Mobile Device Grading Guide
Our primary goal at Greenfox is our customers' trust. This guide gives you a precise overview of how our mobile devices reach their specific condition grade. Our devices are classified by their visual appearance and functionality. With a clear and consistent testing process, we aim to be as transparent as possible.
1. Functional Assessment
The functional assessment is always checked in the following order from most impactful to least impactful:
- 1Does the device turn on and stay on without a charger?
- 2Is the LCD free of defects? In case of discoloration, the severity is determined.
- 3Is the device physically intact and working as intended?
- 4Does the device have some minor cosmetic issues that do not affect normal use?
All working devices come with batteries that hold charge and work under normal conditions. We guarantee at least 80% battery health (battery health – as measured by Apple's maximum capacity metric) for Apple iPhones and iPads released in 2016 and later.
2. Visual Assessment
The following section shares details about our visual assessment. We follow a simple guide for inspecting the screen, frame and back cover. The grade will most likely reflect the screen condition – a device with a screen grade of C will be classified as C grade, regardless of how little wear there is elsewhere.
3. Visual Inspection Process
The visual assessment of mobile devices focuses on three main components: screen, frame and back cover. The visual inspection takes 15-20 seconds per device and devices are held at arm's length (40-50 cm).
Our mobile devices are divided into 7 visual grades – Brand New, Swap (replaced), A+, A, B and C. C+ is a mix of B and C, where at least one component must be graded B or higher. Only working devices with minor faults have visual grades.
When grading, we take into account the overall appearance of the device and how it looks under normal conditions. This means we do not consider defects that are only visible under a microscope.
While the overall appearance is the biggest factor in determining grades, there are also specific wear marks that disqualify a device from a higher grade, even if the device is otherwise perfect. For example, a device with a noticeable deep scratch (a scratch you can feel with your finger) cannot be A grade. With this in mind, the following grade descriptions note the maximum level of wear or other specific details for each grade. The vast majority of devices are better than described.
Visual assessment is always subjective and not all possible defects can be covered in this guide. This guide is intended for general use to give an overall idea of the grading classes.
4. Brand New
The device has never been used or activated and is in its original packaging.
Note: The packaging is factory sealed.
5. Grade A+
The device is "like new". Only a few small marks that are not noticeable at arm's length are allowed. Most devices will have only one or two of the following wear marks, not all of them.
Frame
- Only a few hairline scratches are allowed on the frame.
- For example, small scratches on the iPhone's silver frame and antenna bands.
Back Cover
- The back cover is free of defects, a few hairline scratches are allowed.
- For example, 1-2 hairline scratches on the Apple logo.
Screen
- Up to 5 hairline scratches are allowed on the screen.
- Light scratches on the home button are allowed.
Sample images
6. Grade A
The device is in excellent condition with minimal wear. A few small marks and signs of wear that are not noticeable at arm's length are allowed. Most devices will have only some of the following wear marks, not all.
Frame
- Only a few hairline scratches are allowed on the frame.
- For example, small scratches on the iPhone's silver frame and antenna bands.
Back Cover
- The back cover has a small number of scattered hairline scratches.
- The device may have one miniature defect on the back cover.
- For example, barely noticeable wear on the edge of the camera module.
Screen
- Hairline scratches that are not noticeable at arm's length or when the screen is turned on are allowed.
Sample images
7. Grade B
A used device in good condition with wear marks noticeable at arm's length. Light to moderate scratches are allowed. Most devices will have only some of the following wear marks, not all of them.
Frame
- Scratches and some minor wear on the frame are allowed.
- Deeper drop marks or scratches on the screen are not allowed.
Back Cover
- Scratches and some minor wear on the frame are allowed.
- Deeper drop marks are not allowed.
Screen
- Hairline scratches that are not noticeable at arm's length or when the screen is turned on are allowed.
- There must be no cracks or deeper scratches on the screen that can be felt with a finger.
Sample images
8. Grade C+
The device is in average condition with moderate wear.
The frame may have deeper scratches and wear. Plastic frames may have cracks. The back cover may have deeper scratches, superficial wear and discoloration. The screen may have several hairline scratches or some deeper light scratches.
C+ graded devices have one component (screen, frame or back cover) graded B or higher and the others are graded C. These are typically devices where the previous owner used a screen protector or protective case.
9. Grade C
The device is in average condition with moderate wear.
The frame may have deeper scratches and wear. The back cover may have deep scratches, superficial wear and discoloration. The screen may have several hairline scratches or some deeper light scratches. There must be nothing that interferes with using the device. The screen must not be cracked or broken.
Frame
- The frame may have deeper scratches and wear.
Back Cover
- Deep scratches and discoloration on the back cover are allowed.
Screen
- The screen may have several deeper scratches and slight discoloration is allowed.
- Scratches are surface-level only and must not be deep.
- When the screen is on, they must not block or obstruct the view.
- The screen must absolutely not be cracked or broken.
Sample images
10. Summary
Mobile devices sold by Greenfox – smartphones and tablets – are all physically intact and fully functional. This means that during functional and cosmetic testing, no defects were found that would interfere with using the device.
Our goal is to provide the best possible customer experience and ensure that every device matches its condition grade.
For laptop grading, see our separate guide: Laptop Grading Guide
If you would still like to receive detailed product photos, you can simply request them by writing to us at info@greenfox.ee. We will request photos from the warehouse and send you actual product photos. On average this takes 1-3 hours, sometimes longer.
Free shipping
On all orders over €300
14-day return policy
100% satisfaction guaranteed!
Last updated: March 31, 2026