Condition guide

Know exactly what you are buying

Inconsistent grading is how trust gets lost. Every Prime Phones device is pre-owned and original, inspected and graded to the same standard, and every listing shows images of our actual devices.

Every device goes through six steps

Before a device is listed, it passes through the same process, in the same order, every time.

  1. 1

    Inspect

    Cosmetic condition assessed under controlled lighting, and the device logged against our SAPS Second-Hand Goods Dealers licence.

  2. 2

    Test

    An 80+ point diagnostic test with M360, professional phone-testing software: screen and touch, cameras, audio, Face ID or Touch ID, buttons, sensors, charging and connectivity.

  3. 3

    Measure battery

    Battery health is measured on that specific device and published on its product page.

  4. 4

    Wipe

    Factory reset with a secure data erase, so it reaches you as a clean device.

  5. 5

    Certify

    Graded, photographed, then listed with a 6-month warranty and 7-day hassle-free returns.

  6. 6

    Ship

    Packed and dispatched within 1–3 business days of payment, with free nationwide delivery and tracking.

The three grades

Grades describe cosmetic condition only. Everything in the functional checklist below is tested and working at every grade.

  • Excellent

    Barely visible to no wear on the device.

    Appearance
    Looks flawless at first glance.
    Screen and body
    Very few, if any, faint marks, and only visible on close inspection or when rotated under light. NB : some devices may show slightly more cosmetic flaws on the camera ring
    Best for
    Buyers who want a device that looks almost new, without paying new prices.
  • Very good

    Light signs of use. there might be some light scratches or dents .

    Appearance
    Lightly used, still sharp.
    Screen and body
    A few faint, small scratches visible on close inspection. You cannot feel them with a fingernail.
    Best for
    Buyers balancing price against how the device looks.
  • Good

    Visible wear from normal everyday use.

    Appearance
    Visibly used.
    Screen and body
    Several faint marks and a few more pronounced scratches, visible at a glance. You may feel one with a fingernail.
    Best for
    Buyers who care about how the device works, not how it looks.

Compare the grades

Grade Excellent Very good Good
AppearanceLooks flawless at first glance.Lightly used, still sharp.Visibly used.
Screen and bodyVery few, if any, faint marks, and only visible on close inspection or when rotated under light. NB : some devices may show slightly more cosmetic flaws on the camera ringA few faint, small scratches visible on close inspection. You cannot feel them with a fingernail.Several faint marks and a few more pronounced scratches, visible at a glance. You may feel one with a fingernail.
Best forBuyers who want a device that looks almost new, without paying new prices.Buyers balancing price against how the device looks.Buyers who care about how the device works, not how it looks.

Battery health

Battery health is measured on every device and shown on its own product page. It is a measured figure for that unit, not a range or an estimate.

  • 90% and aboveHolds charge close to a new device through a full day of normal use.
  • 80% to 89%Strong everyday battery life with plenty of cycles left.
  • Below 80%Still fully functional, priced accordingly, and always stated up front.

Tested and working, at every grade

Unless a listing says otherwise, all of these pass our 80+ point M360 diagnostic test before a device goes on sale.

  • Display and touch
  • Front and rear cameras
  • Speakers and microphone
  • Face ID or Touch ID
  • Buttons and switches
  • Charging and charge port
  • WiFi, Bluetooth and mobile data
  • Sensors and location

What comes with your device

Devices ship in Prime Phones packaging.

  • The deviceThe images in each listing are of our actual devices.
  • Charging cableA compatible charging cable is included with every device.
  • Your paperworkProof of purchase and your warranty details.

7 day hassle-free returns

Changed your mind, or the device isn’t as described? You have seven days from delivery to return it.

If you return a device because you changed your mind, a refund processing fee of 3–7% may apply, depending on how you paid.

  • Seven days from deliveryContact us within seven days of receiving the device.
  • Returned as receivedThe device must come back in the condition it arrived in, with all packaging intact.
  • Replacement or refundOnce the return is approved and the device checked, you get a replacement or a full refund.

Common questions

  • Are the photographs of the actual device?Yes. Every listing shows our actual devices, not a stock image.
  • Is battery health guaranteed?Battery health is measured on each device and published on its product page, so you know the figure before you buy.
  • Are the devices original?Yes. Every device is an original and is logged against our SAPS Second-Hand Goods Dealers licence.
  • Can I see a device before buying?Yes, by appointment at 514 Helena St, Erasmia, Centurion.
  • What does the warranty cover?Internal hardware and technical defects under normal use besides ports and speakers, for six months from delivery.
  • What if it is not as described?Contact us within seven days of delivery and we will arrange a replacement or a full refund.

After you buy

  • Free delivery

    Free nationwide courier delivery on every device, dispatched within 1-3 business days with tracking.

  • 6-month warranty

    Covers internal hardware and technical defects under normal use.

  • We stay reachable

    Questions after delivery go to the same team that checked your device.