The condition of your phone is one of the biggest things that affects the quote. Two phones can be the same model and storage size, but the one with a clean screen, working buttons and no account locks will usually be easier to assess and value.
This guide explains what condition means in practice before you send your phone to SellMobile.
The model starts the quote, condition adjusts it
Your model and storage size set the starting point. An iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, OPPO or Motorola phone will be checked against the exact version selected during the quote.
Condition then changes the value because it tells the assessor how much work, repair risk or resale risk is involved. A phone in better condition can usually be checked and processed more cleanly than one with faults, heavy damage or missing details.
If you are still checking what your phone could be worth, the how much is my phone worth page covers the main valuation factors.
Screen condition matters straight away
The screen is one of the first things to check. Light marks are different from cracks, display lines or dead touch areas.
Look for:
- cracked glass
- deep scratches
- black marks or bright spots
- green, pink or white lines
- flickering
- touch problems
- lifted or badly fitted screens
If the screen is damaged, be clear about it when choosing the condition. That gives you a more realistic quote before posting.
The frame and back show how the phone has been used
Dents, bends and cracked back glass can affect the final quote, even when the phone still turns on. Heavy wear can also point to other checks the assessor needs to make, such as camera alignment, wireless charging or water damage.
Small cosmetic marks are normal on used phones. The issue is whether the wear changes how the phone works, how safely it can be handled, or how accurately it matches the condition selected.
Faults can change the assessment
A phone does not need to be perfect to be sent in, but faults should be declared honestly. Check the main functions before packing it:
- charging port
- speakers and microphone
- cameras
- Face ID, Touch ID or fingerprint sensor
- buttons and switches
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal
- battery health where shown
- whether the phone powers on normally
If something does not work, say so. A clear fault note is better than sending a phone that looks fine but fails a basic check.
Account locks can stop the process
Condition is not only about scratches and cracks. Account locks, passcodes and device management profiles can delay or stop assessment.
Before sending the phone, remove Find My iPhone, Google account protection, Samsung account locks and any screen passcode. If the phone is still linked to an account after it arrives, it may not be possible to complete the check.
The phone sending checklist explains the reset and account steps in more detail.
Storage and exact version still matter
Condition does not replace the basic device details. Make sure the quote matches the exact model, storage size and network or SIM status where relevant.
This matters most when two phones have similar names. A standard model and a Pro model, or a 4G and 5G version, can have different values even if they look similar at a glance.
Pack it so the condition does not get worse
Once you have checked the phone, pack it properly. Use a firm box or padded packaging and stop the phone moving around inside the parcel.
SellMobile provides a prepaid Royal Mail label with up to ÂŖ150 insurance. If your phone is worth more than ÂŖ150, we advise using Royal Mail Special Delivery so the full value of the device is covered in transit.
A clear condition gives you a clearer quote
The more accurate the condition, the smoother the process tends to be. Check the phone in good light, remove account locks, choose the closest condition and pack it carefully.
When you are ready, use sell my mobile to choose the exact phone, storage and condition before you send it.
