What are the risks of buying a grey iPhone?

iPhone is the most popular smartphone in the world, which almost everyone aspires to own. That is why there are cases when the user accidentally falls into traps in order to save money. In today’s blog, we will discuss just such situations.

First of all, what is a “grey” iPhone?

A “grey” iPhone is an authentic Apple smartphone imported from China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, the US, or EU countries for resale. These devices are sold at lower prices because they bypass official documentation and taxes. However, the risks associated with their purchase outweigh the initial savings.

Situations to avoid

1. Minimum Seller Liability: In a typical scenario, if your iPhone has problems, you can go to an authorized service center for resolution.
2. Limited Warranty: Apple’s warranty policy states that service options for an iPhone purchased in one country may be limited in another. This means that an official service center may refuse to repair or service a “grey” iPhone.
3. Technical differences: Gray iPhones may differ from the official versions in terms of 5G functionality, supported LTE bands and other hardware modules, potentially affecting the performance of your device.
4. Functional limitations: Gray iPhones may have carrier blocks, lack eSIM support, or, conversely, lack a physical SIM card slot.
5. Risk of Counterfeit or Refurbished Devices: There is a risk of buying a counterfeit or refurbished iPhone. Fraudsters have even been known to put fake stickers on boxes that make it look like you’re getting a completely different device.

Real stories of buying a gray iPhone

#1: eSIM disappointment

In the world of iPhones, there is a unique Chinese version of the iPhone 12 that stands out. It is very similar to its European counterparts, but has a distinctive feature – dual physical SIM card slots. Intriguingly, it lacks eSim support, both in China and internationally.

The inconvenience of this iPhone becomes apparent when users travel, as it only accommodates two physical SIM cards, requiring manual switching. Many frustrated users end up opting for iPhones with full eSim functionality.

These restrictions are a result of Chinese regulations, unlike the US market where eSim technology is used as standard.

#2: Beware of substandard devices

Consumers sometimes buy an iPhone without knowing its history. In the beginning, the smartphone functions perfectly until some problem is found and you get to the service center.

As a rule, it turns out that the iPhone has undergone quite extensive unofficial restoration several times. Inside, an assortment of unknown stickers with cryptic symbols adorn the various spare parts. Most of the components are not original.

Officially refurbished iPhones are known for their reliability and are often considered more reliable than their counterparts on the used market.

#3: Blocked and confused

A friend gives you a new iPhone from America. However, in which you impatiently insert a Georgian SIM card, an unexpected problem appears.

It turns out that the iPhone is tied to a specific American carrier, which is only compatible with their SIM cards. Your SIM card just doesn’t work.

Unsure how to proceed, you decide to ask your local repair shop for advice. A technician suggests a special microchip that can be attached to your SIM card, offering a potential solution to the dilemma.

Unlocking a locked iPhone often involves two methods: official unlocking through your carrier or an unofficial approach using Turbo Sim. The latter is a unique adapter equipped with IMSI identifiers on the chip, which allows you to bypass the blocking. However, both methods come at a price, and Turbo Sim has its own limitations.

#4: The sudden sound of the camera

You buy a used iPhone from Japan, only to discover an annoying quirk – it stubbornly refuses to turn off the camera shutter sound. And it’s not just a quiet click; This is real noise!

Now, to most people, this might not seem like a big deal, but to photography enthusiasts, it’s a real annoyance. Imagine trying to take a nice shot on a bus, and as soon as you take it, everyone turns to your side. This is a recurring situation that tests your patience and the patience of those around you.

The problem is that iPhones designed for Japan and South Korea cannot mute the camera shutter due to local laws that prohibit photography without express consent. Fortunately, there is a solution: when activating the device, simply insert a SIM card from your local operator. This is a solution that not all sellers may mention, but it’s crucial knowledge for anyone considering purchasing a Japanese iPhone.

#5: Unlucky purchase

You’re buying a new, unused gray iPhone 11. Even though you have a positive history with this seller, your luck is running out this time.

Shortly after purchase, the sensor on the iPhone completely stops responding, obviously a factory defect. Unfortunately, the Apple service center refuses to cover the warranty due to its gray origin.

In order to resolve the problem, you contact the seller, who admits their responsibility, but warns you that the process will be delayed. iPhone requires overseas service that you don’t have access to.

In short, you ask a friend who frequently visits the EU to take the iPhone to a European service center. There, your smartphone is finally repaired.

This experience is a valuable lesson: even high-quality equipment can have problems, which underscores the importance of insurance.

How to distinguish “gray” iPhone?

According to the information on the iPhone box. There should be a sticker on the back about importing to our country. Pay attention to the iPhone model number – it tells you in which region your iPhone is made. The code can be found on Apple’s official website .

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