Apple Device Grading Explained: Only Activated, A / A- and AB (changed parts)
Apple Device Grading Explained: Only Activated, A / A- and AB (changed parts)
Grading is where most wholesale disagreements start, so ours is deliberately short. FF Wholesale sells used Apple devices in exactly three grades, and each grade describes what happened to the device, not a subjective scratch count. Every unit passes the same 60-point inspection before it enters stock, whatever the grade.
What are the three grades?
Only Activated. Unboxed and activated but never used. 100% battery health and complete original packaging. Think of a new phone that was opened, activated, and resold. It is the closest thing to a brand-new device without the brand-new price.
A / A-. Used devices, handset only (HSO). All parts are original and nothing is refurbished. Battery health sits between 80 and 100% with no Service warning. Cosmetically these units show light everyday signs of use at most.
AB (changed parts). A / A- units we repaired, usually with a new display that shows no parts warning message and a new battery. We sell them below market price as supplementary stock, which makes them the best price per unit in our offer.
Grade comparison at a glance
| Grade | Condition | Battery | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only Activated | Unboxed and activated, never used, complete original packaging | 100% | Near-retail and premium channels |
| A / A- | Used handset only, original parts, light signs of use at most | 80 to 100%, no Service warning | Mainstream end-customer resale |
| AB (changed parts) | A / A- units we repaired, usually a new display | Usually a new battery | Price-sensitive resale at the best price |
What happened to Premium Stock, B and Mix?
We retired them. The old labels mixed cosmetic tiers with lot types, which made price lists harder to compare and expectations harder to manage. If you see Premium Stock, B or Mix in an older article or price list, treat it as historical: the current offer is Only Activated, A / A- and AB (changed parts), nothing else.
How does the 60-point inspection work?
Every device goes through a manual 60-point checklist combined with automated software diagnostics before it is graded. The inspection covers battery health, display and touch, cameras, microphones and speakers, biometrics, connectivity, and a check for parts warning messages in iOS. IMEI and serial numbers are verified and duplicate IMEIs are flagged. A unit that fails any functional check does not ship, in any grade.
Does the warranty differ by grade?
No. Every grade carries the same 30-day warranty, including AB (changed parts) units that ship with a new display or battery. Same cover, same terms. Our RMA rate stays under 1.5%, which is the most honest number we can give you about how this grading works in practice.
How do you order by grade?
Tell us the models, storage variants and grades you need; the minimum order is 5 units and one lot can combine grades. We operate under the Marginal VAT scheme, ship EU-wide with DHL and PPL Express in 1 to 3 business days, and you are welcome to inspect stock in person at our Prague office and showroom.
Contact FF Wholesale: filip@ffwholesale.cz | +420 773 251 106 | ffwholesale.cz | Jaromírova 576/34, 128 00 Praha 2 (office & showroom, Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00). Marginal VAT supplier | EU-wide shipping | Min. order 5 units