I bought a refurbished phone labeled as ‘Grade A,’ but there’s a hole in the mesh over the microphone. The audio sounds fine on recordings, but I’m not sure if it’s a big deal. Should I return it or ask for a replacement?
That hole makes it easier for dust or water to get in. You should return it.
I’d return or replace it quickly. It could cause issues later on.
Definitely return it.
I agree… return it or get a replacement. It could give you trouble in the future.
Yeah, I’d return that for sure.
That hole compromises the phone’s protection. Better to return it or claim the warranty.
It doesn’t sound like Grade A to me. If you’re planning to keep the phone for a while, returning it is a good idea.
You might still be able to refund it. If the mic is working fine and it’s just the mesh that’s damaged, it probably won’t affect water resistance since the mesh has holes anyway.
Blake said:
You might still be able to refund it. If the mic is working fine and it’s just the mesh that’s damaged, it probably won’t affect water resistance since the mesh has holes anyway.
It might be more prone to dust, though. Most people here are saying to return it. I’ve contacted them, so let’s see what happens.
How much did you pay? If it was close to the price of a new one, try to get a swap. If it was a lot cheaper, maybe just live with it. Returning stuff through the mail can be such a pain.
Delete this post before they turn it into a new feature next year. Joking aside, you should return it or replace it.
Hadi said:
Delete this post before they turn it into a new feature next year. Joking aside, you should return it or replace it.
The ‘new’ design from Apple 
If it doesn’t bother you, keep it. Otherwise, exchange it.
It should be fine as long as you don’t submerge it in water.
That hole will let dust build up, and eventually, the mic won’t sound as good. Just return it and get another one.
Return it before it starts collecting dust and affecting the mic. That’s what the mesh is supposed to protect against.
That hole damages the phone’s dust and water resistance. Best to return it.
Calling that Grade A is a stretch. With that damage, it’s more like Grade C.
Looks like this phone took a bullet .