If the serial number starts with 5K, most likely it's refurbished. Also, if there is a blue dot on the plastic film that covers the screen, that's another clue it's refurbished. The blue dot signifies it passed quality inspection. But actually, how good it this "quality" inspection?

Recently, I have been reading about quite a few people having problems with replacement iPhones. There was a "2nd iPhone replacement" topic at Apple Discussions that was recently removed.

Here is one of the posts that was in the topic: Cheryl Hoeppner writes, "Well, I just went down last night to receive my FOURTH iPhone replacement in 5 weeks and was told I am getting refurb phones each time. All of them have stopped working within 1 week and all for different issues! My first phone lasted 6 months then started dropping all my calls, my keypad would stick, I had dead spots on the screen, etc. 2nd phone would not ring if phone was in off position and the keypad quit working. 3rd phone completely re-set screen and died several times a day and would not receive messages or calls for up to 24 hours. On getting my 4th phone last night, I asked if they are giving only refurbs when you return malfunctioning phones and the manager said yes, and stated all of which you just told me. I personally think these refurb phones are worthless! I am demanding a new phone if (and when) this new replacement quits working. I was in a line behind 3 other people with my same complaints at the genius bar -- all of whom were being told refurb phones are all guaranteed to be perfect. When I mentioned this whole thing at work yesterday, two other people told me they have family members on their 2nd or 3rd replacments -- all refurbs that do not work."

So what are the odds of these many replacement phones failing in five weeks, and why are Apple Discussions moderators deleting posts like these?

Are you having problems with a replacement iPhone? Are you on your 2nd or 3rd replacement? If so, you might try calling Apple Customer Relations, explain the situation and kindly ask them for a "new" replacement, not a refurb.

UPDATE: It appears more people are having problems with replacement iPhones. Read about them here and here.

Refurbished iPhone Box

New iPhone Box

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