Buying a “New” iPhone 5 from China.

Summary

In this video, the creator explores buying a supposedly brand-new iPhone 5 from eBay, comparing it to other devices like the Galaxy S3 and S4. After receiving the phone, they reveal issues with the packaging, fake accessories, and poor internal repairs. While the phone runs iOS 6 and has some nostalgia value, the creator uncovers multiple flaws, including a replacement screen, a cheap Chinese battery, and missing internal components. Ultimately, they caution viewers about buying such refurbished phones for practical use but suggest it could be a good collector's item for those interested in iOS 6.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator took a break from making videos due to vacation and illness but is now back.
• 😀 The creator was considering buying an iPhone 5 back in 2012 but ultimately chose the Galaxy S3 instead.
• 😀 The creator is now planning to focus on restoration videos with a high-quality camera and more overhead shots.
• 😀 On eBay, the creator noticed many listings offering ‘brand new’ phones, including the iPhone 5, but some came from China with questionable authenticity.
• 😀 The creator ordered an iPhone 5 listed as 'grade A' and 'resealed,' with concerns about whether it was truly original or a knockoff.
• 😀 The phone received from eBay came with a non-original box, imitation accessories, and a potentially refurbished screen.
• 😀 The 'grade A' phone had signs of wear and parts that were off-center or painted over, suggesting it wasn't in pristine condition as expected.
• 😀 The creator successfully activated the phone and noted that it ran iOS 6, which was a key feature for them as a collector.
• 😀 Despite the phone working, the creator identified several issues, including a crooked antenna line, dirty charge port, and missing screws.
• 😀 The phone was confirmed to have been refurbished with parts that didn't align properly, and the battery was likely a cheap replacement.
• 😀 The phone’s condition wasn’t up to 'grade A' standards, with a lot of cosmetic and internal issues, making it more suitable for collectors than regular use.
• 😀 The creator recommends buying the phone mainly for the iOS 6 motherboard if someone is looking for a nostalgia piece, but advises against purchasing for regular use.
• 😀 The creator expressed doubts about buying similar phones (e.g., Galaxy S3 or S4) from similar listings, fearing they could be poorly refurbished with low-quality parts.
• 😀 Ultimately, the phone’s cool factor (iOS 6) was noted, but its internal issues and questionable parts make it less practical for everyday use.

Q & A

Why has the creator not made any videos in the last month?

The creator explains that they were on vacation and then got sick, but now they are feeling better.

Why did the creator choose the Galaxy S3 over the iPhone 5 back in 2012?

At the time, the creator was deciding between the Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 5, ultimately choosing the Galaxy S3.

What is the creator's plan regarding the camera used for restoration videos?

The creator plans to use a high-quality camera only for restoration videos, citing that editing takes too much time.

What concerns does the creator have about buying phones listed as 'brand new' on eBay?

The creator is concerned about the authenticity of phones listed as 'brand new,' especially when they are coming from China. They worry about getting scammed and the legitimacy of the phones.

What does the creator mean by a 'grade A' phone?

A grade A phone is supposed to be in brand new condition, with no damage. The creator explains that phones are graded on a scale from A (like new) to D (poor condition), with some phones even being graded as E.

What was the issue with the iPhone 5's box and accessories?

The box was not original, and the accessories, such as the charger, were fake, as the text on the charger was crooked and the charger itself was deemed imitation.

What did the creator notice about the iPhone 5's physical condition?

The creator noticed multiple issues with the iPhone 5, including a poorly aligned screen, new housing, a dirty charge port, and a slightly off-center front camera.

Was the iPhone 5 functional, and did it activate properly?

Yes, the iPhone 5 was functional and successfully activated. The creator even managed to run iOS 6 on it, despite concerns about activation issues with older iPhones.

What did the creator find when they opened the iPhone 5?

Upon opening the phone, the creator discovered that it had been poorly repaired with missing screws, a replaced battery, and a refurbished screen. Additionally, the motherboard seemed to be a mix of parts.

Would the creator recommend buying phones like this iPhone 5 from eBay?

No, the creator does not recommend buying these phones unless someone is looking for an iOS 6 motherboard. They note that while it may be a cool collector's item, the phone has many flaws and cannot be used as a daily driver.