Used iPhone grading explained: A+ vs A- for dealers
When you buy used iPhones wholesale, the grade on the invoice tells you what you'll find when you open the box. It also decides how you price the phone, who you sell it to, and how many come back. This guide explains what A+ and A- mean at A1Wireless4U, how to pick between them, and what to ask any supplier about grading.
Why grading matters
Two iPhone 14s with the same storage and color can sell for very different amounts depending on how they look and how the battery holds up. Without a clear grade, you're guessing. A written grade lets you plan your margin before the phones arrive, and it gives you a standard to check against when they do.
The trouble is that grading isn't standardized across the industry. One supplier's "A" can be another's "B." That's why the definition matters more than the letter.
What A+ means
An A+ phone is the closest you'll get to new without a sealed box. At A1Wireless4U, an A+ phone:
Has a screen with no visible scratches under normal light
Has a body and frame with no noticeable scuffs, dents or chips
Passes every function check: display, touch, cameras, speakers, microphones, buttons, Face ID or Touch ID, charging port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular
Is unlocked and free of activation locks
Who it's for: stores selling to customers who want a like-new phone at a lower price than new, and sellers who list online where photos and reviews matter.
What A- means
An A- phone works exactly like an A+ phone. The difference is cosmetic. An A- phone:
May have light scratches on the screen or body that you can see when you look closely
May have small marks on the frame from normal use
Passes the same full function check as A+
Is unlocked and free of activation locks
Who it's for: price-focused customers, phones going into a case right away, bulk resale, and export buyers who care more about function than finish.
A+ vs A- at a glance
A+ | A- | |
Screen | No visible scratches | Light scratches possible |
Body and frame | No noticeable wear | Light wear possible |
Function check | Full pass | Full pass |
Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
Best fit | Like-new retail, online listings | Value retail, bulk and export |
Battery health
Battery health is separate from cosmetic grade, and buyers ask about it more every year. iPhones report battery health as a percentage in Settings. Ask your supplier whether battery health is checked on every phone and what the floor is for each grade. At A1Wireless4U, battery is part of the software inspection every phone goes through.
How A1Wireless4U inspects phones
Every phone gets two inspections before it ships:
Physical inspection: screen, back glass, frame, buttons, ports, cameras and speaker grilles are checked by hand and under light.
Software inspection: functions, battery and lock status are checked with diagnostic software.
A phone only gets its grade after it passes both. Phones that fail a function test are not sold as A+ or A-.
Picking the right mix
Most stores do best with a mix. A few practical rules:
Newer models (iPhone 15 and up): customers paying more expect a cleaner phone, so A+ usually sells faster.
Older models (iPhone XR through iPhone 13): A- often makes sense, since buyers of older models are usually focused on price.
Phones going straight into a case and screen protector: A- cosmetic marks matter less once the phone is covered.
Online sales: A+ cuts down on "not as described" returns.
If you're not sure, start with a small mixed order. A1Wireless4U has no minimum order, so you can test both grades before committing to a larger lot.
What to ask any supplier about grading
Is your grading standard written down, and can I see it?
Is every phone tested, or only a sample?
Do you check battery health and lock status?
Are phones unlocked?
What warranty covers graded phones, and for how long?
At A1Wireless4U, business orders come with a 60-day business warranty, ship within 24 hours, and can be paid by Zelle or wire.
See the phones in person
We carry unlocked iPhones from the iPhone XR through the iPhone 17 Pro Max, new sealed iPhone 18 Pro Max, and unlocked Samsung Galaxy phones. You're welcome to walk in to our office at 135-39 Lefferts Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420, near JFK Airport, and compare A+ and A- side by side. An appointment is recommended for the best help.
Call or WhatsApp 718-570-8000 for the current stock list.
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