When buying a refurbished iPhone, you'll come across designations like A+, A, A-, B, or C. These letters indicate the cosmetic condition of the device and help you know what to expect visually from the phone in advance. It's important to understand that the condition of the device does not affect its performance or functionality — every refurbished iPhone (sometimes referred to as pre-owned) undergoes a complete technical inspection regardless of its category.
Let's look in detail at each category so you can make an informed decision when purchasing at koupitiphone.cz.
Condition A+ — Like New
Devices in A+ condition are in virtually perfect cosmetic condition. The display is free of any scratches visible to the naked eye, the frame and back are intact, and the phone shows no signs of daily use. These are typically units that have been used for a very short time or carefully kept in a case.
If you want a refurbished iPhone that looks new but at a lower price, A+ condition is the ideal choice. Visually, you won't distinguish it from a product just unboxed.
- Display: no scratches visible to the naked eye
- Frame: no signs of wear
- Back: in perfect condition
- Overall impression: like a new device
Condition A — Excellent Condition with Minimal Traces
Devices in A condition are in excellent condition with at most minor, barely noticeable signs of normal use. They may have very small micro-scratches on the back or frame, visible only under direct lighting. The display is practically flawless.
Condition A is the most popular category in the refurbished iPhone market — it offers great visual condition at a more favorable price than A+. The vast majority of customers won't notice any imperfections on an A-grade phone in real life.
- Display: no visible scratches, at most micro-abrasions
- Frame: minor, barely noticeable signs of use
- Back: at most fine micro-scratches under direct light
- Overall impression: excellent condition, phone appears almost new
Condition A- — Good Condition with Moderate Traces
Condition A- denotes devices that are still in very good functional condition but show more distinct cosmetic signs of daily use. They may have visible scratches on the frame or back, or minor scuffs on the edges.
For customers who prioritize functionality over perfect appearance and want to save as much as possible, A- condition is the ideal choice. The phone works flawlessly — the signs are purely aesthetic.
- Display: possible minor scratches visible under direct light
- Frame: visible signs of use, scuffs
- Back: more distinct scratches or scuffs
- Overall impression: clearly refurbished, but fully functional
Condition B — Noticeably Refurbished, Fully Functional
Devices in B condition have noticeable cosmetic damage — more prominent scratches on the frame, scuffs on the back, or other visible signs of intensive use. The display may have minor scratches visible in direct light. Functionality, however, is 100% preserved.
Condition B offers the best value for money for customers who will immediately put the phone in a case and are not concerned about cosmetic condition. They save a significant amount compared to A or A+ conditions.
- Display: minor scratches visible under direct lighting
- Frame: prominent scratches and scuffs
- Back: visible surface damage
- Overall impression: noticeably refurbished, but technically flawless
Condition C — Maximum Savings, Functional Basic
Devices in C condition have more significant cosmetic damage and are intended for customers seeking maximum savings and who don't mind visible signs of use. This may include deeper scratches, a worn frame, or visible wear on the back. Technically, these devices are fully functional.
Condition C is ideal for those who need a functional iPhone as cheaply as possible — for example, as a backup, a work phone, or for a child who will put the phone in a robust case anyway.
Why does device condition not affect performance?
This is a key piece of information many customers don't know: the cosmetic condition of a device and its technical condition are two completely separate things. Every refurbished iPhone, regardless of category, undergoes an identical inspection and repair process:
- Complete testing of all hardware functions (WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile data, GPS, cameras, speakers, microphones)
- Inspection and potential replacement of the display
- Battery test and evaluation
- Factory reset and installation of the latest iOS
- Disinfection and cleaning of the device
Scratches on the frame or back are purely aesthetic — they do not affect chip performance, photo quality, Face ID speed, or battery life in any way.
Battery condition — What does battery capacity mean?
Another important parameter for refurbished iPhones is battery capacity. iOS displays battery capacity as a percentage (available in Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging). This number indicates what percentage of the original battery capacity is still available.
What do the percentages mean?
- 100% — New battery: The battery has been replaced with a new one. The phone has full original endurance.
- 90–99%: The battery is in excellent condition. In practice, there's no difference compared to a new battery.
- 80–89%: The battery is in good condition. Battery life may be slightly shorter — typically 1–2 hours less compared to a new device.
- Below 80%: Apple considers the battery worn and recommends replacement. In this condition, the battery may not deliver maximum performance, and its endurance is noticeably shorter.
What to watch out for?
When buying a refurbished iPhone, always check the battery condition. At koupitiphone.cz, we state the battery condition for each device. If the battery capacity drops below 80%, we recommend replacement, which is relatively inexpensive and will restore the phone to full endurance.
How to choose the right category?
The choice of category depends on your priorities:
- Do you want a phone that looks new? Choose A+ or A condition.
- Do you want a good compromise between price and appearance? Opt for A or A- condition.
- Do you prioritize functionality and maximum savings? B or C condition is ideal for you.
- Will you immediately put the phone in a case? Choose B or C condition and save money.
Conclusion
Categories A+, A, A-, B, and C describe exclusively the cosmetic condition of a refurbished iPhone. Performance, speed, camera quality, or other technical parameters do not differ between categories. A refurbished iPhone in any condition has undergone the same rigorous technical inspection and is fully functional.
Browse the entire selection of refurbished iPhones in all categories at koupitiphone.cz and choose the model and condition that best suits your needs and budget.