Grade A vs Grade B Refurbished Phones — Which Should You Buy?

You've found the refurbished phone you want. The price looks right. Then you notice two listings for the same model — one says Grade A / Excellent, the other says Grade B / Good, and there's a €40–80 difference between them. Which do you choose?

This is the single most common question buyers ask about refurbished phones in Europe. This guide gives you a definitive, honest answer.

What Grade A (Excellent) Actually Means

A Grade A refurbished phone has been returned, tested, and restored to a condition that is visually near-perfect. The industry standard definition used by most EU certified sellers including Back Market, refurbed, and remobile.eu is:

• Any scratches or marks are invisible from 30cm in normal lighting
• The screen has no visible scratches when active or off
• Battery health is typically 85–100% (varies by seller)
• All buttons, ports, cameras, and speakers function perfectly
• The device has been factory reset and data wiped

What Grade B (Good) Actually Means

Grade B phones are fully functional devices with light to moderate cosmetic wear. They've lived a life — you can tell they've been used, but everything works perfectly.

• Visible light scratches on the frame or back glass
• Possibly minor scuffs on corners from normal use
• Screen is typically clear and scratch-free (most sellers protect screens)
• Battery health is usually 80–90%
• All functions work identically to Grade A

The Real Price Difference in 2026

Battery Health: The Hidden Difference That Matters More

Here's what most buyers miss: the grade tells you about cosmetics, not battery health. A Grade A phone can have 85% battery. A Grade B phone can have 92% battery. They are separate measurements.

Always check the battery health percentage alongside the grade. On RefurbHub, every listing shows the exact battery percentage. A Grade B phone with 94% battery will serve you better in daily use than a Grade A phone with 83% battery — the scratches you'll never notice, the battery you'll feel every day.

What About Grade C (Fair)?

Grade C phones have visible cosmetic damage — you'll see scratches and possibly small dents. The performance is identical, and for buyers who immediately use a heavy-duty case, it makes no practical difference. Savings are typically €60–120 vs Grade A. Only avoid Grade C if the battery health is below 80%, as both cosmetic wear and battery degradation together can indicate heavier use.

The Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Does grade affect the warranty?

No. All certified EU sellers provide the same warranty regardless of grade — typically 12 months minimum, with EU consumer law providing 2 years statutory protection. Grade only describes cosmetic condition.

Can I return a refurbished phone if I'm not happy with the grade?

Yes. Under EU consumer law, you have a minimum 14-day right of withdrawal on any purchase from a certified seller. Most reputable sellers like Back Market offer 30 days.

Do grades vary between sellers?

Slightly. Back Market's Grade A standard is slightly stricter than some smaller sellers. Always read the seller's specific grading criteria on their listing page. RefurbHub only lists from certified sellers with published grading standards.