When you sell your iPhone, its condition is the single biggest factor determining its value. But how do buyers actually evaluate condition? Understanding the grading system helps you accurately assess your phone, set realistic expectations, and know what you can do to maximize value. Here's exactly how the used iPhone market judges condition.
The Standard Condition Grades
Most buyers, buyback services, and marketplaces use similar grading standards. Here's what each grade means:
Excellent / Mint / Like New
What it means: The iPhone looks and functions like it just came out of the box.
- Screen is flawless - no scratches visible under normal light
- Body has no visible scratches, dents, or scuffs
- All buttons and functions work perfectly
- Battery health is 85% or higher
- No signs of water damage
- Face ID / Touch ID works perfectly
Value: Commands the highest prices - typically 100% of market rate
Good
What it means: Normal signs of use but no significant damage.
- Screen may have very light scratches (not visible when display is on)
- Body may have minor scuffs or light scratches
- No cracks, chips, or dents
- All functions work properly
- Battery health is 80% or higher
- No water damage
Value: Most common grade - typically 85-95% of market rate
Fair / Acceptable
What it means: Noticeable wear but still fully functional.
- Screen has visible scratches (may be visible when display is on)
- Body has noticeable scratches, scuffs, or small dents
- May have minor chips on corners or edges
- All functions still work
- Battery health may be 70-80%
- No cracks through the glass
Value: Reduced value - typically 65-80% of market rate
Poor / Broken
What it means: Significant damage or functional issues.
- Cracked screen or back glass
- Deep scratches or significant dents
- Some features may not work (camera, speakers, buttons)
- Battery health below 70%
- Possible water damage indicators triggered
- Face ID / Touch ID may not work
Value: Significantly reduced - typically 30-60% of market rate
What Buyers Check First
Here's the order most buyers evaluate your iPhone:
1. Screen Condition
This is the first thing anyone notices. Buyers will:
- Turn the screen on and look for dead pixels or discoloration
- Check for scratches by angling the phone under light
- Look for cracks, even small ones at corners
- Test touch responsiveness across the entire screen
2. Body and Frame
- Check all edges and corners for dents or chips
- Look at the back for scratches (especially on glass backs)
- Examine the camera bump area
- Check the charging port for debris or damage
3. Functionality
- All buttons (volume, power, mute switch)
- Face ID or Touch ID
- Both cameras (front and rear)
- Speakers and microphone
- Charging capability
- Wireless charging (if applicable)
4. Battery Health
Check in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging
- 90%+ = Excellent
- 85-89% = Very Good
- 80-84% = Good
- Below 80% = Reduced value (Apple considers this "degraded")
5. Water Damage Indicators
iPhones have Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) - small white strips that turn red when exposed to water. Buyers may check the SIM tray area for this indicator.
How Condition Affects Price
Here's an example of how condition impacts an iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) sale price:
| Condition |
Typical Value |
Notes |
| Excellent |
$480 |
Maximum market value |
| Good |
$430 |
~10% reduction |
| Fair |
$350 |
~25% reduction |
| Poor (cracked screen) |
$220 |
~55% reduction |
Pro Tip: Be honest about your phone's condition. Overstating condition leads to returns, disputes, and wasted time. Understating means leaving money on the table. Accurate assessment benefits everyone.
Common Condition Misconceptions
"Screen protector scratches don't count"
Correct! Scratches on a screen protector don't affect your phone's grade. Remove the protector before showing/photographing your phone to reveal the actual screen condition.
"My case kept it perfect"
Cases help, but dust and debris can still scratch your phone inside the case. Always check the actual condition, not what you assume it is.
"A small crack isn't a big deal"
Any crack - even a tiny corner crack - drops your phone to "Poor" or "Broken" condition. Cracks can spread and indicate structural compromise.
"Battery can be replaced cheaply"
While true, buyers factor in the hassle and cost. Low battery health (below 80%) typically reduces your phone's value by $30-50.
How to Accurately Assess Your iPhone
- Clean it first - Remove case, clean thoroughly, remove screen protector
- Inspect in good lighting - Use bright natural light to spot scratches
- Test everything - Buttons, cameras, speakers, Face ID/Touch ID
- Check battery health - Settings > Battery > Battery Health
- Be honest - When in doubt, grade conservatively
Does Original Packaging Matter?
For condition grading, no - the box doesn't affect the phone's condition grade. However, having original packaging can add $10-30 to your total sale value as a separate factor.
Important: Some scratches and wear are only visible at certain angles. Take photos of your phone from multiple angles in good lighting to accurately represent its condition when selling online.
Condition for Buyback Services vs Private Sales
| Factor |
Buyback Services |
Private Buyers |
| Grading |
Standardized, consistent |
Subjective |
| Inspection |
Professional, after receiving |
Before purchase |
| Disputes |
Clear policies |
Can be contentious |
| Price adjustment |
Revised quote if condition differs |
Negotiation or return |
Quick Self-Assessment Checklist
Check these items and be honest:
- ☠Screen has no cracks
- ☠Screen scratches (none / light / visible / deep)
- ☠Back glass has no cracks
- ☠Body scratches/dents (none / minor / noticeable / significant)
- ☠All buttons work
- ☠Face ID / Touch ID works
- ☠Both cameras work
- ☠Battery health: ____%
- ☠Charges properly
- ☠Speakers work
Understanding how condition is evaluated helps you get the best price for your iPhone. Get your quote from CashiPhone today and see what your iPhone is really worth!