Refurb Iphone 5 - o2

Terrysdelight

Hi

I'm desperately trawling through all the iPhone tariffs for best deals.

My teenage son really would like and iphone 5 on a contract. He doesn't want the 5c.

I've come across a suitable tariff on a refurb one on o2. If I go for one of these - what are my risks as opposed to a contract on a brand spanking new one?

Also, would my son know it was a refurb?

Many thanks
Terrysdelight

Silk

Terrysdelight wrote: »

Also, would my son know it was a refurb?

If it's from a 3rd party retailer the phones I've seen come in plain white boxes and sometimes any accesories are missing.
Theres also stories of them not being wiped etc so yes he probably would realise it wasn't new.

If it's direct from O2 perhaps they are better presented etc but never seen one to comment

grumbler

Terrysdelight wrote: »

...what are my risks as opposed to a contract on a brand spanking new one?

Shorter warranty possibly? Even for new iPhones it's far too shot unless you pay for an extra year, and when it expires any repair by Apple (replacement with another refurb usually) costs in excess of £150.

Also, would my son know it was a refurb?

Typically it's a handset returned during the cooling off period and repaired/refurbished if needed.

However, only the supplier can give you definite answers to both questions.

Terrysdelight

Thanks everyone - for the sake of an extra £5.00 per month, I won't risk it.

albionrovers

Email them and ask about what's in the box and also which box.
If it breaks down after a day, the Apple Store give you a refurb anyway?

MillicentBystander

Get him a Nexus 5 and tell him the iphone was out of stock. He will probably thank you later! My son was adamant he wanted an Iphone but I persuaded him to get the Nexus 4 on the proviso that should he not like it I would sell it on ebay for him (at the time they were going for more than cost so it was a bit of a no brainer). Yes, he's sinced thanked me lol (and his iPhone loving GF also ended up buying one).

Just a thought but of course ignore me if you think I'm talking rubbish lol.

forgotmyname

Have a look at a galaxy S4 or other top spec phone. Spec wise it obliterates the Iphone.

Terrysdelight

forgotmyname wrote: »

Have a look at a galaxy S4 or other top spec phone. Spec wise it obliterates the Iphone.

I do actually have the Galaxy S4 and love it. Try telling my teenage son that it's better than an Iphone........! Peer pressure at school :-(

MillicentBystander

He's still at school? Then whichever phone you go for, if it's a contract be careful and see if the usage can be capped. We see some absolute horror stories on here where someone's kid has run up a HUGE bill (that comes out of YOUR bank account!).

Yes, peer pressure is a terrible thing. Remember the Blackberry? Whatever happened to that essential teenage accessory? Iphone will (eventually) go the same way with regards to being seen as de rigeur in the playground. Kids are fickle.

AlecEiffel

forgotmyname wrote: »

Have a look at a galaxy S4 or other top spec phone. Spec wise it obliterates the Iphone.

Apples and oranges.

forgotmyname

AlecEiffel wrote: »

Apples and oranges.

You need to let the courts decide on that one. (AGAIN)

Apple lost on one Galaxy S2 case because the pictures showing size comparisons were doctored, Then started another on the shape of the icons? How sad is that. (I think they won that one though)

I wonder where apple got the idea of icons from?

Anyone remember Workbench?

Anyway.. Phones.. I like my S4.