Despite the rapid development of modern technology and the daily emergence of new phone models, most consumers still prefer Apple products. The most successful, according to users, was the flagship iPhone 5S. Despite the fact that it has already been replaced by a more modern unit, this model is still a sales leader. However, due to such popularity, rfb iPhone 5S smartphones can be increasingly found on store shelves. What does this prefix mean? Should I buy such a phone? All these questions will be discussed in the article.
What does a refurbished iPhone 5S mean
Recently, phones with seemingly incomprehensible marks began to appear on the shelves of retail stores. It’s actually quite simple to explain what rfb iPhone 5S means. The first three letters are decrypted as refurbished, which means “restored” in English.
The abbreviation rfb is placed on those devices that have passed the restoration procedure at the factory. That is, the user purchased an iPhone, used it for some time and handed it over to the official service center due to a particular breakdown. In this case, defective and used models are sent back to Apple, where the masters find a malfunction and replace the failed parts with new ones. In this case, the device must be marked as rfb iPhone 5S. What does such labeling mean for retail Russian stores? Right. This means that most unscrupulous suppliers put up for sale refurbished phones as new, at the same price. Although Apple doesn’t use used models for the same price.
What is fraught with the purchase of a refurbished phone
The biggest risk when acquiring a used iPhone is the chance to get a model that was not repaired by Apple specialists, but by the “wizard” from the nearest entrance. As a result, paying a pretty decent amount, you can get the unit, which will fail in a few days.
If the phone has passed qualified diagnostics and repairs, then you should not be afraid of such models for those who are not squeamish and who will calmly use the unit after an unknown person. However, for that kind of money, few people want a used device. Therefore, we will figure out how to distinguish a restored iPhone 5S from a new one (or updated on Apple).
How to determine by packaging
First of all, it is worth taking a look at how the phone is packaged. If on the packaging instead of the convex silhouette of the company logo the iPhone 5S is simply inscribed, and the phrase Apple Certified Pre-Owned flaunts a little lower, then this unit went through the restoration process at the factory.
In addition, on the packaging of “resuscitated” products there is no picture of the phone itself.
Also, you should pay attention to the fact that the box is covered with a protective layer of film, which should fit snugly against its surface.
Having decided on what rfb iPhone 5S means, and making sure the package is authentic, you can proceed to more serious checks.
Secret code
The fact is that a negligent seller can safely put a used phone in a box from under the new unit. In this case, you need to look at the back of the package and find the special code FF354RU / A there. The same combination of numbers should be indicated in the settings of the iPhone itself in the section “Basic - about the device”. If the codes are different, then you can safely refuse to purchase.
The safest place to buy quality rfb iPhone 5S is the Apple Store.
Equipment
By this parameter, several types of “resuscitated” phones can be distinguished:
- Those models that have visited the manufacturer’s factory must undergo the screen and housing replacement procedure. In addition, Apple is changing the old battery, headphones, USB cable and charger. The repaired unit is packaged in a new box and is assigned a separate serial number.
- Models that went through the hands of unknown masters. To such units is attached a more meager set, which is only the original box. If the phone’s screen is clearly not new, the case is stained, and apart from the beautiful packaging, nothing else comes with it, it’s better to refrain from buying.
IMEI
Another way to bring a refurbished phone to fresh water is to check another secret code. IMEI is like a fingerprint of a person, only for an iPhone. If there are different numbers on the box and in the phone’s settings, this only means that the unit is far from new. In this case, it is better not to mess with scammers.
In addition, IMEI can be checked through the official website of Apple. For each code, you can find a detailed report on what happened to this unit since it appeared on the conveyor.
Knowing all the intricacies about the rfb iPhone 5S, what this product is and how not to fall for the scammers, you can be sure that the purchased “apple” products are really original. In an extreme case, you can save and buy a refurbished phone, but only the one that was actually updated at the manufacturer's factory. Although in this case it is possible that the unit will fail again.