iPhone 4 "Replacement" unit... refurbs or not?

[skaterbasist]

To make a long story short, I got my iPhone 4 on launch day via Fedex. I had a few issues, and went to the Apple Store a few days ago on the 23rd. I was hoping to get it replaced with a brand new sealed iPhone 4 Box, but the "Genius" insisted that the one he was giving me was brand new- that refurbished units aren't available.

He took out a 'replacement' unit out of a black box- it seems brand new.

Now my question is, is there a way to verify if it was previously owned (refurb)? I would get a little pissed off, being that I was still within the 30-day return policy, if Apple decided to replace mine with a refurb. I surely did not pay for a refurb.

In the other hand, I did not bother arguing with the rep because my iPhone 4 had a tiny chip on the top right corner of the back glass, although I don't really think he noticed.

Any feedback is high appreciated

P.S. The replacement iPhone has iOS 4.0 if that matters.

[metaljay]

this close to release, it will be a brand new phone

ive had mine replace twice lol

[jlluna]

Yeah it usually takes a few months before they start getting refurbs, Its new.

[Waleed786]

Apple never gives original boxes with replacements, neither does any other company, that would cost them too much money, phone is new though, it's just how they work

[piston597]

I think if the serial number or something starts with a 5 it means its a refurb, other than that then it is new. I read it somewhere not 100% sure it's right.