We aim to make buying refurbished phones simple and stress-free. Part of that is being honest and transparent about a tricky topic: refurbished grades.
We get it – terms like “Good” or “Pristine” sound clear enough, but what do they really mean? And why do two phones graded the same sometimes look totally different? Here’s how we approach grading, why it’s never completely standard, and how we keep things fair and consistent for you.
Why Grading Is Complicated (and Kinda Subjective)
You might think there’s a universal standard for phone grading, but there’s not – and there’s a good reason for that. What one person sees as a minor scratch, someone else might think is a big deal. The same goes for how much wear is “normal.”
Here’s what makes standardised grading nearly impossible:
Cosmetic condition is subjective – A “Very Good” phone to you might look like “Pristine” to someone else.
Damage varies – One phone might have a light scratch on the screen, another a few scuffs on the corners. Both could be the same grade.
Different sellers = different standards – One retailer’s Grade A might be another’s Grade B.
That’s why we don’t just rely on vague industry terms. Instead, we use our own clear, consistent grading system so you always know what to expect.
How We Grade Phones at The Big Phone Store
We start with a thorough physical inspection. No rushing, no guesswork. Then we run a full functionality test to make sure the phone performs perfectly. Only then do we assign a cosmetic grade based on what we see.
Our grades focus on how the phone looks – not how it works. Every phone we sell is fully tested, repaired if needed, and guaranteed to function like it should.
We offer five clear cosmetic grades:
Brand New – Unopened, unused, straight from the manufacturer.
Like New – No marks, no scratches, just like a brand-new phone (minus the box).
Pristine – Minor signs of use, like tiny micro-scratches.
Very Good – Light wear, a few visible marks, but nothing major.
Good – More noticeable signs of use, but still works like new.
💡 New to refurbished? Go for Like New or Pristine – it’s the closest thing to new without the full price tag. And if you’re curious, come see our Like New phones in person. You’ll be surprised how fresh they look.
How Our Grades Compare to Industry Terms
We know some retailers stick to the A/B/C system. Here’s how our grading lines up:
| Our Grade | Common Industry Grade | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Like New / Pristine | Grade A | Near-perfect condition, minimal to no wear. |
| Very Good | Grade B | Light cosmetic blemishes, fully working. |
| Good | Grade C | More noticeable wear, still 100% functional. |
| Not Sold | Grade D | We don’t sell these – too damaged or faulty. |
🚫 We don’t do Grade D. If a phone doesn’t meet our standards, it doesn’t go on sale. Simple.
Why This Matters
Grading isn’t about hiding flaws or stretching the truth – it’s about setting expectations. We know you want to get the best deal without nasty surprises. That’s why we:
Keep our grading system consistent and clear.
Include detailed product descriptions.
Offer solid warranties and returns.
Refurbished should never mean risky. When you buy from us, you’re getting a device that’s been properly inspected, properly graded, and properly backed.
Refurbished Grades Overall
There’s no such thing as a perfect grading system. But at The Big Phone Store, we do everything we can to make ours as fair, honest, and helpful as possible.
Still not sure what grade is right for you? Drop us a message or come into the store – we’ll help you pick the one that fits your budget and your expectations.
