iPhone Grading Explained: A, B and C Grades in Used iPhone Wholesale

If you buy used iPhones wholesale, grades decide almost everything: the price you pay, the price you can ask, the number of returns you get and how happy your customers are. Yet grading is one of the most confusing parts of the trade. One supplier's grade A is another supplier's grade B, and some suppliers use completely different names. This guide explains iPhone grading A, B and C as it is commonly used in the market, and how to make sure the grade you buy is the grade you get.

What Is iPhone Grading?

Grading is a way to describe the condition of a used iPhone in a single label. Instead of describing every scratch on every device, suppliers group devices into grades. A good grading system tells you two things:

• The cosmetic condition: how the screen, frame and back look
• The functional condition: whether everything works as it should

Most grading systems focus on cosmetics, because functionality should be tested and working on every device that is sold as working. Always check if that is the case with your supplier.

The Common A, B and C Grades

There is no official, universal standard for iPhone grades. But in the wholesale trade, the A, B and C system is widely used. Roughly, it works like this:

Grade A

Devices in excellent condition with few or no visible signs of use. Small micro scratches may be visible under close inspection, but the device looks close to new at normal viewing distance. Grade A sells at the highest price of the used grades.

Grade B

Devices with light, visible signs of use, such as small scratches on the frame or back. The screen is usually in good condition. Grade B offers a good balance between price and appearance and is popular with price-driven customers.

Grade C

Devices with clear signs of wear, such as deeper scratches or small dents. They should still be fully functional. Grade C is the cheapest grade and suits markets where price matters most, or resellers who refurbish devices further themselves.

Some suppliers add extra grades such as A+ or B+, or grades for devices with defects. Because every supplier uses its own definitions, always ask for a written description of each grade.

How Coolmix Grades Used iPhones

At Coolmix we use our own grades, each linked to a clear warranty. That makes it easier to match stock to your customers and to plan your own warranty policy.

• Graded AA+: high-quality used devices with minimal signs of wear. Includes a 30-day Coolmix warranty.
• CPO (Certified Pre-Owned): devices in like-new condition, fully tested. Includes a 1-year international warranty.
• ASIS / ASIS+: sold as-is without warranty. ASIS+ units are brand new but non-activated.

Our grades do not map one to one onto the A, B and C grades of other suppliers. If you are used to A, B and C, ask your sales manager which Coolmix grade best fits what you buy today. You can find the full grade overview on our page about wholesale refurbished iPhones.

What Is Checked Before a Device Gets a Grade?

A grade is only as good as the inspection behind it. At Coolmix every used iPhone is checked with advanced diagnostic tools on:

• Screen condition and functionality
• Battery health and performance
• Cosmetic appearance, including scratches, dents and wear
• Cameras, buttons, ports and overall operation

All personal data is erased in line with R2 requirements before a device is shipped.

Why Battery Health Matters

Battery health is not always part of a grade, but your customers care about it. A device in perfect cosmetic condition with a weak battery can still lead to complaints. Ask your supplier how battery health is measured and whether it is reported per batch or per device. Want to help your customers get more out of their device? Share our tips for extending the lifespan of a pre-owned iPhone.

How to Avoid Grading Disputes

• Get grade definitions in writing. A short description per grade avoids discussions later.
• Start with a test order. Check a first batch against the definitions before you scale up.
• Compare like with like. Never compare a grade A price from one supplier with a grade B price from another.
• Check on arrival. Inspect devices soon after delivery and report issues to your sales manager straight away.
• Know the warranty per grade. It tells you how much risk you carry yourself.

Which Grade Should You Buy?

That depends on your customers. Retail shops and customers who want a near-new device usually prefer the highest grades. Online marketplaces and price-driven markets often do well with mid grades. Repair shops and refurbishers may prefer cheaper grades that they can improve themselves. Many resellers buy a mix, so they can offer several price points. If you want to combine grades in one order, see how to buy used iPhones in bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone Grading

What do grades A, B and C mean for iPhones?

Grade A means excellent condition with few signs of use, grade B means light visible wear and grade C means clear signs of wear. All should be fully functional. Exact definitions differ per supplier.

Is there an official iPhone grading standard?

No. There is no universal standard. Every supplier uses its own definitions, so always ask for them in writing.

Does the grade say anything about the battery?

Not always. Many grades focus on cosmetics. Ask your supplier separately how battery health is tested and reported.

Which grades does Coolmix use?

Coolmix uses AA+ (30-day warranty), CPO (1-year international warranty) and ASIS or ASIS+ (no warranty).

What is the difference between refurbished and graded used?

Both are pre-owned devices. Graded used describes the condition of the device as it is. Refurbished usually means the device was also restored or repaired where needed. Ask your supplier which process applies to the stock you buy.