What do the grades mean?
Premium (also called Pristine or Excellent) — Minimal or no signs of use. The screen and body are in near-perfect condition. Battery health is 80% or above. This is the closest to buying new — and the most expensive grade.
Good (also called Very Good) — Light cosmetic marks that require close inspection to spot. Fully functional. Battery health 80%+. This is the most popular grade because it offers the best balance of price and condition. For most buyers, a Good phone looks fine in everyday use — especially with a case.
Fair (also called Acceptable) — Visible cosmetic wear on the body, back or screen. Fully functional. Battery health 80%+. The cheapest grade. Best for buyers who prioritise budget over appearance — ideal for kids phones or heavy-use devices where a case will cover most marks anyway.
Are the grades consistent between retailers?
Not always. Grading standards are set by each retailer independently. What one retailer calls Premium, another might call Good. This is why it is important to read the retailer's specific grading description before buying, not just compare prices.
GadgetRank displays each retailer's grade alongside their price so you can compare like for like. When comparing two similar prices, always check whether the condition grade matches — a Premium from one retailer may be cheaper than a Good from another.
How much cheaper is Good than Premium?
The price difference between Premium and Good varies by device. On a flagship iPhone, the difference is typically £20–£60. On a mid-range Samsung, it might be £15–£40. The saving is worth it for most buyers who plan to use a case — the cosmetic differences are invisible once the phone is in a case.
What about battery health?
All grades from reputable UK retailers include devices with battery health of 80% or above. Some retailers (including ur.co.uk) replace batteries as standard on lower grades. Battery health can be checked on iPhones directly in Settings — go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
A battery at 80% health holds 80% of its original charge. For most users, this is more than adequate for a full day of use. If battery life is a priority, pay slightly more for a Premium device or choose a retailer that replaces batteries.
Which grade should you choose?
For most buyers: Good. You save meaningfully over Premium, the cosmetic marks are minor and invisible with a case, and you still get a 12-month warranty and battery health guarantee. Premium makes sense if you are particularly fussy about condition or buying as a gift. Fair is best if budget is the primary concern.
Compare refurbished phones by grade and price →
View our full condition guide →