How can there still be 'new' old iPhones

Electro_Magnet

6 months ago I purchased my first ever smartphone, an iPhone 3GS second hand from eBay for £60. Knowing it was an old model and already used, I didn't expect too much, and the phone is now developing faults (weak wifi signal, randomly turning itself off) which have prompted me to look at buying another smartphone.
(I've been given an estimate of £50 to repair the faults, and this does not seem worthwhile considering the original cost of the phone).

I'm familiar with Apple, so want to stick with them. I'm also very happy with the 3GS. I've found several sellers on eBay and Amazon who ship apparently 'new' iPhone 3GSs.

I can't work out how, or if, these are genuine.
The iPhone 3Gs was released in 2009, and I'm presuming they aren't producing any new ones. Can anyone explain how there can still be brand new ones available? Are these genuine?
These 'new' ones are available for approx. £110.

Any recommendations?

d123

They are probably refurbished handsets (Apple will refurb old models for years after the new model comes out to have stock for OOW replacements). The seller has probably managed to source stock from such a supplier.

Most normal people would struggle to tell the difference between new and Apple refurbished.

TBH, you should investigate going up one model (as the technological jump from 3GS to the 4 was quite significant) if you are going to outlay on a new phone, what is the price for a similar condition iPhone 4.

Electro_Magnet

Hi d123,

Thanks for your response.
I've found sites which claim these are 'new', not refurbished, but as you say whether these are genuinely brand new seems unlikely. These 'new' 3GSs are roughly £130.

I've seen the iPhone 4S on eBay (second hand) for around £150, which is not a lot more than a 'new' iPhone 3GS.
My only concern is whether buying another second hand might develop faults, as my current phone has.

Electro_Magnet

I took the plunge and won an iPhone 4 for £135 on eBay, with £5 postage. The condition is used but apparently very good.
I hope this one will last a little longer!

d123

Electro_Magnet wrote: »

I took the plunge and won an iPhone 4 for £135 on eBay, with £5 postage. The condition is used but apparently very good.
I hope this one will last a little longer!

It's not a bad price, but you might have got something slightly cheaper somewhere like AVForums classifieds. Too late now though, make sure you check the phone out thoroughly on arrival and report any problems (if there are) immediately to the seller via eBay messaging and don't be scared of opening a dispute if it is faulty or not as described.