. Since everyone knows they are 'used' no one is going to pay 'new' prices for them.

Yes, I’m being technical here, but a few things:

1.) Apple wouldn’t claim refurbished units are ‘new’ anyways, (even if they wanted to), because consumer law says that they can’t, not to mention from using phrases ‘Like new.’

2.) Not everyone knows that refurbished units/‘white box replacements’ are used products. I can’t tell you how many times someone was issued a white box replacement thinking that it was a brand new phone, because they were not aware Apple does replace the battery/display/housing.

 

[AMSOS]

2.) Not everyone knows that refurbished units/‘white box replacements’ are used products. I can’t tell you how many times someone was issued a white box replacement thinking that it was a brand new phone,

You mean at an Apple store? This sounds strange. Wouldn’t the buyer have been told what a refurbished phone is?
I’m also wondering here what happens when there is a problem with the logic boards, memory etc. - the internals if the phone? Since they’re all soldered on a board does Apple just put a new board or somehow manages to take out that faulty part(s)?

Apple does replace the battery/display/housing.

Display? From other posts my impression is they only put in a new case and battery, which apparently, don’t cost much anyway.
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My experience with Apple refurbed phones has been great. The warranty always seals the deal for me.

Do you have any phones that didn’t have any hardware issues for 3 or more years?
I’m thinking I should get the AC+ with the refurb that gives me two years of worry free use. What do you think?

 

[Reno Raines]

You mean at an Apple store? This sounds strange. Wouldn’t the buyer have been told what a refurbished phone is?
I’m also wondering here what happens when there is a problem with the logic boards, memory etc. - the internals if the phone? Since they’re all soldered on a board does Apple just put a new board or somehow manages to take out that faulty part(s)?

Display? From other posts my impression is they only put in a new case and battery, which apparently, don’t cost much anyway.
[doublepost=1553874923][/doublepost]
Do you have any phones that didn’t have any hardware issues for 3 or more years?
I’m thinking I should get the AC+ with the refurb that gives me two years of worry free use. What do you think?

No issues at all. AC is not a bad idea I just usually buy older refurbed phones so if they break I don’t care as much.

 

[AMSOS]

No issues at all. AC is not a bad idea I just usually buy older refurbed phones so if they break I don’t care as much.

I am coming around to that viewpoint myself. Although my iPhone 8 cost $499 which for my is hardly cheap. But, I see what you mean.
Unlike laptops phones are prone to all kinds of accidents and it's relieving to know that one can withstand the loss, if it comes to that.
In fact, I was pretty sure I wanted the 7 but then the A1660 models made me rethink. At Apple where I could have got another model for $450, I happened to see the refurb 8 for just $50 more, and it was a clincher.
I just hope it lasts. I am already loving the smoother and visible improvement in speed over the 7!