Screen
Scratches are checked against a dark background and under bright light. Hairline marks that cannot be felt count as light; anything a fingernail catches counts as deep. Corners and the front camera area are checked separately.
Our Grading
How we grade, A to C.
A grade sums up how a device looks once we have examined it and written our own notes about it. It is given in the offer for that device.
This is our in-house scale for visible wear, not an external certificate. The notes and photos of a specific device always tell you more than its letter.
The scale
- Grade A
- Close to new at arm's length. No scratches on the screen; at most faint marks on the frame or back that you have to look for.
- Grade B
- Visibly used, well kept. Light scratches on the screen or back that do not affect the picture, and small scuffs on the frame edges.
- Grade C
- Clearly worn. Deeper scratches, scuffs or small dents; some marks can be felt with a fingernail. Described in detail on the listing and priced accordingly.
What we look at
Each unit is inspected in good light, front and back, edge by edge. The listing notes record what was found.
Back and body
Back glass or shell, camera lens covers and any coating are checked for scratches, chips and discolouration. Marks left by cases and stands are noted.
Frame and buttons
Edges and corners are checked for scuffs, nicks and dents. Buttons and switches are pressed for feel and travel.
Ports and speakers
The charging port, speaker grilles and microphone openings are checked for debris and wear, and cleaned where needed.
Working order
The grade is about appearance. Separately, every unit is switched on and the following are checked before it is listed:
- Display and touch across the whole panel
- Front and rear cameras
- Speakers, microphone and buttons
- Wi-Fi, and cellular where the model has it
- Charging through the port
- Face ID or Touch ID, depending on the model
A unit that fails any of these checks is not listed under this scale.
What the grade does not cover
Battery health, shipping and the statutory guarantee sit outside the grade. Battery health is reported in each offer; shipping and the guarantee are covered by the terms of sale.
Browse the model options and request an offer: