Refurbished mobile devices have become a smart and cost-effective choice for many organisations, but understanding what you’re actually getting can be a challenge. One of the most common questions businesses ask is what the different grading levels really mean, especially Grade A, which is the highest standard. In this blog, we answer the top five questions about Grade A phones to help you make informed purchasing decisions that support your budget, your teams, and your long-term strategy.
1. What Does ‘Grade A’ Actually Mean?
Grade A is the highest classification used in the refurbished mobile market, indicating a device that is as close to new as possible without being brand new. These phones show minimal to no visible signs of use and deliver full, uncompromised functionality. Screens, cameras, buttons, battery performance, and internal components all operate to a near-new standard. Unlike lower-grade devices, which may show noticeable wear or minor imperfections, Grade A phones maintain a professional appearance suitable for customer-facing staff and corporate environments. For businesses wanting premium quality without premium pricing, Grade A is the ideal balance of practicality and value.
2. How Are Grade A Phones Tested and Certified?
Devices don’t receive a Grade A label based on appearance alone. Our partners use rigorous, system-driven diagnostic processes to test every major function of the phone. This includes Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity, touch sensitivity, speaker and microphone performance, camera operation, battery health, and more.
Any part that doesn’t meet the required standard is repaired or replaced using genuine or OEM-approved components. Once restored, the phone undergoes another round of testing to ensure it meets strict quality criteria. Only handsets that pass every test and show minimal cosmetic wear qualify as Grade A.
3. Are Grade A Phones as Reliable as Buying New?
A key concern for any organisation is reliability, especially when devices are essential for communication, productivity, and field operations. Fortunately, Grade A phones deliver performance that is effectively comparable to new devices for everyday business use. They run the same operating systems, handle business apps smoothly, and offer dependable functionality. Battery health is maintained within acceptable high-performance thresholds, meaning no unexpected degradation. While minor differences can exist depending on model age, the overall experience is seamless. For most businesses, the reliability of Grade A devices makes them a smart alternative to new handsets.
4. What Are the Business Benefits of Choosing Grade A Devices?
The financial savings alone make Grade A phones highly attractive—businesses can typically save between 20–40% compared to new models. This allows organisations to allocate budget more flexibly or refresh devices more frequently without increasing spend. Sustainability is another major advantage. By extending the lifecycle of high-quality tech, businesses reduce electronic waste and support their environmental and ESG goals. Operational efficiency also improves, as Grade A devices are usually readily available, enabling rapid onboarding of new employees or scaling of teams.
Many businesses are already seeing these benefits in action.
“We’ve been purchasing refurbished, Grade ‘A’ handsets from The One Solution for a year now. We’ve found the products to be consistent, reliable and literally as good as new. We’d happily recommend their devices to any businesses looking to maximise their mobile hardware fund and help the environment.”
David Gill, Group Project Manager, QD Commercial Group Holdings
For IT managers, this combination of affordability, availability, and proven reliability makes Grade A devices a strong strategic choice for growing businesses.
5. What Support and Warranty Can You Expect from The One Solution?
When purchasing refurbished devices, aftercare is a crucial part of the decision. Here at The One Solution, we provide comprehensive support after purchase. Grade A devices still include warranty protection, offering reassurance against unexpected faults. Beyond the warranty itself, we help organisations choose the right models, set up devices securely, and manage them effectively over time.
With expertise across Business Mobile, VoIP, Business Broadband, and IoT, the team ensures your mobile fleet aligns with your communication strategy and operational needs. This end-to-end support gives businesses both confidence and control when investing in Grade A devices.
Final Thoughts
Grade A refurbished phones offer an excellent opportunity for businesses to access high-quality devices at a reduced cost, without compromising on performance or appearance. With rigorous testing, reliable functionality, and strong aftercare from providers like ourselves here at The One Solution, they represent a smart, future-proof investment for organisations of all sizes. If you’re looking to upgrade your business mobile fleet while keeping budgets tight, Grade A devices could be the perfect fit.
If you’re looking to upgrade your business mobile fleet, and would like to arrange a no-obligation chat with our team, you can use our contact form or get in touch on 0330 094 5545.
