Unboxing an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone: Is It as Good as New?

A brand-new iPhone will set you back an arm and a leg. But there’s a smarter solution—Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones. They are actual Apple phones that were returned, checked over, fixed if damaged, and sold at a discounted rate. But the million-dollar question is: do they feel and look brand new when you open the package? In this blog, we’re going to take you through opening one and compare it to a brand-new iPhone.

What is an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone?

An Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone is better than a used phone. It’s a phone that’s been returned to Apple, checked, cleaned, and tested. Apple replaces any broken or worn-out components. If the screen or battery is cracked, they replace them with brand new ones. After all testing is successful, the phone is repackaged and sold with a full one-year Apple warranty.

So, while it’s not freshly released, it’s still good—and from Apple.

The Unboxing Experience

Now, let’s talk about what happens when you get your Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone delivered in the mail.

1. The Packaging

The box itself is plain and white. It doesn’t have the colorful graphics you have with new iPhones. It’s a plain white box with only “Apple Certified Refurbished” printed on it.

Even though the box is fresh, it’s solid and neat—classic Apple form.

2. Opening the Box

The first thing we can see when looking down into the box is the iPhone. The iPhone is protected and even has some protective film, so it should look like a brand-new device. The iPhone was delivered to us clean, shiny, and scratch-free. Any exterior damage can be replaced by Apple to look brand new.

Users say the majority of them couldn’t even guess that it was refurbished based on the look alone.

3. What’s in the Box?

Within the box, you will find:

• The iPhone (thoroughly tested and refurbished)
• A new USB-C to Lightning cable
• A quick start guide and ejector tool for the SIM

Apple no longer distributes accessories like the charger brick or earphones with new iPhones, let alone with refurbished iPhones, so you won’t get those included as well.

Everything inside the box is neatly packed and feels premium.

How Does It Look and Feel?

One of the biggest questions: Does a refurbished iPhone look different from a new one?

Typically, the answer is no. Apple replaces any of the parts that didn’t live up to its quality standards. These are the screen, outer casing, and internal components. The phone looks and feels just like a brand-new phone.

No dents, no scratches, no signs of previous use. It powers on like new. Setup is the same as on any iPhone. In fact, many customers visiting an Android repair store Manhattan are surprised at how flawless Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones look in comparison to used Android phones.

You get the latest version of iOS already installed, and the phone is good to go right out of the box.

How’s the Performance?

You might wonder whether a refurbished phone is slower than a brand-new one.

Apple tests each refurbished iPhone for:

• Battery health
• Processor speed
• Touchscreen responsiveness
• Camera quality
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection
• Speaker and microphone clarity

If none of those succeed, Apple replaces or fixes the component. That is, the phone you receive is completely working and tested to function like new.

And if the battery is low in health, Apple installs a brand-new battery. So you’ll never have to worry about battery life when you take home an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone.

The Warranty Is the Same

This is where Apple stands apart.

Every Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone comes with a one-year limited warranty—the same as a new iPhone. You can also opt to add AppleCare+, which covers against accidental damage and makes the warranty even longer.

This warranty gives you peace of mind. If something goes wrong, you can contact Apple Support just like you would with a new product.

Savings Without Sacrifice

Money is what we need to talk about.

Buying a certified refurbished iPhone can cut your costs, depending on the model. For example:

• A brand new iPhone 13 can cost $699

• The same phone refurbished can cost $599 or less

That’s actual saving—without compromise on quality or support.

You can even purchase older versions, like the iPhone 12 or iPhone SE, for even lower prices. It is a great choice for those who want an Apple phone but don’t want to pay through the nose. In fact, many tech-savvy buyers—whether they’re looking for a smartphone or Alienware repair Manhattan services—know that refurbished products often offer top performance without the high cost.

Who Is Qualified to Buy One?

Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones are perfect for:

• Students who want a low-cost yet trustworthy iPhone

• Parents buying phones for kids

• Those upgrading from an older iPhone by many years

• For those who want high quality without stretching their budget

They’re also a great choice for those who want to help increase sustainability. Buying refurbished means one less phone in landfills.

Things to Keep in Mind

Even though the experience is great, here are a few things to consider:

• You just get the charging cable, but no charging brick

• The box is plain, not Apple’s standard box

• Availability of models changes often, based on returns

You can only buy Apple-certified refurbished iPhones from Apple itself. If you buy from other websites, make sure they indicate the product is Apple Certified, not just “refurbished.”

Final Thoughts

Is It as Good as New?

The answer is yes—for most people, an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone is just as good as new in terms of appearance, performance, and reliability. The only noticeable difference is the box and the price tag.

You get:

• A like-new phone
• Full Apple warranty
• A tested and verified battery
• Saving a good amount of your money 

If you’re looking for a reliable Apple device and want to save money, this is one of the best ways to go.

Unboxing an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone from APPLEBERRY Smartphone and Laptop Repair is a finger-tingling, buttery-smooth experience. It looks new, it acts new, and it comes with the same warranty as a brand-new iPhone. It’s a smart choice for buyers who appreciate quality and value.

So the next time you’re in the market for an iPhone, consider refurbished—you might be surprised at how new it feels.