Used Phone Grading Scale

Every wholesale device we ship is graded on our standardized OB, A, B, C, D cosmetic scale by trained technicians, and functionally verified with certified diagnostic software. Explore real photos from our grading floor and know exactly what you're buying — no surprises on delivery.

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Graded by trained technicians
Verified via diagnostic software
Functional across all standard grades
Consistent on every batch
Photo samples for bulk orders

See every grade, photographed

Select a grade to see real photos of the screen, frame, back, and charging connector — taken on our grading floor, not studio mockups. Grades describe cosmetic condition only: every standard-grade device is verified fully functional before it ships.

Open Box (OB)

Grade A

Grade B

Grade BX

Grade C

Grade D

OB

Open Box (OB) — Essentially New

Opened but essentially unused. Open Box devices have under 14 days of use, come in their original packaging, and show at most the faintest signs of handling. Near-new quality at a below-retail price — ideal for premium resale. Accessories are not guaranteed.

Screen condition example — Open Box (OB)

Screen

May have minimal scratches

Frame condition example — Open Box (OB)

Frame

Marks or scratches under 1mm

Back condition example — Open Box (OB)

Back

May have minimal scratches

Connector condition example — Open Box (OB)

Connector

May show light wear

A

Grade A — Like New

Like new in cosmetic condition, fully functional and verified by diagnostic software. The phone shows no major signs of use.

Screen condition example — Grade A

Screen

May have minimal scratches not visible under normal use

Frame condition example — Grade A

Frame

Marks or scratches under 1mm

Back condition example — Grade A

Back

May have minimal scratches

Connector condition example — Grade A

Connector

May show light wear

B

Grade B — Light Wear

Light cosmetic wear, fully functional and verified by diagnostic software. The phone shows minor signs of use.

Screen condition example — Grade B

Screen

May contain small scratches

Frame condition example — Grade B

Frame

May have small scuffs or chips

Back condition example — Grade B

Back

May have light scratches

Connector condition example — Grade B

Connector

May show moderate wear

BX

Grade BX — Scratched Screen

Fully functional, unlocked, and tested via diagnostic software. The housing remains in A/B grade condition, while the screen may contain light and/or heavy scratches. These phones are perfect for reglass or polish — or simply better economic value.

Screen condition example — Grade BX

Screen

May contain light and/or heavy scratches

Frame condition example — Grade BX

Frame

May have small scuffs or chips

Back condition example — Grade BX

Back

May have light scratches

Connector condition example — Grade BX

Connector

May show moderate wear

C

Grade C — Heavy Wear

Heavier cosmetic wear on a fully functional, unlocked device, verified by diagnostic software. This is a heavily used phone.

Screen condition example — Grade C

Screen

May contain deep scratches

Frame condition example — Grade C

Frame

Numerous scuffs and/or dents

Back condition example — Grade C

Back

May have multiple deep scratches

Connector condition example — Grade C

Connector

May show heavy wear

D

Grade D — Cracked Glass

Unlocked and tested via diagnostic software. Cosmetics vary — these devices have a crack or chip in the front and/or back glass, but the LCD is guaranteed functional.

Screen condition example — Grade D

Screen

LCD functional — may have crack or chip in glass

Frame condition example — Grade D

Frame

Variable cosmetics

Back condition example — Grade D

Back

May have crack or chip in back glass

Connector condition example — Grade D

Connector

Verified by diagnostic software

Also available: PTG and PTB parts-grade devices for repair shops, refurbishers, and parts recovery. PTG units have a fully functional LCD with other faults possible; PTB units have damaged LCDs. Ask our team about parts-grade lots.

Why grading matters for wholesale buyers

Grading protects your margin

When you source used phones at scale, cosmetic condition directly affects your resale margin. A batch of Grade A devices can command a 15–30% premium over Grade B in most retail markets. Understanding the scale means you can target the right grade for your market — premium certified pre-owned, value retail, or budget resale.

Functionality across all grades

Every device is tested with certified diagnostic software before it is graded. Calls, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras, touchscreen, Face or Touch ID, and charging are all verified. Cosmetic grade never reflects functionality — devices with functional faults are classified separately as PTG or PTB parts devices and never mixed into standard grade batches.

Consistent across brands and batches

The same scale applies to every brand and model we stock — iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel alike. Whether you buy 50 units or 5,000, grading is applied by trained technicians under consistent conditions, and we can provide photographic samples for bulk orders on request.

Frequently asked questions

What does Grade A mean for a used phone?

Grade A means the device is in like-new cosmetic condition. The screen may have only minimal scratches that are not visible under normal use, and the frame and back show no major signs of use. Grade A phones are ideal for retail resale and certified pre-owned programs where cosmetic quality matters to end consumers.

What is the difference between Grade B and Grade C?

Grade B phones show light wear: small scratches on the screen, light scuffs or chips on the frame, and light scratches on the back. Grade C phones are heavily used, with deeper scratches and numerous scuffs or dents. Grade C devices are typically suited for budget markets or fleet deployments.

What does Open Box (OB) mean for a phone?

Open Box means the device was opened but is essentially unused — it shows no scratches, marks, or signs of wear, has under 14 days of use, and comes in its original packaging. Open Box phones offer near-new quality at a below-retail price point, making them ideal for premium resale.

Do all grades include fully working phones?

Yes — grades OB through C describe cosmetic condition only, and every device is tested and confirmed fully functional with certified diagnostic software. Grade D devices are fully functional but have a crack or chip in the front and/or back glass. Devices with functional faults are classified separately as PTG or PTB parts grades and are never mixed into standard batches.

Can I request mixed grades in a single order?

Yes. RecirQ can supply mixed-grade lots for buyers who want to maximize volume or cover multiple market segments in a single shipment. Contact our team to discuss the grade split that works for your business model and target margin.

How do I know the grading is accurate and consistent?

RecirQ's grading technicians are trained to our internal grading standards and grade under consistent conditions. For large orders, we can provide photographic samples on request, and we welcome buyers to visit our facility for an in-person grading review before committing to large volumes.

Ready to source graded wholesale phones?

Browse our live stock of graded iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices — or talk to our team about a custom mixed-grade order for your market.

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