How Used iPhones Are Graded: A+, A, B & C Explained

A grade is a quick summary of a used phone's condition — both how it looks (cosmetic) and how it works (functional). It lets you know what to expect before the phone is in your hands. A properly graded iPhone that has passed function testing performs the same day-to-day whether it's an A+ or a C; the grade mainly reflects the outside.

• A+ (near-mint): looks almost new, with little to no visible wear.
• A (light wear): very light marks visible only up close under good light.
• B (visible wear): noticeable scratches or minor marks from normal use.
• C (heavier wear): clear scratches or scuffs — the best value if you plan to use a case.

Battery health is the percentage of the battery's original capacity that remains (Apple shows this in Settings). 100% is a new battery; most consider 80% and above good for daily use. We show each phone's battery health so there are no surprises — a higher percentage means longer time between charges.

Before a phone is graded, we check the parts that matter: screen and touch, battery, front and rear cameras, Face ID or Touch ID, speakers and microphones, buttons, charging, Wi-Fi and cellular. We also confirm the IMEI is clean (not blacklisted) so the phone activates on any carrier.

Want it to look brand new? Choose A+ or A. Want to save the most, and you'll use a case anyway? B or C give you the same function for less. Since every grade is function-tested, the choice comes down to looks and budget.

You can see the grade and battery health on every phone we list, buy in-store on Rue Beaubien or online across Canada, and spread the cost with pay-over-time financing at checkout. Prefer to buy in volume for resale? We also sell tested, graded iPhones by the lot to shops and resellers.