The guide to understanding refurbished electronic devices grades
03/12/2021
0 comments

To be refurbished, a device must go through a rigorous process that includes functional testing, repairs if needed, followed by an aesthetic evaluation (also known as grading) and cleaning.
At Dipli, every device undergoes a mandatory 40-point quality check before being visually inspected and assigned a grade. This entire process is carried out by our certified refurbishing partners, following a strict set of specifications to ensure a reliable, compliant, and long-lasting level of quality for the end user.
💡 This article provides a detailed look at the refurbished offers available at Dipli, to help you better understand what each of our grading levels means.
What is a refurbished grade?
In the world of refurbished electronics, a grade refers to the aesthetic condition of a product that has been put back on the market. It does not reflect the device’s technical or functional state. Those aspects are validated beforehand through a full series of functional tests and repairs, when necessary.
A grade simply indicates whether the device shows visible signs of wear (such as micro-scratches, scuffs, or marks on the screen or casing), or if it looks close to new. This visual assessment explains the price differences between two models that are technically identical, but aesthetically different.
At Dipli, we’ve developed a grading system based on a strict quality framework. This internal standard ensures:
- Consistent quality, regardless of stock,
- Reliable traceability,
- Grading consistency across all our certified refurbishing partners.
We distinguish 5 grading levels in our range of refurbished electronic products:
- New,
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO),
- Grade A,
- Grade B,
- Grade C.
Refurbished grades at Dipli: the guide
1. New product
These products have never been activated or used. They are in their original box.
2. CPO
The CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) products have been refurbished with original parts. The aesthetic condition is equal to "new".
3. Grade A
These products are in excellent condition, and they represent the highest grade possible in terms of device refurbishment. The product is flawless: there are no signs of wear. A minor scratch may be present on the casing, but it will be barely visible to the naked eye.
4. Grade B
These products have one or several light scratches on the casing or screen, barely visible at a distance of more than 20 cm. A small mark or multiple small scratches on the frame or back cover may be present. The overall condition is good.
5. Grade C
These products have pronounced signs of wear on the frame, back cover, and screen. This grade offers an attractive entry-level price and is suitable for the “Fair Condition” grades on B2C marketplaces. Our advice: resell this product with a protective case for a winning combination!
To go further: functionality levels and packaging
1. Functionality levels: Premium and Used
At our partner facilities, each device undergoes specialized data wiping and technical testing software that meets Dipli’s specifications. On average, more than 40 checkpoints are performed to certify the proper functioning of each device.
We distinguish two levels of functionality for our refurbished products:
Please note:
- Premium: every product is 100% tested and fully functional. This means you can purchase a refurbished device with confidence, knowing it delivers quality equivalent to a new product.
- Used: this corresponds to the basic testing level. The battery of each product is not necessarily tested, which means we cannot guarantee a minimum battery capacity or a maximum number of charge cycles for these devices.
2. Packaging
Now that the grade and functionality level have been selected, it’s time for shipping. To meet different needs, we offer a range of packaging options. You can choose from the following three:
Please note:
- All accessories provided with the products are new and compatible.
- All individual boxes are neutral (white or brown).
- Basic: you will receive the device on its own, with no additional accessories. Perfect for those who already have compatible accessories or prefer to purchase them separately.
- Cable: you will receive the refurbished device with a certified EU and ROHS charging cable. Cable types may vary depending on the device and availability, but they are always high-quality and designed to support fast and efficient charging.
- Full Pack: you will receive the refurbished device with a charging cable and an individual box. Ideal for a complete and ready-to-use purchase experience.
Comments (0)