As good as new, Lightly used or Used: which condition should you choose?
Five conditions, four battery classes and one question: which one do you need? For each condition we explain what you get, what you don't, and who it's the smartest choice for.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-09-06
If you're looking for a refurbished phone, you'll find five conditions in our shop: New, As new, As good as new, Lightly used and Used. On top of that, most devices let you pick a battery class. That's a lot of choice for something you really only want one answer to: which one should I get? Below we explain, per condition, what you get, what you don't get, and who it's the smartest choice for.
In short: the condition describes the outside, not the technology. Every device we sell is fully tested, has at least 85% battery capacity and comes with a 2-year warranty. Choose the condition based on how many signs of use you accept and what you want to pay.
First things first: condition is about looks
At The Phone Shopper every device goes through the same inspection of more than fifty points: screen, buttons, ports, cameras, speakers, sensors, water damage indicators, IMEI and software. A device in Used condition is therefore checked just as thoroughly as one in As good as new. The difference is in what you see: scratches, small dents and wear on the housing and screen.
That's also why the condition sets the price. You pay for a flawless exterior, not for a better phone.
The five conditions at a glance
| Condition | Exterior | Battery | Who it's for |
|---|
| New | Sealed in original packaging, never used | 100%, factory new | Anyone who wants the latest model with full manufacturer warranty |
| As new | Unused or barely used, no marks at all, no parts replaced | 100% measured | Anyone who wants new without the new price |
| As good as new | No or barely visible signs of use, indistinguishable from new at arm's length | At least 85%, higher optional | Most people: flawless device, serious saving |
| Lightly used | Small scratches on screen or housing, only visible if you look for them | At least 85%, higher optional | Anyone who uses a case and prefers to save |
| Used | Clear signs of use: scratches, small dents on the edges, housing lost its shine | At least 85%, higher optional | Anyone looking for a second phone, a work phone or a child's phone |
As new: how it differs from As good as new
As new is a separate condition because it really is something different. These are devices that have never or barely been used: often returns from customers who changed their mind within a few days, or devices from business batches that were never put into service. The battery measures 100% and nothing has been replaced. The only difference from New is that the seal has been opened.
As good as new is also flawless, but the device has had a life. The battery is at least 85% and may be slightly below 100%, and parts may have been replaced during refurbishment. Hence the price difference.
The battery class: choose it separately from the condition
On refurbished devices you can separately choose how good the battery should be. Condition and battery are independent: a device in Used condition can get a new battery, and a device in As good as new can have an 86% battery.
- Battery at least 85%: the standard. Plenty for a full day of normal use. Apple calls a battery up to 80% "optimal".
- Battery at least 90%: a selected unit with a stronger battery. For anyone who navigates, films or travels a lot.
- Battery 100%: an original battery measured at 100% capacity. As close to new as it gets.
- Service Pack: a brand-new original Apple battery, iPhone only. The battery Apple itself uses for replacements.
Not sure? For most people 85% is fine. If your current phone regularly runs out in the evening, choose 90% or higher. Our article on battery health explains exactly when 85% is still fine and when it isn't.
Which condition suits you?
You always use a case and a screen protector
Then you'll never see a scratch on the back again. Lightly used is the smartest choice: technically identical, tens of euros cheaper.
You want a device that looks new
Choose As good as new or, if available, As new. The price gap with New is large, the difference in experience is small.
It's for your child, for work or as a spare
Used. The device works exactly like the other conditions and you pay the least. A small dent on the edge doesn't matter then.
You want the latest generation
First look at As new or As good as new of the current model. Only if that isn't available is New the logical choice.
What is the same for every condition
- Full inspection of more than fifty points in our own workshop in Nijverdal, the Netherlands.
- At least 85% battery capacity, otherwise we replace the battery before sale.
- 2-year warranty and 30 days to change your mind.
- Unlocked, cleanly installed with the latest software, IMEI checked.
- Repairs afterwards are always possible, in the same workshop.
See the current range per condition on our refurbished models page, or go straight to refurbished iPhone models and refurbished Samsung. Condition and battery are listed on every device.
Frequently asked questions
Is Used less reliable than As good as new?
No. Both go through the same technical inspection and get the same warranty. The difference is purely cosmetic.
Can I choose a new battery on a device in Used condition?
Yes. You choose the battery class independently of the condition. A device with signs of use and a new battery is the best value for many people.
What if the condition disappoints?
You have 30 days to change your mind. Send the device back and you get your money back, or we exchange it for another condition.
Why is As new more expensive than As good as new?
Because the device hasn't been used, the battery measures 100% and nothing has been replaced. You're essentially buying a new device without the seal.
How do I see on the product page which condition I'm choosing?
Below the photos you first choose storage and colour, then the condition and the battery class. The price updates immediately. Questions? Email info@thephoneshopper.nl or call +31 548 549 536.
Refurbished iPhones, Samsung and iPads
Save up to 50% on a refurbished iPhone. Every device goes through our 50-point inspection and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Our services
Why The Phone Shopper?
- 2-year warranty on all refurbished phones
- 30 days to change your mind on devices and accessories (spare parts: 14 days) and free returns
- Free shipping within the Netherlands from €50 (accessories and parts) or €150 (phones)
- Professional 50-point inspection
- Pay securely with iDEAL, credit card, Bancontact, Apple Pay and Klarna
- Customer service available on working days, 10:00 - 18:00
Device condition
Every refurbished phone is sold in one of four conditions:
- New — Unused, in original packaging
- As good as new — No visible signs of use
- Lightly used — Minimal signs of use
- Used — Visible signs of use, technically fully sound
Customer service & information
Contact
The Phone Shopper
Willem Alexanderstraat 11
7442 MA Nijverdal, Overijssel
Tel: +31 548 549 536
E-mail: info@thephoneshopper.nl
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