Refurbished Grades Explained (A / B / C and Excellent to Fair)
14 May 2026
Refurbished phones are sold by grade, and that single word decides a lot about price and appearance. The good news is that grading is simpler than it sounds, and once you understand it you can pick exactly the right device for your budget. Here is what each grade means and how to choose.
What a grade actually describes
A grade describes cosmetic condition, in other words how the phone looks. It does not describe how well the phone works, because every grade has already passed the same functional testing. The difference between a top grade and a lower one is light marks, minor wear or small scratches, not performance.
This is the most important idea to take away: across the grading scale, the phones are fully tested and working. You are choosing how new you want it to look, not whether it works. For the wider picture, start with our pillar guide, refurbished phone quality explained.
The typical grading scale
Most refurbishers use a scale along these lines. Labels vary by seller (letters or words), but the meaning is consistent:
| Grade | Also called | What to expect cosmetically |
|---|---|---|
| A / Excellent | Like-new, pristine | Minimal to no visible marks |
| B / Good | Very good | Light signs of use, small marks |
| C / Fair | Acceptable | More visible wear or scratches |
In every case the device is fully functional and backed by a warranty. The grade only tells you how much previous use shows on the outside.
Excellent or "A" grade
These look closest to a brand-new phone. If you want that out-of-the-box feel and are happy to pay a little more for it, this is your grade. To understand how close it gets to new, see is a refurbished iPhone as good as new.
Good or "B" grade
The value sweet spot for many buyers. You accept a few light marks, most of which disappear behind a case and screen protector, in exchange for a lower price. The phone works exactly the same as a higher grade.
Fair or "C" grade
The most affordable option. Expect more visible wear, such as scratches you can see in the light. If your priority is the lowest price for a fully working phone, this grade delivers. We go deeper on exactly what marks to expect in will a refurbished phone have scratches.
What grades do NOT change
It is just as useful to know what stays the same across every grade:
- Functionality is fully tested regardless of grade
- The device is professionally cleaned and set up
- A healthy battery is confirmed before sale
- You receive a warranty and easy returns
- You get a UAE VAT invoice on genuine stock
Battery in particular is worth understanding on its own, especially on iPhones, which we cover in battery health on refurbished iPhones.
How to choose your grade
Match the grade to what you care about most:
- Appearance first? Go like-new or excellent.
- Best balance? A good grade gives strong value with light wear.
- Lowest price? A fair grade is fully working with more visible marks.
Remember the terminology can shift between sellers, so always read what the grade actually describes rather than the label alone. If terms like renewed or pre-owned are confusing you, see refurbished, renewed and pre-owned decoded.
The takeaway
Grades are a pricing and appearance choice, not a quality risk. Every grade is tested, working and warrantied, so you can confidently trade a little cosmetic perfection for a lower price.
See the grades for yourself across phones, tablets and MacBooks. Shop the full collection and pick the condition that suits you, with a warranty and UAE VAT invoice on every order.
Frequently asked questions
What do refurbished phone grades mean?
Grades describe cosmetic condition, from like-new or excellent down to fair. The difference between grades is mostly light marks or wear. Every grade is fully tested and working.
Is a lower grade phone worse to use?
No. A lower grade simply shows more signs of previous use on the outside. It is still fully tested, functional and sold with a warranty.
Which refurbished grade should I buy?
Choose a like-new grade if appearance matters most, a good grade for the best balance of price and condition, or a fair grade for the lowest price if you do not mind visible wear.
Do all grades come with a warranty?
Yes. At YesAgain every grade is sold with a warranty, easy returns and a UAE VAT invoice.