iPhone grading standard: A+, A, B and C
There is no single industry standard for used-iPhone grades. These definitions state how each unit is graded and what is recorded on its lot-list row.
Stock is unlocked as standard, mostly US spec, with battery health at or above the threshold for its grade. The price list and packing list state five fields for every unit: version, network lock, IMEI status, Activation Lock and SIM slot.
No visible marks on the screen or body at arm's length and under direct light. No dents.
Faint micro-scratches visible only under direct light. No dents or scratches on the display glass.
Visible scratches or scuffs on the frame or back, and light marks on the screen. No cracks or deep dents.
Heavy wear, such as deep scratches, small dents, or cracked back glass. Display glass is intact and touch works fully.
Grades at a glance
| Grade | Cosmetic | Battery Health | Parts | Typical buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | No visible marks on the screen or body at arm's length and under direct light. No dents. | 90% or higher | Original screen and battery; Parts and Service History shows no unknown parts. | Shops selling like-new devices and markets with high cosmetic expectations. |
| A | Faint micro-scratches visible only under direct light. No dents or scratches on the display glass. | 85% or higher | Original screen and battery. | Most retail resale and wholesale price lists. |
| B | Visible scratches or scuffs on the frame or back, and light marks on the screen. No cracks or deep dents. | 80% or higher | Original screen; the battery may have been replaced with a genuine Apple battery. | Value retail and refurbishers who re-case or re-glass devices. |
| C | Heavy wear, such as deep scratches, small dents, or cracked back glass. Display glass is intact and touch works fully. | 80% or higher | May include a non-original screen or battery; this is stated on the lot list. | Repair shops, budget markets, and parts harvesters. |
Functional checklist for every grade
Cosmetic grade describes how the phone looks. Every unit must also pass all of these checks:
- Powers on, completes activation, and reaches the home screen without asking for the previous owner’s Apple Account.
- IMEI is not reported lost or stolen and is not carrier-blacklisted; any open carrier finance plan is stated on the price list.
- Display has no dead pixels, no burn-in visible on a grey test screen, no touch dead zones, and True Tone is present where the model supports it.
- Face ID or Touch ID enrolls and unlocks.
- Rear and front cameras focus and record; the flash fires.
- Earpiece, loudspeaker, and all microphones work in a recorded call.
- Wired charging works at the port and, where supported, wireless charging works.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular register on a test SIM or eSIM profile as appropriate for the model.
- All buttons, the mute switch or Action button, vibration motor, and proximity sensor respond.
- Battery Health meets the threshold for the grade.
The inspection process explains how the checks are performed and recorded. These functions are covered by the 60-day functional warranty on pre-owned units; see the terms of sale.
Previously activated and sealed units
- Previously activated units are not sealed and are listed separately from Grade A+. Previous activation is stated on the lot list.
- Sealed foreign-spec new units are listed with their full part number, A-number and SIM configuration. See model numbers and SIM types before ordering.
Where grading can go wrong
- Battery Health can change. I record the reading during inspection. A unit within 2 percentage points of its grade threshold is graded down.
- Non-original parts. Parts and Service History is checked in Settings, General, About. An “Unknown Part” entry moves the unit to Grade C or removes it from the lot list, and the result is disclosed.
- Lighting changes what marks look like. Cosmetic grading is performed under a daylight lamp, and the same lighting is used in the inspection video.
- Disagreements. Report a mismatch within 48 hours of delivery, with the arrival evidence described on how to order. Functional faults within 60 days of delivery are handled under the warranty.