an iphone 15 pro max.

I'm not sure about that. Typically, the model will start with a letter, not a number. Like the this:

• If the model number starts with M, it was purchased new from Apple.
• If the model number starts with F, it was refurbished by Apple or a carrier.
• If the model number starts with P, it was sold as a personalized iPhone with an engraving.
• If the model number starts with N, Apple provided it as a replacement device for a malfunctioning iPhone.

If you thought that you were buying a "new" phone, return the phone for a refund.

The phone is not new. It was returned by a user and was refurbished by an outside agency...... which was not an Apple approved repair / refurbish company.

So, the phone may contain non-genuine Apple parts.

There is no way to know unless you make an appointment at the Apple Store to see if they are willing to examine the phone. Because the phone was refurbished by an outside agency, Apple may refuse to even look at the phone.

Good luck.

The 3 indicates that the refurbishment was done in an Apple-approved program. In some countries, technical support for iPhones is provided by the wireless carrier, not Apple, and it's likely that unit was originally sold in one of them.

(253240)

Tap the model number and you'll see another number like A3102 and post back.

Where, exactly, did you buy it?