One of the most common questions we get at Green Gadgets is: what do the condition grades actually mean? If you've ever browsed refurbished phones and wondered whether to choose Excellent over Very Good, or what As New really looks like in practice, this guide is for you.
Why Condition Grades Matter
When you buy a refurbished phone, the grade tells you about its cosmetic appearance β not its performance. Every single device we sell, regardless of grade, is 100% fully functional. It has passed our 72-point inspection, is completely unlocked, and comes with a 12-month warranty. The grade simply describes what you'll see when you hold the phone in your hand.
Understanding grades helps you make the right call for your budget. A Good grade device works identically to an As New one β but costs significantly less.
As New
What it means: The device is in pristine condition with no visible signs of use. It looks and feels brand new.
What to expect: No scratches, no scuffs, no marks of any kind on the screen, frame, or back. Battery health is typically 90% or above. May come with original accessories.
Best for: People who want the closest possible experience to buying new, or those who plan to resell the device later.
Price: The highest grade, closest to new retail price β but still significantly cheaper than new.
Excellent
What it means: Very light signs of use. Minor micro-scratches may be visible under close inspection but are not noticeable during normal use.
What to expect: The phone looks great from arm's length and in everyday use. You may notice very fine scratches only when examining the screen closely under bright light. Frame and back are clean. Battery health is typically 85%+.
Best for: Most buyers. Excellent offers the best combination of quality and value β it looks great, performs perfectly, and costs noticeably less than As New.
Price: Our most popular grade. Typically 10β20% less than As New.
Very Good
What it means: Shows some signs of use. Light scratches or scuffs may be visible under normal lighting.
What to expect: Some fine scratches visible on the screen or frame in everyday lighting conditions. Nothing sharp or deep β normal wear from regular use. The display remains fully clear and functional. Battery health is typically 82%+.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who prioritise performance over cosmetics. Great if you plan to put a case on it immediately.
Price: Strong value. Typically 20β35% less than As New.
Good
What it means: Noticeable signs of use including scratches, scuffs, or minor marks from regular everyday use.
What to expect: Visible scratches on the screen or frame that you'll notice during normal use. May have small chips on corners or edges. The display itself is unaffected β fully functional with no dead pixels or touch issues. Battery health meets our minimum 80% standard.
Best for: Maximum savings. If you want a fully working phone at the lowest possible price and cosmetics don't bother you, Good grade delivers exceptional value. Also great for kids' first phones or workplace devices.
Price: Our best-value grade. Typically 35β50% less than As New.
Which Grade Should You Choose?
Here's a simple way to think about it:
- Gift or present? Choose As New or Excellent
- Personal daily driver, care about looks? Choose Excellent
- Personal use, putting a case on it? Very Good is perfect
- Just need it to work, budget is priority? Good is your best bet
What About Performance?
We can't stress this enough: all grades perform identically. A Good-grade iPhone 15 runs iOS exactly the same as an As New iPhone 15. The processor, memory, camera, Face ID, 5G β everything works the same. The grade is purely cosmetic.
Can I See Photos of Each Grade?
Yes. Our Device Condition page shows real photos of each grade across phones, tablets, watches, and computers so you know exactly what to expect before you buy.
Our Promise on Every Grade
Regardless of which grade you choose, every Green Gadgets device comes with:
- 12-month warranty (hardware faults including battery)
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 72-point inspection certification
- Fully unlocked for all Australian carriers
- Free shipping with same-day dispatch on orders before 12pm
Ready to find your next device? Browse all refurbished phones by grade and see what suits your budget today.