Pre-owned iPhone grades: what A, B, and C actually mean
Every reputable dealer grades pre-owned phones — but the criteria vary wildly. Here's the grading standard we use at Nextech, and how it compares to the market.
Key takeaways
- 01Grade A: looks new at arm's length. Battery 90%+. Premium price.
- 02Grade B: light wear visible up close. Battery 85%+. Best overall value.
- 03Grade C: visible chips or scratches. Battery 80%+. Cheapest, perfect for case users.
- 04Battery health below 80% should be replaced before resale — if a dealer skips this, walk away.
The Nextech grading standard
| Grade | Visual | Battery | Function | Typical discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealed / New | Brand new sealed box | 100% | Full | 0% (full price) |
| A | No visible wear at arm's length | 90%+ | Full | 30–40% off RRP |
| B | Minor scuffs visible up close | 85%+ | Full | 40–55% off RRP |
| C | Visible chips, scratches, dents | 80%+ | Full | 55–65% off RRP |
The grade most people should actually buy
Grade B. Here's why: most users put their phone in a case within an hour of buying it, so the cosmetic difference between A and B disappears the moment you slide on a cover. You save R1,000–R2,500 by going one grade down, and the function is identical.
The only people who should pay for Grade A are buyers who plan to resell within 12 months — grade matters at resale time, so you're protecting future value.
Battery health: the spec that actually matters
You can repaint a chassis. You can't fake battery cycles long-term. We check battery health on every phone before grading and refuse to sell anything below 80% without disclosing it and offering a battery swap at cost (typically R650–R1,200).
Anything advertised as Grade A with battery health below 90% is mis-graded. That's a sign the dealer is loose with the rest of their standards too.
FAQ
Can you upgrade my Grade C to Grade B?
Sometimes. A chassis polish and back glass replacement can move a C up to a B, but the parts cost usually cancels the saving. We'd rather sell you a B at the right price.
Does grade affect warranty?
No — every grade carries the same 6-month Nextech warranty.
Talk to a human
Shop pre-owned iPhones by grade.
Every phone clearly labelled A, B, or C with real condition photos. No surprises.
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