Device Grading & Diagnostics

Why Gadget Trade uses a standard grade

Seller-written phrases such as “9/10”, “neat”, or “fairly used” can mean different things to different people. Gadget Trade therefore uses a structured condition grade so a listing has a common condition vocabulary. The grade does not replace the detailed description; it works alongside it.

Condition grades

• New — unused or factory-new as represented by the seller.
• Open-box — opened with minimal or no meaningful use and no undisclosed material damage.
• Grade A — excellent used condition with only minor cosmetic signs.
• Grade B — good condition with normal visible wear that is disclosed.
• Grade C — noticeable wear that is fully and clearly disclosed.
• Grade D — heavy wear or a material functional limitation that is clearly disclosed.

What sellers must disclose

• Material screen damage, dead pixels, burn-in or touch problems.
• Battery condition or unusual battery behaviour when known.
• Repaired, replaced or refurbished components.
• Camera, speaker, microphone, charging-port, biometric or connectivity faults.
• Missing accessories, original parts, boxes or documentation where relevant.
• Activation locks, account locks or other restrictions that affect normal use.

Technical diagnostics

Where the Gadget Trade diagnostic flow is available for a device and platform, the result is stored against the listing with the test source and completion time. Diagnostic results are evidence about the tested device; they are not a substitute for ownership verification or a physical inspection when either is required.

Diagnostic result types

• Pass — the requested check completed and returned an acceptable result.
• Fail — the check identified a material problem.
• Partial — some checks completed while others were unavailable.
• Unavailable — the requested device-level information could not be obtained from the current platform or test source.

Buyer protection

A grade, diagnostic record, review, verification badge or Nova estimate is a trust signal, not an unconditional guarantee. Buyers should still compare the delivered device with the listing and use the official dispute process if there is a material mismatch.