serial number starting with H

The starting letter of the serial number is 100% unrelated to the new/refurbished status.

What is the model number at Settings - General - About - Model = ??

Rays_cdn wrote:

MLNC3VC/A

will the phone box be different if the phone was refurbished?

the 2 seal at the back seem factory sealed

It was noted that it's the model number. The box that a refurbished device comes in may be different if it's retail refurbished a refurbished replacement. Replacement devices typically are packaged by Apple (or a contractor) in a white box without any graphics. A new retail box usually has an image of the device, down to the same color as the device in the box. Looks like a retail refurbished box is also white but will have a mention that it's "pre-owned" or something to that effect. It's my understanding that a lot of them are really just devices that were returned within the 14-day return period. They might replace the battery and all the seals so it would be practically new.

The first character (or two) are supposed to represent the manufacturing location. Not sure what H stands for, as the only article I can find doesn't have a complete list as it's not information that Apple publishes but that have been gleaned from all sorts of sources. For example, an F2 is supposed to mean a specific Foxconn factory in China.

The starting letter M = New unit

N = Apple issued replacement

F = Apple refurbished

P = Personalized.

You are quite welcome. And the best of the new year to you as well.