How can I tell if my RAZR is NEW or Refurbished ?

[jbravo223]

Hi folks,

I just got a new RAZR to replace the one that broke from LOCKLINE (Cingular's Insurance Company) I was wondering if there is a way to tell if the phone is New or Refurbished.

Thanks
John

[roncito]

pretty hard if you not a tech guy or a geek

[perfectlyfailing]

Wouldn't a refurb have minutes in the timers (lifetimer)?

[mshita]

Wouldn't a refurb have minutes in the timers (lifetimer)?

You can reset those.

However, does it matter? If there are no scratches or anything, who really cares? Now, if you do see something suspect then I would worry. Otherwise, a phone is a phone.

[jbravo223]

You can reset those.

However, does it matter? If there are no scratches or anything, who really cares? Now, if you do see something suspect then I would worry. Otherwise, a phone is a phone.

I guess you are right. The only thing that bothers me is that the color on the LCD looks a little washed out compared to my other RAZR. Also, when I open the flip part of the phone the keypad doesn't always light up. Is that normal?

I did notice that there is a "white tape" type of material under the battery that looks like it has been removed and put back on.

[mshita]

I guess you are right. The only thing that bothers me is that the color on the LCD looks a little washed out compared to my other RAZR. Also, when I open the flip part of the phone the keypad doesn't always light up. Is that normal?

I did notice that there is a "white tape" type of material under the battery that looks like it has been removed and put back on.

Yes, that is unfortunately normal. I was at a Cingular store when a woman bought the Slvr. And when they opened up a brand new package they had major problems getting the lights to turn on. They ended up trying 5 new Slvrs all with same problem in various degrees.

Edit: Oh wait, you're talking about RAZR....I don't know about light problems on the RAZR.

[YESH]

usually the refurbished have the word refurb on the imei sticker on the back

[perfectlyfailing]

I guess you are right. The only thing that bothers me is that the color on the LCD looks a little washed out compared to my other RAZR. Also, when I open the flip part of the phone the keypad doesn't always light up. Is that normal?

I did notice that there is a "white tape" type of material under the battery that looks like it has been removed and put back on.

The phone itself has a light sensor in the top right corner. If the light sensor determines its dark, then the keypad goes on. Cover it with your thumb and see if it goes on.

[roncito]

usually the refurbished have the word refurb on the imei sticker on the back

but that could easy be take care off by applying a new sticker

[Paolo]

your phone is refurb..

it was probaly a 2-week old return which they can not turn arround and re-sell again, so they inspect them for l.d. and when they pass all tests, they are used to replace warranty and insurance claims.

[sail902]

I just got a razr v3 off of ebay that I suspect is refurbished. It looks like the body had been repainted because the paint is not smooth or shiny, dosn't match the battery door or front very well, the rubber screw plug on the back doesn't match/ hasn't been painted, there appears to be some overspray inside where the battery door covers, there is no plastic plug to protect the charger port, and it looks like there is dirt inside the charger port. The seller insists that it's new. The life timer says about one minute on it. The serial number that the phone displays matches the sticker on the box and the sticker inside under the battery. On the box it says that it's made in UK by Motorola. It also says available in black or silver and the phone in the box is blue. Sure looks suspicious to me, but how do I know for sure?

[sail902]

Of course it matters! someone might have made it look good, but it might be an old piece of crap inside.
That's like saying if the car looks good, who cares? right? It might look good but run like crap and the transmission goes out on it a week later because it's old and worn out..... but it looks good right? LOL