Import set (mostly from the US known as LL set)
- There are 4 types of import set from the US;
---------> Sim lock (Brand new)
---------> Unlock (Brand new)
---------> Apple certified refurbished
---------> Third party or seller refurbished
1) The sim lock is a brand new still sealed never been activate iPhone (means still have a year of warranty). It basically brand new just like when you buy a brand new iPhone from Apple Store website. The only difference is that, sim lock iPhone from the US can't use any other sim other than what it has been locked for. For example, you bought a brand new iPhone from Sprint telco in the US. Meaning, only Sprint sim card will work with the iPhone. So if you import to Malaysia, you can't use our local sim on the iPhone. But, there is a big but here! You can however use our local sim card as long as you have turbo sim. What is turbo sim? Just look at youtube and you will know how simple it is but still very effective. Or, if you don't want to use turbo sim, you can also find people, service or website simply by google search where they can help you unlock your iPhone legitimately by using only your IMEI number so that you can use any sim on your phone permanently. The advantage of sim lock iPhone is that they're way cheaper than standard price, usually RM1000-1500 cheaper yet they're all brand new still sealed with 1 year warranty just like when you buy from Apple store.
2) Unlock iPhone is also brand new still sealed just like sim lock iPhone. The only difference is that they're unlocked meaning you can use any sim card in this universe. But the con is that, they're standard price meaning they're very expensive than the sim lock iPhone above.
3) Apple certified refurbished is basically original refurbished made by Apple in the US. They're being refurbished in their factory meaning the iPhone will be repaired with original parts, all high quality. Everything will be done according to Apple's standard. So, when you buy Apple certified refurbished, the box will have "Apple Certified Refurbished" text printed on the iPhone box/packaging. If you don't see this text, means they're not original refurbished, refer to last type below.
4) Now, the last one is what most online stores in Malaysia are selling. Such as from lazada, lelong, shopee, instagram, etc. When they says brand new import set, they're mostly likely third party refurbished. Meaning, sellers who are not affiliated with Apple at all, are making their own refurbish on the iPhone. Third party refurbished are usually not high quality because they're using spare parts that are not original. Hence, why this kind of refurbished are cheap. Why they don't use original spare parts for their refurbish? Because Apple never release their original parts to anyone.
There are many more things to say, but I'm lazy to type.. so if you have any question, please ask.