How iDevice Depot Grades Pre-Owned Apple Devices

Short answer: iDevice Depot grades pre-owned Apple devices by visible cosmetic condition after functional checks are completed. As New means no visible wear, Excellent means minimal signs of use visible only on close inspection, and Good means light normal wear such as minor marks that do not affect performance. The grade describes appearance; every listed device is expected to pass the same core functionality process.

Our three condition grades

Grade	What you should expect	Best for
As New	No visible wear; looks and performs like a brand-new device	Buyers who place the highest priority on cosmetic presentation
Excellent	Minimal signs of use, visible only on close inspection	Buyers seeking a near-pristine appearance
Good	Light, normal wear such as minor marks that do not affect performance	Value-focused buyers comfortable with honest signs of previous use

Condition language is not universal across the refurbished industry. Our definitions apply to devices listed by iDevice Depot; another seller may use the same words differently. Always read the grade key on the store you are buying from.

Function comes before cosmetics

A grade is useful only after the device has passed functional checks. Before listing, iDevice Depot carries out a multi-point inspection covering the areas buyers rely on each day:

• Battery health and charging behaviour
• Screen operation and touch response where applicable
• Front and rear cameras
• Speakers and audio functions
• Buttons and physical controls
• Charging connection
• Connectivity
• Software operation and reset

The device is fully wiped and signed out of any previous Apple ID. Listed devices are also supplied with a clean IMEI where relevant, no Activation Lock, a fully functional battery and a warranty. These checks are about practical ownership: you should be able to set up the device as yours and use the functions represented in the listing.

What cosmetic grading does and does not tell you

It tells you about visible wear

The grade helps set an expectation for marks from normal use. A Good-grade iPhone may have minor frame or enclosure marks; an Excellent unit should show less; an As New unit should show no visible wear.

It does not create a different performance tier

A lower cosmetic grade is not intended to mean a slower processor, weaker camera or reduced storage. Model and configuration determine those specifications. Grade describes condition, while testing addresses function.

It is not a promise of factory-new packaging

Pre-owned products have had a previous life. Review the individual listing for included accessories and packaging rather than assuming they match a newly sealed retail product.

It does not make a used battery new

Rechargeable batteries are consumable. “Fully functional” means the battery passes the seller’s functional standard; it does not mean it has never been used or will match the runtime of a new device. Battery experience also varies with model, age, settings, network strength and workload.

How to choose the right grade

Choose As New when presentation matters most

This can suit a gift, a client-facing device or a buyer who knows that visible marks will bother them. You are paying for the highest cosmetic expectation within the pre-owned range.

Choose Excellent for balance

Excellent is suited to buyers who want very limited wear without making a completely unmarked exterior the first priority. Minimal signs may be visible under close inspection.

Choose Good for function-led value

Good is often the practical choice for a device that will immediately go into a protective case, travel daily or serve as a work phone, family iPad or school laptop. Minor normal wear is part of the expectation, not evidence that the device failed testing.

Best buying rule: choose the model and specification for what you need, then select the cosmetic grade you are comfortable seeing every day.

What to check on the product listing

1. Exact model: generation, screen size, connectivity and regional compatibility where relevant.
2. Capacity: storage and, for Macs, memory and chip configuration.
3. Condition: the stated grade and any product-specific notes.
4. Included items: charger, cable, packaging or accessories as explicitly listed.
5. Battery disclosure: the seller’s standard and any device-specific information.
6. Warranty and returns: duration, process, exclusions and change-of-mind policy.

Explore all pre-owned Apple devices, compare mobile phones, browse iPads or view laptops.

When your order arrives

Inspect it promptly under normal lighting and compare the model, storage, colour and grade with your order. Complete setup, test the functions important to you and contact support promptly if the device materially differs from its description. Do not deliberately stress, open or repair a device while a concern is being assessed, as that can complicate diagnosis.

Australian Consumer Law and our warranty

A retailer warranty is an additional written promise. It sits alongside rights that may apply automatically under the Australian Consumer Law, including consumer guarantees for eligible purchases from a business. Those guarantees cannot be excluded by a blanket “no refunds” statement. For second-hand goods, relevant factors can include age, price, disclosed condition and what the seller represented. The appropriate remedy depends on the circumstances and whether a failure is major.

For a broader risk checklist, read our 2026 refurbished iPhone guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Good condition mean the device is faulty?

No. Good describes light normal cosmetic wear. Listed devices still go through the functional inspection process.

Will I receive the exact device shown in a photo?

Check the individual listing. Product imagery may be representative unless the page specifically says it shows the exact unit.

Are scratches allowed on an Excellent device?

Excellent allows minimal signs of use that are visible only on close inspection. It is not the same definition as As New.

Does As New mean factory sealed?

No. As New is a pre-owned cosmetic condition, not a claim that the product is new or factory sealed.

Are batteries graded As New, Excellent or Good?

No. These grades describe cosmetic condition. Battery functionality is assessed separately in the inspection process.

What if my device does not match the listed grade?

Document the condition when it arrives and contact iDevice Depot promptly with the order details and clear photos so the concern can be assessed under the published returns and warranty process.