Refurbished Phone Grades Explained

Refurbished phone grades explained

Buying a Refurbished Phone can save you a lot of money (up to 50%!) when compared to buying new. It’s also far more environmentally sustainable and allows you to get the tech you want, at a price you can afford!

Here at The Big Phone Store, all our Refurbished Phones go under meticulous inspection before they are sold, our 90-point checks test the phones functionality, battery health and cosmetic condition.

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Each device will be categorised based on their “grade”. This refers to the external appearance and physical condition of the device. This indicates the level of wear and tear on the phone’s body, such as scratches, scuffs, or dents. Our grading ranges from “Like New” (almost new, out of box) to “Poor” (visible marks and wear), helping our customers understand the aesthetic quality of the phone. The cosmetic grade does not affect the phone’s functionality, which is always restored to full working condition regardless of external appearance!

If you want to learn more about refurbished phones, we have created an extensive guide on this topic. You will find information on why you should buy a refurbished phone, their benefits and how to save more money with them.

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What are Refurbished Grades?

The refurbished grade is a quality indicator that reflects the cosmetic condition of the product. It shows how the phone looks on the outside, with grades based on visible signs, ranging from a pristine screen to one with scuffs and scratches.

It’s important to note that these grades only refer to the phone’s appearance—rest assured, all refurbished phones from The Big Phone Store are thoroughly tested to ensure they function just like a brand new device. The grading is purely cosmetic and does not impact the phone’s performance or functionality.

The Big Phone Store Grading System

When you purchase from us, you will find the majority of our phones graded as one of the following categories:

Let’s dive into more detail about what these terms really mean!

What Does the "Like New" Refurbished Grade Mean?

Refurbished phone grades explained

This is our best-refurbished condition, and the device has no cosmetic damage. Besides not being in the original box, this device is essentially brand-new!

These refurbished phones are cosmetically flawless. The exterior finish of the phone should feel new and show no signs of wear or tear.

These phones are fully tested to meet all functions and performance standards, making them compare exceptionally well against new devices.

What Does the "Pristine" Refurbished Grade Mean?

With our pristine phones, it’s clear that the previous owner has taken great care of their device, so while there may be some minor cosmetic imperfections, 99% of the phone is in perfect condition.  

These devices are cosmetically excellent, have very light signs of usage if any, and offer the best value for money.

All the phone functionalities will be working exceptionally well, and the device will look practically new from a cosmetic perspective.

Refurbished phone grades explained

What Does the "Very Good" Refurbished Grade Mean?

Very good2 scaled

These phones show light signs of usage and may have visible cosmetic marks, but they won’t be visible when the screen is on. Buying ‘Very Good’ is ideal for those who are budget-conscious and don’t mind a few imperfections.  

These phones may have small scratches and scuffs marks on the outer casing but will not have any cracks or dents. 

The overall appearance of this phone is very good, and it will work well for most customers!

What Does the "Good" Refurbished Grade Mean?

Good

These are phones that may have a few minor imperfections but are very cosmetically acceptable. There may be visible cosmetic marks, and the device might show decent signs of use, but its functionality is completely unaffected!  

Devices in this condition are an excellent budget choice, they remain practical and dependable devices!

What Does the "Poor" Refurbished Grade Mean?

Fully tested and in perfect working order, these phones are the cheapest way to get the model you want at the cost of cosmetic quality. Scratches, cracks, and screen burns are all possible, but not guaranteed! These devices remain cosmetically fair.

This is a practical and functional choice, allowing you to stay connected no matter what!

Fair

Does Grade Matter When Buying a Refurbished Phone?

The best choice for you depends on your needs and budget. We recommend that for first-time buyers, you opt for our “Like New” or “Pristine” conditions, as they give the best quality, for the most optimal price.

If you want a brand-new smartphone experience while saving some money, consider a ‘Like New’ condition phone. These devices look and function just like new and come with the same warranty, offering great value.

If you’re on a tighter budget, a ‘Very Good’ condition phone is an excellent option, providing a balance between cost and quality. You can also choose from ‘Good’ and ‘Poor’ condition phones, both of which offer reliable performance at more affordable prices. If you don’t mind a few cosmetic imperfections, a lower-graded phone can be a smart, budget-friendly choice.

At The Big Phone Store, our refurbished phones come with a guaranteed 85% battery life, and a 12-month warranty to offer you peace of mind when buying! For more information, check out our Warranty page. 

Remember, the grade of a refurbished phone only reflects its cosmetic appearance—it doesn’t affect its performance. So, you can confidently choose any grade based on your preferences and budget, knowing the phone will function perfectly.

How Much is my Phone Worth?

Are you looking to sell your device and find that it fits one of these grading categories? Why not trade-in with The Big Phone Store?

Instant Quote: Visit our Sell My Phone page and search for your device. Tell us its condition, and you’ll get a quote instantly!

Free Shipping: The Big Phone Store offers completely FREE* shipping for your old phone when you send it to us!

Fast Payment: If your phone arrives with us in the correct condition, you could receive a payment on the same day!

It’s Broken? Don’t stress! We responsibly dispose of electronic waste and even pay you for your old device if it still has some value! Other models are also available for purchase if you’re looking for a different option. Find out more on our Sell My Broken Phone page.

*(Multiple shipping options are available at checkout).

How are Refurbished Phones Tested?

All of our refurbished phones are in full working condition, thanks to our meticulous 90-point checks. These tests cover every aspect of the phone, including functionality, battery health, screen quality, and cosmetic condition, ensuring each device performs as well as a brand-new phone, and often exceeding manufacturer quality standards! If anything doesn’t meet our rigorous criteria, it will be professionally replaced, so your device functions just like it did when it first left the factory.

Our commitment ensures that every phone we offer is in excellent working order and delivers reliable performance. Unlike many competitors, we prioritise quality with an extensive testing process to guarantee the highest standards are consistently met.

Overall, whether you are looking to buy a used phone or a brand new one, you can rest assured that you will get outstanding value for money. Explore our wide range of refurbished smartphones today!

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Upgrade today by selling your old device! Click on the links to find out value of your mobile phone and how to 'Sell My Phone,' benefit from 'Phone Trade-In' or 'iPhone Trade-In' for the best value.
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