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Understanding Certified Pre-owned (CPO) Phones

How Perpay ensures quality, value, and reliability for our mobile device assortment.

Updated this week

Certified Pre-owned (CPO) Phones


What is a Certified Pre-owned (CPO) phone?

Certified Pre-owned (CPO) phones are previously owned smartphones that have successfully passed a comprehensive, multi-point inspection. This rigorous testing ensures that both their cosmetic appearance and functional capabilities meet high resale standards.

CPO devices are sourced from professional streams such as consumer trade-ins, carrier upgrade programs, and corporate lease returns.


How is a Pre-owned phone different from a Refurbished phone?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "refurbished" phones generally have one or more defects that require repair or part replacement prior to being resold. Perpay's CPO devices focus on high-quality units that do not require repair—they are inspected, verified, and prepared for resale as-is.


What condition grades are available for CPO phones?

Perpay offers four condition grades for CPO phones: Premium, Excellent, Good, and Fair.

Premium — The device is in pristine cosmetic condition and has never been in customer hands. Battery health is 75% or greater. Passed a 30-point inspection of all major components.

Excellent — The device may show very light wear, such as minor hairline scratches. Marks are not visible during normal use. Battery health is 75% or greater. Passed a 30-point automated inspection of all hardware and software.

Good — The device shows moderate signs of wear, including visible scratches. Marks do not interfere with visibility when powered on. Battery health is 75% or greater. Passed a 30-point inspection of all major components.

Fair — The device shows noticeable wear and tear, including heavier scratches and scuffs. The device remains fully usable and functional. Battery health is 67% or greater. Passed a 30-point inspection of all major components.


How are CPO phones prepared before being sold?

Every CPO device undergoes a standardized preparation process before it reaches your door:

  • Automated Testing: Functionality is verified via industry-leading diagnostic software.

  • Data Security: All previous personal information is fully erased using military-grade data erasure.

  • Sanitization: Each device is thoroughly professionally cleaned and polished.


Are Perpay's CPO phones unlocked?

Yes. All CPO devices sold on Perpay are unlocked, meaning they can be used with most major carriers.


How can I find CPO phones on Perpay?

CPO devices are clearly labeled in the product title. You can also filter to "Certified Pre-Owned" devices in the smartphone category to avoid confusion with new inventory.


What comes in the box with a CPO phone?

Your CPO device arrives in a dedicated retail box and includes a charging cable and a Getting Started Guide.


What is the return policy for CPO phones?

All CPO phones are backed by a 30-Day Return Policy. If you are unsatisfied with the quality or condition for any reason, you can return it within 30 days—no questions asked.


Is there a warranty on CPO phones?

Yes. Every CPO device includes a 90-day limited warranty that protects against functional defects after your purchase. This warranty covers hardware failures due to defects, but does not cover accidental damage.


Will the battery on a CPO phone last all day?

For current Excellent-grade devices, Perpay guarantees a minimum battery capacity of 75% compared to new. This ensures reliable performance for your daily needs.


What if my CPO phone has an issue after 30 days?

While the return window is 30 days, your device is covered by a 90-day functional warranty. If the hardware fails due to a defect (not accidental damage) within this window, please reach out to the Perpay Customer Success Team for assistance.

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