Cosmetic Grade Reference
Wholesale Used iPhone
AB+ Grade Standard
The industry-standard mid-tier cosmetic grade. Fully functional devices with minimal visible wear — the highest-volume grade in global B2B wholesale markets.
AB+ Definition: Positioned between Grade A and Grade B, AB+ (Standard) devices are 100% functional with only faint cosmetic wear. Hairline micro-scratches may be visible under strong angled light but are unnoticeable in normal use. No cracks, no dents, no deep scratches, no structural damage. The go-to grade for volume buyers seeking quality at scale.
Who buys AB+ grade
| Mobile Phone Stores & Retail Counters | Global Distributors | Repair Shops & Refurbishment Factories |
| Electronics Recycling & E-Waste Dismantlers | Cross-Border Trading Companies | Phone Rental & Leasing Companies |
| Content Creators & Self-Media Studios | ||
| 1 | Screen Criteria — Most Critical Inspection Point |
Acceptable
| Not Acceptable
|
| 2 | Frame & Mid-Band |
Acceptable
| Not Acceptable
|
| 3 | Back Glass & Camera Lenses |
Acceptable
| Not Acceptable
|
| 4 | Hardware & Repair Status — Hard Requirements |
Required
| Instant Downgrade
|
| 5 | Battery Health Thresholds |
iPhone 12 and Newer ≥83% iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series | iPhone 11 and Older ≥80% iPhone XR, XS, X, 11, and earlier |
| 6 | Cosmetic Grade Comparison Table |
| Grade | Visual Impression | Typical Defects Allowed | Market Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | Near-mint. No marks visible from 30cm | Micro-traces visible only under magnification | Premium retail, gift-ready packaging |
| A | Looks virtually new; marks appear only under strong direct light | Near-zero frame paint loss; screen scratch-free | High-end resellers, Apple Store-adjacent retail |
| AB+ This grade | Clean at arm’s length; faint wear visible up close in good light | Light frame scuffs, micro paint chips, hairline screen scratches | Highest-volume B2B grade — retail stores, distributors, factories |
| B | Visible use marks in normal light | Scratches and scuffs visible face-on; multiple marks across body | Budget retail, parts harvesting, lower-cost refurb |
| C | Heavy cosmetic wear, may have screen marks | Significant scratching, possible screen marks | Refurb overhaul, display/body replacement stock |
| D | For parts use only | Major damage, non-functional possible | E-waste recycling, component harvesting |
| 7 | Absolute Disqualifiers — Any One of These = Downgrade |
| Screen cracks, shattered corners, or deep scratches | Frame dents, heavy paint loss, or bent/warped chassis |
| Back glass cracked or camera lens fogged/deeply scratched | Water damage (tripped liquid indicator) |
| Motherboard-level repair or aftermarket screen swap | iCloud lock, IMEI blacklist, or carrier lock |
| Severe burn-in, widespread dead pixels, or broken touch | Battery health below minimum threshold for the model |
| 8 | Ready-to-Use B2B Listing Description |
Ready-to-paste copy — for B2B listings, product pages, and supplier quotes
Grade AB+ Standard — Wholesale Used iPhone
Condition: Fully functional. Light cosmetic wear only.
Screen: Hairline micro-scratches visible only under strong angled light. No cracks, dead pixels, burn-in, or touch issues. Face ID / Touch ID fully operational.
Frame: Minor micro-scuffs and up to 3 tiny paint chips on corners (max 0.5mm each). No dents, bends, or large-area paint loss.
Back Glass: Minimal light surface abrasion only. Camera lenses clear — no haze or deep scratches.
Internals: No water damage. No motherboard repair. OEM screen / OEM battery replacements accepted. Clean IMEI. No iCloud lock. No carrier lock. Factory restorable.
Battery Health: iPhone 12 and newer — ≥83%. iPhone 11 and older — ≥80%.
All cellular (5G/4G), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, sensors, and cameras verified functional.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Please inquire via SourcePools.com
| 9 | Frequently Asked Questions |
Is AB+ the most popular grade in B2B wholesale?
Yes. AB+ Standard consistently moves the highest volumes in cross-border B2B markets because it delivers cosmetically presentable stock at competitive price points. It suits retail counters, distributors, and refurb factories equally.
Can an AB+ device have a replacement screen or battery?
OEM (original manufacturer) screen and battery replacements are permitted at AB+ grade. Aftermarket or third-party non-OEM displays are a downgrade trigger and are not acceptable.
What is the difference between AB+ and Grade B?
Grade B devices show clearly visible wear in normal face-on lighting — multiple scratches and scuffs noticeable from a standard viewing distance. AB+ devices look clean at arm’s length; only careful close inspection under good light reveals faint traces of use.
Where can I buy AB+ grade iPhones in bulk?
SourcePools lists AB+ grade stock from verified suppliers across multiple iPhone series. Browse available lots by model, storage capacity, and network compatibility on the platform.
Browse other grade standards
| Grade A+ Near-mint, premium cosmetic | Grade A Near-new, minimal wear | Grade B Visible use, budget-friendly | Grade C Heavy wear, refurb candidate | Grade D Parts / e-waste |
Browse AB+ Grade Stock Wholesale Buyer Guide All Grade Standards Contact a Supplier