Three types to tell apart
Each type comes with a different level of trust and warranty:
- New: factory sealed, full warranty
- Apple Certified Refurbished: inspected by Apple with new battery and outer shell, plus warranty
- Third-party refurbished: a used phone repaired or polished — quality depends entirely on the shop
Read the model number
Go to Settings → General → About and tap "Model Number" until it shows a code starting with a letter. The first letter is a strong hint:
- M: new retail unit
- F: Apple refurbished
- N: Apple warranty replacement
- P: new, personalised with engraving
Quick comparison
The core differences at a glance:
| Criteria | New | Apple refurbished | Third-party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty | Full | Apple warranty | Shop-dependent |
| Parts | Genuine | Genuine | Not guaranteed |
| Battery | New | New | Varies |
| Price | Highest | Lower | Lowest |
Checks for a refurbished phone
Third-party refurbishing is not always bad, but you need to know what was replaced.
- Review Parts and Service History in About
- Check battery health and whether it is genuine
- Verify warranty using the serial
- Get the shop's warranty and its length in writing
Check the device before you pay
Start with a SerialKSA serial check, then finish the hands-on inspection in front of the seller.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a new and refurbished iPhone?
New comes straight from the factory. Apple Certified Refurbished is inspected, gets a new battery and shell, and carries a warranty. Third-party refurbished depends on the shop.
How do I know if my iPhone is refurbished?
In Settings → General → About, tap Model Number. A code starting with F means Apple refurbished; M means a new retail unit.
Is a refurbished iPhone worth it?
Apple refurbished is an excellent value. Third-party refurbished is only worth it after you inspect it and know which parts were replaced.