Short answer
Grades describe how a phone looks, not how it works: every grade we sell works fully. Premium is Excellent with battery health of 90% or more, Excellent looks close to new, Good has light micro-scratches and Fair shows normal wear. "Grade A" and "like new" at other sellers usually mean what we call Excellent.
Our grades
| Grade | What it looks like | Battery health |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Looks close to new. No visible marks at arm's length. | 90% or more |
| Excellent | Looks close to new. No visible marks at arm's length. | Shown on the listing (80–90%) |
| Good | Light micro-scratches you notice only in direct light. | Shown on the listing |
| Fair | Visible wear from normal use. Fully functional. | Shown on the listing |
| Value | Works fully, with one named issue in the grade, for example "No Face ID". | Shown on the listing |
"Grade A", "like new" and other labels
| You might see | Closest grade here |
|---|---|
| Like new, Pristine, Grade A+, Grade A | Excellent (Premium if the battery is 90%+) |
| Very good, Grade B | Good |
| Good, Acceptable, Grade C | Fair |
These words aren't standard. Every seller draws the lines differently, so always ask what a grade looks like and what the battery health is.
Scratches: what to expect
An Excellent phone has nothing you'd notice holding it at arm's length. Good phones have fine micro-scratches you see only when you tilt them under a light; once a case is on, you won't think about them. Fair phones have scuffs on the frame or finer scratches on the glass that you can see, and cost the least.
Same phone, different grade: iPhone 16 Pro Max today
| Grade | From |
|---|---|
| Premium | $780 |
| Excellent | $760 |
| Good | $665 |
| Fair | $630 |
| Value | $610 |
Prices update every night. See every iPhone 16 Pro Max
Value phones: the issue is the grade
A Value phone works fully except for one thing, and the grade names it. Issues on phones we have today:
- No Face Id
- Aftermarket message
"Aftermarket message" means a non-original part shows a message in Settings. Premium and Excellent phones have original screens and show no third-party-part messages.
Which grade should you buy?
If the phone will live in a case, Good or Fair is usually the better value. Pay for Excellent if you want it to look new, and Premium if you also want the best battery. Every grade has the same 12-month warranty and 30-day returns.
Common questions
What do refurbished grades mean?
They describe looks, not function. Premium is Excellent with battery health 90%+; Excellent looks close to new; Good has light micro-scratches; Fair shows normal wear. All work fully.
What does Grade A refurbished mean?
It usually means close to new with very light marks, if any. Our closest grade is Excellent.
What does "like new" mean?
Close to new with no marks you'd notice. Here that's Excellent, or Premium if the battery is 90%+.
Is Good or Fair grade worth buying?
Yes, if you use a case. They work exactly like Excellent phones and cost less.
Will I see scratches on a Good grade phone?
Only fine micro-scratches you notice in direct light.
What is Premium?
Excellent condition with battery health of 90% or more.
What is a Value phone?
A phone that works fully except for one issue, which is named in the grade.