Refurbished iPhone 12 with 86% Battery Health - Keep or Return?

seraphim2017 on 15/12/2023 - 15:37

I ordered a refurb iPhone 12 for kid going to high school next year to use as part of xmas present, we're not Apple users so didn't have an old one they could inherit.

It's arrived physically spot on except for smallest little bit of a mark, battery life is 86%.

What can we expect in terms of performance downgrade? Will they find it doesn't last the day? (note school has a "no phones to be used on school grounds" policy so hopefully that will extend its life to a whole day.

Should I return and see if another one is in as good physical condition with better battery? I can keep this one until it arrives and compare. Are batteries on the 12 (2020?) all expected to be about this worn in?

From android perspective, battery life turns to dog poop after a couple of updates on the Sammy s series, wondering if iPhone is the same.

Bit of a lottery.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 15/12/2023 - 15:42
    +6

    Apple offers a first party battery replacement service. According to their estimator tool, it costs $149 to replace the iP12.

    • Plus Shipping cost if postage is involved.

    Which is actually not an outrageous cost, considering the replacement battery will be genuine, the installation is done by their technicians as opposed to some 3rd party shopping mall random and has warranty.

    I would just use the device for a year or so and see if the battery life is acceptable, if not you can always decide later to pay the $149 and replace the aging battery.

    • seraphim2017 on 15/12/2023 - 15:50

      Thanks, yes good idea, condition is more important and it's their first phone, as they were too young (still are but how times change!).

      For $149 in a year to essentially return it to new battery life is a good idea, and the 12 should receive updates for at least another year?

      • mbck on 15/12/2023 - 16:01
        +2

        The 12 should get updates for a while yet.

        I have the xs max and it's still being updated lol. Credit where credit is due, and apple is top notch when it comes to supporting their products.

      • solidussnake on 15/12/2023 - 17:14

        Depends how much you originally paid for the phone, a new battery will be good for at least 2 years before it starts to degrade

  • 7ekn00 on 15/12/2023 - 15:43
    +1

    Batteries degrade, "Refurbs" are always going to have poor batteries, unless specifically stated they have been changed out :/

    Batteries will never be changed out on "IP" rated devices because it breaks the IP rating (IP rating = waterproofing)!

    • sumyungguy on 15/12/2023 - 17:01

      The waterproof seal is available as a spare part.

  • sumyungguy on 15/12/2023 - 16:36
    +1

    My iPhone 12 battery is at 86%, gets me through the day with moderate use. Refurbs are generally shipped with min 80%. With 6-hours on standby and no other usage I reckon you’ll be fine. Although I’m not a big TikToker…

    • seraphim2017 on 15/12/2023 - 17:46
      -3

      No tiktoking, this is for a child! it's weird that people think the unsupervised internet is an appropriate childminder! I'm an adult and find it a cesspool most of the time!

      They can message their friends to arrange stuff socially, and call us if they're late at school. Sounds like 86% will make it through the day for now.

      • Tee Rex Arms on 15/12/2023 - 17:50
        +3

        Your child will be on TikTok before you’re finished fussing about a second hand battery which is pretty much full.

      • spackbace on 15/12/2023 - 18:19

        it's weird that people think the unsupervised internet is an appropriate childminder!

        No one is suggesting that, but it's really not uncommon for kids to have an interest in all things tech these days because they're all growing up with easy access to it. Doesn't have to be social media at that age, but could be youtube, roblox etc

  • spackbace on 15/12/2023 - 18:21

    Why'd you specifically go for an iphone if you yourselves don't use it?

    A note that Android does offer things like the Google Families app to monitor usage.

    There's also the Life360 app for both devices for monitoring where your kid is

    • kerfuffle on 15/12/2023 - 19:02

      To fit in with the cool kids it seems

      • seraphim2017 on 15/12/2023 - 20:05
        +1

        That is a part of it, no denial on that. The school is "all apple" as well, and they'll be using an apple watch to help with reminders for their executive functioning to help them manage work and time. I figure an iPhone will let them use the full functionality of the watch.

        • CrispyChrispy on 16/12/2023 - 13:08

          The school requires/recommends an Apple watch?

    • seraphim2017 on 15/12/2023 - 20:05

      Thanks @Spaceback I'll look at the life app. Appreciated.

  • simplystu on 15/12/2023 - 19:28
    +2

    OP … you mentioned "for kid going to high school next year" … i do hope you get a VERY durable case to go with it.

    You'll probably find you'll end up with a cracked/broken screen long before the 2nd hand battery wears out.
    At your child's age … phones do tend to take a beating.

    Ooh … and make sure everything backed up to cloud too.

    • seraphim2017 on 15/12/2023 - 20:02

      Thanks, good advice. Usually go for spigen cases but maybe they'll need an OtterBox!

  • miwahni on 15/12/2023 - 23:33
    +2

    My iPhone 11 is four years old this month, battery health is currently 77% and it lasts more than 24 hours. Moderate use for work calls during the day, otherwise texts and browsing. I think you'll be fine.

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