How to identify a refurbished iphone and 3GS?

vikramrkin

I have got a new iPhone from O2 last week. Even though the sales lady did say it is a new iPhone, I want to make that 100% sure. Is there a way of identifying if an iPhone is brand new or refurbished?

Also, the box says it is a 3GS phone, but nowhere on the phone it says so. Is it possible to identify that as well?

Thanks,
Vikram

dehaani

The UK refurbs don't usually come in an apple branded, retail box.

Some might come in an apple box but it has the wording "Apple Certified" on it.

Lovetotravel

If your phone has the compass it'll be a 3gs, as the 3g don't have this.

mightymolly

was it actually bought as a new contract/pay as you go or was it a repair issue etc? the 3gs has voice activation on it if you press and hold the round button for a few seconds.
If you bought it new then it should be as was stated, if it was a repair issue then it most likely will be refurbished. O2 do not sell handsets that have been returned (not through stores anyway)

vikramrkin

It was bought as an upgrade. I was an existing customer no simplicity plan. Then upgraded to iPhone. I was told that I will be sent a brand new 3GS iPhone. And it did arrive in Apple branded box and looked new.

I can confirm that it is a 3GS as it has compass and voice activation.

Mobiles.co.uk_company_representative

Without powering up the device, 3GS has shiny/reflective writing at the bottom of the back the same colour as the Apple logo, 3G writing is plain white.