India, Dec. 29 -- You spot an iPhone deal that fits your budget, the phone appears to be in good condition, and the seller promises it works well. Before you pay, there is one detail that can tell you the phone's real story in seconds - the first letter of its model number.

With smartphone prices on the rise, more and more buyers are choosing refurbished or used iPhones as a way of saving money and helping to reduce waste. In India, people buy iPhones not only from Apple stores and authorised sellers but also through online platforms, local resellers, or friends and family. While these options offer flexibility, they also carry risk. However, a quick check inside the device can help you avoid confusion and loss.

Apple assigns a model id...