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Buying Guides15 Jun 2026Posted byLiam Harris

Which Refurbished Phone Grade Should You Buy?

Which Refurbished Phone Grade Should You Buy?

Open Box, Like New, Grade A, Grade B. If you've spent any time looking at refurbished phones, you've seen these labels stacked next to the same model at different prices and wondered which one you're actually supposed to pick.

Here's the short version: the grade tells you how the phone looks, not how well it works. Every grade is the same phone underneath, tested to the same standard, and backed by the same warranty. The only real question is how much visible wear you're willing to live with to save money, and the answer depends entirely on how you use your phone.

This guide walks you through that decision in plain terms, so you can buy the right grade for your situation instead of paying for a condition you'll never notice.

Refurbished Phone Grades: Cosmetic condition, not qualityĀ 

This is the part most buyers get wrong, and it's the part that saves you the most money once it clicks.

At Phonebot, every device, regardless of grade, passes the sameĀ 72-point inspection covering hardware, software, battery, and cosmetic condition. Every grade meets a minimum battery health of 80%, as shown on each listing. And every grade comes with the same 12-month warranty, the same 30-day change-of-mind returns, and free delivery Australia-wide.

A Grade B phone is not slower, weaker, or less protected than a Like New one. It just has more visible marks on the outside. That's the whole difference. Once you understand that, choosing a grade stops being about quality and starts being about budget and personal taste.

For the full definitions and reference photos of each grade, see ourĀ device grading page. Below, we focus on helping you choose.

Refurbished Phone Grades ComparedĀ 

Grade

What it looks like

Battery

Best for

Open Box

Opened but unused, zero signs of use, in its original box

90%+ (shown per listing)

The new phone feels good without the new phone price

Like New

Flawless screen and body, no marks under any lighting

85%+ (shown per listing)

Perfectionists and gifting

Grade A

Micro-scratches are only visible under direct light, invisible in daily use

80ā€“85%+ verified

Most people have the best balance of looks and value

Grade B

Visible cosmetic wear, fully functional

80%+ (shown per listing)

Budget-first buyers and anyone who uses a case


Same testing, same warranty, same returns across all four. The differences are cosmetic, and they're reflected in the price.

Which refurbished grade is right for you?Ā 

Choose Grade B ifā€¦

You want the biggest possible saving, and you don't mind some visible wear. Grade B phones show scratches or scuffs, but they're fully functional and pass the same checks as every other grade.

This is the smart pick if money is the priority, if you're buying a first phone for a child who'll put it through the wringer anyway, or, crucially, if you keep your phone in a case. More on that below, because it's the single best money-saving insight in this guide.

Choose Grade A ifā€¦

You're not sure which way to go. Grade A is our bestseller for a reason: it's near-new in appearance, with only micro-scratches that you'd need direct lighting to spot; it has verified battery health of 80ā€“85% or higher; and it sits at the sweet spot in price and condition.

If you carry your phone without a case but you're not chasing flawless perfection, Grade A is the safe default that keeps almost everyone happy.

Choose Like New ifā€¦

Appearance matters to you and you don't want a single visible mark. Like New devices have flawless screens and bodies with nothing visible under any lighting, and they're tested to exceed manufacturer standards. They come with a premium charging cable.

This is the grade to pick if you're a perfectionist, or if the phone is a gift and you want it to look immaculate out of the box.

Choose Open Box ifā€¦

You want the closest thing to buying brand new. Open Box devices have been opened but never used, arrive in their original box, and typically sell for around 10ā€“15% below retail. The device and charging cable are guaranteed; other in-box accessories may vary.

It's the right choice when you want that out-of-the-box experience and the original packaging, just without paying full retail for it.

Grade A vs Grade BĀ 

Here's the question that settles it for most people: Do you keep your phone in a case?

If you do, almost all of the wear that separates Grade A and Grade B from the pristine grades is hidden the moment you put the case on. You'd be paying extra for a flawless back and edges that nobody, including you, will ever see again.

So if your phone lives in a case, the rational choice is Grade A or Grade B. Put the money you save toward a good case, or simply keep it in your pocket. If you go caseless and treat your phone as an object you want to look perfect, that's when stepping up to Like New or Open Box makes sense.

Refurbished grade myths that cost you moneyĀ 

"Grade A has a better battery than Grade B." No. Every grade meets the same 80% minimum battery health, and the exact figure is shown on each listing. Check the listing, not the grade.

"A lower grade means a worse warranty." No. Every grade, including Grade B, comes with the same 12-month warranty.

"Grade B will look beaten up." No. Grade B has visible wear, not damage, and it's still fully functional. Inside a case, most Grade B phones are indistinguishable from new.

"A cheaper grade is a riskier phone." No. Every grade goes through the same 72-point test and is covered by the same protections under Australian Consumer Law. The risk is the same; only the price and the cosmetics change.

Still not sure which grade to buy?Ā 

When in doubt, Grade A is the safe default, near-new looks at our best-value price, and our most popular grade by a wide margin.

When you're ready, browse the full refurbished phones range. For the bigger picture on buying refurbished, start with ourĀ refurbished phone buying guide.

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

Liam Harris

Iā€™m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Grade B refurbished phone worth it?

Yes, if you value price over appearance. It's fully functional and protected exactly like the higher grades, the only trade-off is more visible wear, which is often hidden once the phone is in a case. For many buyers it's the best value of the four.


Does the grade affect battery health or warranty?

No. Every grade meets a minimum 80% battery health, with the exact figure shown on each listing, and every grade comes with a 12-month warranty.


What's the difference between Open Box and Like New?

Open Box is opened-but-unused and comes in its original box, typically around 10ā€“15% below retail. Like New is flawless in appearance and tested to exceed manufacturer standards, but may not include the original box.

Which grade is most popular?

Grade A. It offers the best balance of near-new condition and value, which is why it's our bestseller.

Can I see the condition before I buy?

Yes. The grade and battery health are listed on every product, and full grade definitions with reference photos are available on our grading page.