Pricing guide · 4 min read · Updated 2026-05-15
How is an iPhone recycling price calculated?
A Hong Kong used iPhone recycling price mainly depends on the model, storage, colour demand, Hong Kong or overseas version, battery health, body condition and functional status. Popular Pro models, larger storage, no repair history and higher battery health usually stay closer to the online estimate.
If the phone has a replaced screen, replaced battery, Face ID issue, dusty camera, bent frame or Apple ID lock, the final inspection may need a price adjustment. Submitting the condition accurately helps avoid a large difference at handover.
- Hong Kong version, receipt, box and accessories make the source easier to verify.
- Battery health below 80% usually affects resale value and refurbishment cost.
- Overseas, dual-SIM or eSIM models should be checked against Hong Kong demand.
Inspection guide · 5 min read · Updated 2026-05-15
What do S / A / B / C inspection grades mean?
Phone recycling grades are not based only on scratches. Inspection normally covers display, touch, Face ID or fingerprint sensor, cameras, speakers, microphone, charging port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SIM network, liquid indicators and motherboard stability.
S grade usually means close to new with normal functions; A grade has light usage marks; B grade has visible scratches or small dents; C grade often involves cracked glass, functional issues or higher repair cost. Clear grading reduces handover disputes.
- S / A grade suits sellers who want the on-site price confirmed quickly.
- B grade should allow for cosmetic deductions, and photos are useful.
- C grade may still have value, but the quote is based on parts value or repair cost.
Data safety · 4 min read · Updated 2026-05-15
How should I erase phone data before selling?
Before selling a phone, back up photos, WhatsApp, contacts and two-factor authentication data, then sign out of Apple ID or Google Account. Deleting photos or apps is not enough because the phone may still be tied to an account, location service or activation lock.
iPhone users should sign out of Apple ID and choose “Erase All Content and Settings”. Android users should remove Google Account, Samsung Account and other cloud accounts before factory reset. After the reset, the phone should start at the initial setup screen.
- Keep the IMEI / serial number, estimate and payout record.
- Move two-factor authentication apps to the new phone first.
- Business bulk recycling can request data-erasure confirmation.
Mail-in process · 4 min read · Updated 2026-05-15
What should I check before mail-in inspection?
Mail-in inspection is useful when your schedule is tight, you are far from an MTR handover point, or a company is handling many phones at once. Before posting, take photos or video of the phone body, power-on screen, IMEI / serial number and packaging process, then use a tracked delivery method.
After receiving the phone, inspection is compared against the submitted details. If the condition matches, payout follows the quoted price. If there is a cracked screen, liquid damage, account lock or functional issue, the adjustment reason should be explained before you decide whether to proceed.
- Use shock-resistant packaging to avoid pressure damage during delivery.
- Keep the tracking number until payout is completed.
- For high-value phones, record a video of power-on and key functions.
More topics
Future article categories for a growing guide centre
The guide centre can expand by brand, issue, process and business recycling needs. Each article should answer one real user question.
How is a Samsung Galaxy recycling price calculated?
Does a cracked-screen phone still have recycling value?
How battery health affects an iPhone estimate
How to find IMEI or serial number
Hong Kong version vs overseas version phones
Business bulk recycling workflow
School devices, company devices and MDM locks
Why responsible phone recycling matters