What each seller means by Excellent, Good and Fair
The grade describes looks only. Every offer works like new and comes with a warranty. Sellers write their own definitions, so here they are word for word.
Screen: No scratches; Body: No signs of cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, and other) are visible when the product is held 12 inches away. Battery: >90% of original battery life.
calls it "Excellent"
Screen: No scratches; Body: No signs of cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, and other) are visible when the product is held 12 inches away. Battery: >80% of original battery life.
Their screens and bodies have almost no signs of use; they contain only genuine manufacturer parts and batteries; and their batteries have a minimum capacity of 90%.
calls it "Excellent"
The body may have very light micro-scratches that are invisible at a distance of 8 inches (a bit longer than a standard-sized pencil) or more. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
You will receive a refurbished device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell.
The item is in a pristine, like-new condition. It has been professionally inspected, cleaned, and refurbished by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor to meet manufacturer specifications.
Screen: No scratches; Body: Light scratches, barely visible when holding the product 12 inches away, and imperceptible to touch. Battery: >80% of original battery life.
The body may have light micro-scratches that are invisible at a distance of 20 inches (about an arm's length) or more. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Screen: May have a small number of shallow scratches that are invisible when the screen is turned on; Body: Light scratches, clearly visible when holding the product 12 inches away, and perceptible to touch. It may have a maximum of three minor dents.
The body may have a few visible scratches and dents that don't affect performance. Devices with screens may have light scratches that are slightly visible when the device is on.
Yes, refurbished Apple products come with a warranty. Unlike used devices sold on classified sites, refurbished products are backed by a professional warranty. The specific terms vary by refurbisher, but every product listed on RefurbMe comes with at least a 30-day warranty.
Refurbished means a product has been professionally inspected, repaired if needed, and restored to full working condition before being resold. A refurbished device was either pre-owned, returned during a trial period, or used as a display model. Unlike used products, refurbished items go through a structured process that ensures they work like new, and they come with a warranty.
The two real differences between a new and a refurbished Apple product are price and cosmetic condition. A refurbished device costs meaningfully less than new, and it may show light cosmetic wear depending on its grade. Everything else is the same: refurbished products are 100% functional, pass the same hardware and software tests, and come with a warranty.
Buying refurbished Apple products is one of the most impactful choices you can make as a consumer to reduce your environmental footprint. Every refurbished device that finds a new owner is one less device manufactured from scratch and one less device in a landfill.
Comparing refurbished Apple prices since 2007.
"RefurbMe Makes It Easier To Track Prices And Availability Of Apple's Refurbished Products"