Phone grading explained: A+, A, B and C
What refurbished and used phone grades mean, and what to check before you buy iPhones or Samsung phones wholesale.
Why grades matter in wholesale
When you buy phones in bulk you usually can't inspect every device yourself, so the grade is what you're relying on. Grades describe a phone's cosmetic condition. They don't usually describe battery health or which parts have been replaced, so check those separately.
Common phone grades
| Grade | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| A+ / Mint | Looks close to new. No visible marks on the screen or body. |
| A | Light signs of use: very fine marks visible only up close. Screen clear in normal use. |
| B | Visible wear such as scratches or small scuffs on the body or screen. Fully working. |
| C | Heavy wear: deep scratches, dents or marks. Fully working. |
| AS-IS | Untested or faulty. Sold for parts or repair. |
Different suppliers define these grades slightly differently, so always ask for a written definition before you buy.
What to check before buying wholesale phones
- Genuine devices. Get written confirmation that phones are genuine Apple or Samsung products. Labels like "AAA" are sometimes used for copies.
- IMEI list. Ask for the IMEI numbers so you can check none are blacklisted, reported lost or stolen, or iCloud locked.
- Battery health. Agree a minimum battery health percentage, for example 85% or above.
- Replaced parts. Ask whether screens or batteries have been replaced with non-original parts.
- Lock status. Confirm devices are network unlocked and free of iCloud or Google account locks.
- Returns and warranty. Check what happens if a device doesn't match its grade.
Common questions about grading
What does Grade A mean for a used iPhone?
A Grade A phone is fully working with only light signs of use, such as very fine marks that are hard to see at arm's length. The screen has no scratches you'd notice in normal use.
What does AAA or A+++ grade mean?
AAA, A+++ and similar labels aren't industry standards. Different suppliers use them differently, and some even use them for copies rather than genuine phones. Always ask a supplier to define a grade in writing and confirm the devices are genuine.
Does grade include battery health?
Not always. Grade usually describes cosmetic condition. Battery health is a separate figure, so check the minimum battery health percentage when you order.
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