The difference between condition A, B, C on pre-owned iPhones
iLoveServis distinguishes 6 conditions of pre-owned iPhones: Sealed (unopened, full Apple warranty), Like new (no signs of use), A (minor marks visible only up close), A- (light scratches on the back or sides), B (visible cosmetic marks, full functionality), C (noticeable wear, lowest price). All conditions come with a 2-year warranty, 86–100% battery health, and a thorough technical inspection. The price difference between A and C is typically 15–25%.
iLoveServis distinguishes 6 conditions of pre-owned iPhones: Sealed (unopened, full Apple warranty), Like new (no signs of use), A (minor marks visible only up close), A- (light scratches on the back or sides), B (visible cosmetic marks, full functionality), C (noticeable wear, lowest price). All conditions come with a 2-year warranty, 86–100% battery health, and a thorough technical inspection. The price difference between A and C is typically 15–25%.
In this article
- The difference between condition A, B and C on pre-owned iPhones
- Condition A+ — like new
- Condition A — excellent condition with minimal traces
- Condition A- — good condition with mild traces
- Condition B — noticeable signs of use, fully functional
- Condition C — the biggest savings, a functional basis
- Why doesn't a device's condition affect performance?
- FAQ: pre-owned iPhone conditions
- Battery health — what does battery capacity mean?
- What do the individual percentages mean?
- What to watch out for?
- How to choose the right category?
- The complete list of 6 conditions at iLoveServis
- Sealed condition (Unsealed)
- Like New condition
- Condition A (Excellent)
- Condition A- (Very good)
- Condition B (Good)
- Condition C (Used)
- How iLoveServis determines condition: a 6-step inspection process
- Condition and price: what's the difference?
- False myths about pre-owned iPhone conditions
- Warranty and returns: the same for all conditions
- Conclusion: condition = cosmetics, not quality
The difference between condition A, B and C on pre-owned iPhones
When buying a pre-owned iPhone, you'll come across labels like A+, A, A-, B or C. These letters denote the cosmetic condition of the device and help you know in advance what to expect visually. It's important to know that the device's condition has no effect on its performance or functionality — every pre-owned iPhone goes through a full technical inspection regardless of category.
Let's look at each category in detail so you can make an informed decision when buying at koupitiphone.cz.
Condition A+ — like new
Devices in condition A+ are in virtually flawless cosmetic condition. The display is free of any scratch visible to the naked eye, the frame and back are unblemished, and the phone shows no signs of everyday use. These are typically units that were used very briefly or carefully kept in a case.
If you want a pre-owned iPhone that looks like new but for a lower price, condition A+ is the ideal choice. Visually, you won't tell the difference compared with a product fresh out of the box.
- 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 condition A are in excellent condition with, at most, minor, barely noticeable traces of normal use. They may have very fine micro-scratches on the back or frame, visible only in direct light. The display is practically free of defects.
Condition A is the most popular category on the pre-owned iPhone market — it offers a great visual condition at a more affordable price than A+. The vast majority of customers won't notice any imperfections in real-life use of a condition A phone.
- Display: no visible scratches, at most micro-abrasions
- Frame: minor, hard-to-notice signs of use
- Back: at most faint micro-scratches in direct light
- Overall impression: excellent condition, the phone feels almost new
Condition A- — good condition with mild traces
Condition A- refers to devices that are still in very good working condition but show more noticeable cosmetic signs of everyday use. They may have visible scratches on the frame or back, or minor abrasions on the edges.
For customers who prioritise functionality over a flawless look and want to save as much as possible, condition A- is the ideal choice. The phone works flawlessly — the marks are purely a matter of appearance.
- Display: possible minor scratches visible in direct light
- Frame: visible signs of use, abrasions
- Back: more noticeable scratches or abrasions
- Overall impression: clearly a pre-owned device, but fully functional
Condition B — noticeable signs of use, fully functional
Devices in condition B have noticeable cosmetic damage — more pronounced scratches on the frame, abrasions on the back, or other visible signs of heavy use. The display may have minor scratches visible in direct light. Functionality, however, is fully intact.
Condition B offers the best balance of price and functionality for customers who put the phone straight into a case and aren't fussed about cosmetic condition. They save a significant amount compared with condition A or A+.
- Display: minor scratches visible in direct light
- Frame: noticeable scratches and abrasions
- Back: visible surface damage
- Overall impression: noticeably pre-owned, but technically flawless
Condition C — the biggest savings, a functional basis
Devices in condition C have more pronounced cosmetic damage and are aimed at customers looking for maximum savings who don't mind visible signs of use. This can 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 working iPhone as cheaply as possible — for example as a backup, a work phone, or for a child who'll put it in a rugged case anyway.
Why doesn't a device's condition affect performance?
This is a key piece of information many customers don't know: a device's cosmetic condition and its technical health are two entirely separate things. Every pre-owned iPhone, regardless of category, goes through an identical inspection and repair process:
Scratches on the frame or back are purely cosmetic — they have no effect on chip performance, photo quality, Face ID speed or battery life.
- A complete test of all hardware functions (WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile data, GPS, cameras, speakers, microphones)
- Inspection and, if needed, replacement of the display
- Testing and assessing battery condition
- Factory reset and installation of the latest iOS
- Disinfection and cleaning of the device
FAQ: pre-owned iPhone conditions
Questions customers most often ask when choosing a cosmetic condition.
- Is a condition B iPhone worse than a condition A iPhone?: Only cosmetically. Functionally they're identical — same performance, same camera, same iOS support, same 2-year warranty. Condition B means visible minor scratches on the frame, nothing more.
- Can I return an iPhone if the condition doesn't suit me?: Yes. 30 days with no reason needed for online purchases, 7 days for an exchange with in-person purchases. We cover postage. If you're not sure, we recommend buying in-store, where you can physically inspect the iPhone.
- What does Sealed mean?: A never-activated iPhone in a sealed original Apple box, 100% battery, 0 cycles. These come from distributors' surplus stock or unfulfilled carrier orders. Fully new in the Apple sense.
- How does Like New differ from condition A?: Like New has a battery capacity of 92–100 % and no visible signs of use. Condition A has capacity from 90% and very minimal micro-scratches on the frame visible only in bright light.
- Is it worth the extra cost for Sealed over Like New?: If you want a perfectly new box, original seal, stickers and 100% battery with zero cycles, then yes. For most users, Like New is sufficient — it costs less and looks practically identical.
- How quickly does condition A wear down to condition B?: If you use the iPhone in a quality case with screen protection, the cosmetic condition will stay practically stable for years. Without protection — typically 6–12 months until the first visible scratches.
- Can functionality issues appear with condition C?: No. All conditions go through the same identical 6-step technical inspection. Condition C has more cosmetic wear, but 100% functionality and a 2-year warranty.
- Why is battery capacity so different between conditions?: It relates to usage history. Sealed condition has 100% (no cycles). Like New has 92–100 % (few cycles). Conditions A, A-, B and C have 86–100%. If the capacity would be lower, we replace the battery before sale.
- Should I choose a better condition or a newer model?: For most users, a newer model. The difference between an iPhone 13 condition A and an iPhone 14 condition B is smaller than the difference between an iPhone 13 and an iPhone 14 generally. A new generation means a better camera, battery and support.
- Can I buy condition A and later return it for condition B?: No, returns must happen within 30 days. If after a year you decide condition A was an unnecessary investment, you can simply sell it and buy condition B — the iPhone has a high resale value.
Battery health — what does battery capacity mean?
Another important parameter for pre-owned iPhones is battery capacity. iOS displays battery capacity as a percentage (available under Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging). This number shows what percentage of the original battery capacity remains.
What do the individual percentages mean?
- 100% — new battery: The battery has been replaced with a new one. The phone has full original battery life.
- 90–99%: The battery is in excellent condition. In practice, there's no difference compared with a new battery.
- 80–89%: The battery is in good condition. Battery life may be slightly shorter — typically 1–2 hours less than a new device.
- Below 80%: Apple considers the battery worn and recommends replacement. At this level the battery may not deliver maximum performance and battery life is noticeably shorter.
What to watch out for?
When buying a pre-owned iPhone, always check the battery condition. At koupitiphone.cz we state the battery condition for every device. If battery capacity drops below 80%, we recommend a replacement, which is relatively inexpensive and restores the phone's full battery life.
How to choose the right category?
- Want a phone that looks like new?: Choose condition A+ or A.
- Want a good compromise between price and looks?: Choose condition A or A-.
- Prioritise functionality and maximum savings?: Condition B or C are ideal for you.
- Putting the phone straight into a case?: Choose condition B or C and save money.
The complete list of 6 conditions at iLoveServis
To make this guide complete, let's go through all 6 conditions in which iLoveServis offers pre-owned iPhones. Each condition has clearly defined criteria and a price level — there's no "grey zone" or overlap between categories.
Sealed condition (Unsealed)
A never-activated iPhone in an original Apple box with an intact seal. Battery 100%, cycle count 0. These units come from distributors' surplus stock or unfulfilled carrier orders.
- Battery capacity: 100%, 0 cycles
- Cosmetic condition: Identical to new — unactivated in a sealed Apple box
- Accessories: Complete — Apple cable, documentation, SIM tray tool, stickers
- Price: The current price is always shown on the specific listing
- Best for: Customers who want a new iPhone with savings — with no compromise
Like New condition
An activated iPhone that was used minimally (typically 1–3 months) and returned within a 14-day period, or a demo unit from an authorised retailer. No visible signs of use.
- Battery capacity: 92–100 %
- Cosmetic condition: Indistinguishable from new — no scratches, no signs of handling
- Accessories: Varies by specific unit — stated in the listing
- Best for: Demanding buyers who want a flawless appearance
Condition A (Excellent)
A fully functional iPhone with minimal or invisible signs of use. Placed next to a new iPhone, you'll practically not tell the difference.
- Battery capacity: 86–100% (92–100 % for Like New condition)
- Cosmetic condition: Minimal micro-scratches on the frame visible only in bright light. Display free of defects.
- Accessories: Varies by specific unit — stated in the listing
- Best for: Most users — a balanced ratio of price and appearance
Condition A- (Very good)
A fully functional iPhone with minor signs of use, visible on close inspection. For an average user, the difference from condition A isn't noticeable.
- Battery capacity: 86–100%
- Cosmetic condition: Minor hairline scratches on the frame, display with no noticeable defects
- Accessories: Varies by specific unit — stated in the listing
- Best for: Pragmatic customers who want a lower price than condition A without a noticeable difference
Condition B (Good)
A fully functional iPhone with noticeable, but not significant, signs of use. Minor scratches visible on the frame and back. 100% functionality.
- Battery capacity: 86–100%
- Cosmetic condition: Noticeable minor scratches on the frame, possibly microscopic ones on the display
- Accessories: Neutral iLoveServis packaging
- Best for: Rational customers who put the iPhone in a case — appearance isn't a priority
Condition C (Used)
A fully functional iPhone with more pronounced signs of use. Fully functional, but visibly used. The lowest price in the range.
- Battery capacity: 86–100%
- Cosmetic condition: More pronounced scratches, possibly minor abrasions on the frame. Display functional with no cracks.
- Accessories: New cable, neutral iLoveServis packaging
- Best for: Maximum savings — a work phone, backup phone, kids' phone, or a short-term solution
How iLoveServis determines condition: a 6-step inspection process
Determining a pre-owned iPhone's condition isn't a subjective judgement — it follows a precisely defined process that every device goes through before being put up for sale. The goal is for the customer to get exactly what's described.
Step 1: Receipt and initial diagnostics. The iPhone arrives at the service centre, and we check it isn't locked with Activation Lock.
Step 2: Testing all hardware functions. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, GPS, Face ID / Touch ID, cameras (front, main, ultrawide, telephoto), speaker, microphone, vibration, charging, MagSafe (if present).
Step 3: Battery testing. Measuring current battery capacity and cycle count. If capacity is below 86%, we replace the battery before sale.
Step 4: Cosmetic inspection. Visual inspection under professional lighting. Recording all visible scratches and flaws. Classification into one of 6 conditions according to iLoveServis's internal standards.
Step 5: Factory reset and installation of the latest iOS. Complete wipe of previous data, installation of the current iOS version.
Step 6: Disinfection and packaging. UV disinfection, cleaning and packaging according to condition (Apple box for Sealed condition, neutral iLoveServis packaging for other conditions).
Condition and price: what's the difference?
The higher the condition, the higher the price — the difference between the highest and lowest condition of the same model tends to be significant. Specific prices for individual conditions change depending available to order, which is why we always state them directly on the product page for the given model, not in the article.
False myths about pre-owned iPhone conditions
A number of myths circulate about pre-owned iPhones — we're debunking the most common ones:
Myth 1: Condition B or C means the phone is broken. NO. All conditions are fully functional. The difference lies exclusively in cosmetic appearance.
Myth 2: A better condition means a longer lifespan. NO. Lifespan depends on battery quality and the electronics' condition, not scratches on the frame. A condition C phone with a 92% battery will last longer than a condition A+ phone with an 82% battery.
Myth 3: I'll save more buying secondhand privately. Maybe 500–1,500 Kč, but you lose the 2-year warranty, the assurance that the iPhone won't be hit by Activation Lock, and the option to return it within 14 days. The economic saving is illusory.
Myth 4: Condition A+ always has a 100% battery. NO. Condition describes cosmetics, not the battery. For a 100% battery, you need to look for "Sealed" or models explicitly labelled with a new battery.
Myth 5: Condition deteriorates over time. If you use the iPhone carefully and in a case, the cosmetic condition will remain stable. The battery, however, will — that's true for every phone, new or pre-owned.
Warranty and returns: the same for all conditions
Regardless of which cosmetic condition you choose, at iLoveServis you always get the same guaranteed terms:
- 2-year statutory warranty: A full 24-month warranty under the Czech civil code — the same as with a new iPhone from the Apple Store.
- 30 days to return: With an online purchase (koupitiphone.cz), you have 30 days to return it with no reason needed — even if the condition doesn't suit you.
- 7 days to exchange (in-person purchase): If you buy in person at a store, you have 7 days to exchange for a different model or condition.
- Service with us: We handle all warranty repairs directly in our own iLoveServis service workshops.
- Lifetime support: Even after the warranty ends, you can bring your iPhone to any iLoveServis store for paid service at better prices than an authorised Apple service centre.
Conclusion: condition = cosmetics, not quality
The Sealed, Like New, A, A-, B and C categories describe exclusively the cosmetic condition of a pre-owned iPhone. Processor performance, memory speed, camera quality, iOS update support and other technical parameters DO NOT differ between conditions. A pre-owned iPhone in any condition has been through the same rigorous technical inspection (the 6-step process), has a 2-year statutory warranty, and is fully functional.
Choosing a condition is purely a matter of priorities: if you want a flawless appearance, choose Like New or A. If you'll put the iPhone in a case and want maximum savings, go for B or C. For a work phone or a kids' phone, C is the ideal choice.
Browse the full range of pre-owned iPhones across all 6 conditions at koupitiphone.cz/iphony and choose the model and condition that best suits your needs and budget.