Is my iPhone 4 replacement a reconditioned phone?

Question

Apple have replaced my iPhone 4 with another one because of a fault (screeching noise at the beginning of around 20% of incoming and outgoing calls).
I'm worried that the replacement is a reconditioned phone, as Apple Care told me that there was no guarantee that it wouldn't be. The replacement was delivered in a different box (with no accessories), although Apple Care have told me (based on the serial number) that it was manufactured on 3rd July and they despatched it to me on 26th July.
I know that there will be very few reconditioned iPhone 4s in circulation so far, but I don't want to be one of the unlucky few to receive one. I am very unlucky with faulty goods and I therefore avoid anything that is not brand new. How can I be 100% sure that it's not reconditioned?

Answer 1

There's nothing further anyone here can say. Apple's policy, as is the case for virtually all manufacturers of small consumer electronics, is that they can replace a defective iPhone with new or reconditioned units at their option. Nothing I can find in says that this policy is in any way against UK consumer law. So there is no way that you can be guaranteed that a replacement phone will be new stock, though this early in the release cycle it's likely.
If you wish to debate with Apple about this, you (or your attorney) can do so by calling Apple Customer Relations. But there's no point in arguing about it further in these forums. There's nothing any of we your fellow users can do about the situation and Apple does not reply to posts here.