Normally it's just a replacement iphone, it could be new just no packaging

Many years ago when mine had a fault it was replaced with one of these, looked like it was brand new and used for replacements.

Anybody else?

Every case is different, But this is how refurbished handsets come when you have your device replaced under warranty from Apple.

Linux: Who sent it?

Linux

Picked up (swapped) from Apple shop. Not sent.

Anyway, I heard that they all get a new screen and battery. Hopefully a new lightning port and home button but who knows.

I've handled many replacement devices. They claim they are refurbished, but they look brand new. I wouldn't be concerned at all.

Probably is refurbished. When I had my iPhone 5 replaced a few years ago it was posted to me wrapped in plastic inside a plain white box with Apple Care on the front of it. This may have changed since then. 

From what I read it seems like refurbished devices are each tested very very very thoroughly and are near perfect. The amount of testing they go through is probably more than a new one so I'd be more inclined to trust a proper refurb anyway when compared to a new replacement tbh.

joker97: Thanks for all your help. Do you work for Apple? Thanks very much again!

Peppery:

I've handled many replacement devices. They claim they are refurbished, but they look brand new. I wouldn't be concerned at all.

The unit looks brand new.  Battery performance is outstanding although I am trying to use it as little as possible so it reaches you in brand new condition.  The home button also has that familiar feel only experienced with new iPhones (this is the 5th new iPhone I have had over the years).

Satch:

 

The unit looks brand new.  Battery performance is outstanding although I am trying to use it as little as possible so it reaches you in brand new condition.  The home button also has that familiar feel only experienced with new iPhones (this is the 5th new iPhone I have had over the years).

 

:) I wondered when you'd stumble upon this thread. Sorry I didn't mean to refer to you as a phone trasher, just someone said one cannot tell two apart by looking at it. Well, that might be the case on eyeballing, but under the hood could be much different. Was wondering about Apple's process in 'refurbing' their products. I see that one can buy applecare on their refurbs so presumably they make sure things are in pretty good nick. For me it the 'wear items' I'm worried about would be screen, battery, lightning port and home button. The rest will out live the phone :)