The Tilow grading standard
Every refurbished phone on Tilow is graded against one standard, not each shop's own idea of "good". The software applies it, from the phone's test results and the parts fitted to it.
In force: Tilow grading standard, version 1, published 25 September 2026.
How a grade is decided
The phone is tested
Functions, battery health and any failed checks are recorded against the phone.
The software grades it
It applies the floors below, including every part fitted to the phone, by any Tilow repairer.
A technician can only lower it
The technician assesses the cosmetics. The final grade is the lower of the two, never higher.
| Grade | What it means | Battery at least | Aftermarket screen | Aftermarket battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Excellent | As new. No marks on the screen or body visible at arm's length; original screen and battery. | 85% | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| B Good | Light marks on the body, none on the screen. Quality replacement parts allowed. | 80% | Allowed | Allowed |
| C Fair | Visible scratches or dents on the body, light marks on the screen; no cracks. Works in full. | 75% | Allowed | Allowed |
| D Worn | Heavy wear, chips or a cracked back. Sold as is with the wear described; still works in full. | Any | Allowed | Allowed |
A phone that cannot be listed
A phone that is activation locked, reported lost or stolen (blacklisted), or fails its IMEI check cannot be listed on Tilow at all. Neither can a phone that has not been given a cosmetic grade, or one that does not meet the floor of any grade.
Questions
Who sets the standard?
Tilow sets it for the whole network. Repairers cannot edit it. A new version is published in full, and every phone records the version it was graded under.
Does a repair change a phone’s grade?
Yes. Parts fitted to a phone are recorded on it, so a phone with an aftermarket screen is graded as one, wherever that screen was fitted.
What warranty comes with a graded phone?
At least 12 months, from the repairer who sells it. See the warranty page for what it covers.