Refurbished Phone Grades Explained: A Buyer's Guide

Thinking about buying a refurbished phone but not sure what the grades actually mean? You're not alone - "refurbished" gets used loosely across the industry, so here's exactly how it works with us.

Refurbished doesn't mean second-best

Every phone we sell is pre-owned, but that's where the similarity to a random second-hand listing ends. Each device goes through a 30+ point functional test, is repaired with genuine or premium parts where needed, fully data-wiped, factory reset, and only then graded and listed. It's unlocked, warranty-backed, and ready to use out of the box.

The four grades, in plain English

Our grades describe cosmetic condition only. A Good-grade phone works exactly as well as an As New one - the difference is purely how it looks.

• Good - visible wear and scratches. Fully functional and the best value. Great if you use a case.
• Very Good - light marks only noticeable up close.
• Excellent - near-flawless, minimal signs of use.
• As New - indistinguishable from a brand-new phone.

What to actually check when buying refurbished

Three things matter more than anything else: battery health (we guarantee 85%+, or 90%+ on As New), whether it's unlocked (ours always are), and the warranty (12 months included, extendable to 24). If a seller can't tell you all three clearly, walk away.

Why it's the smarter buy

You save hundreds versus new, you get the same phone, and you keep a working device out of landfill. For most people, buying refurbished isn't a compromise - it's simply the better decision. Browse our range of refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones to see what's in stock.