GRADE MOBILE

GRADE MOBILE: monthly mobile device subscriptions in the UK

GRADE MOBILE is an official UK mobile network that sells phones, smartwatches and tablets through monthly payment plans, for both new and refurbished devices. The company presents itself as a specialist in refurbished phones and operates with offices in the UK and France. Its proposition is built around fixed monthly payments, 12- or 24-month terms and the freedom to choose your own SIM provider.

Subscription model and how it works

The service is based on a lease agreement with fixed monthly payments. The customer selects a device with a 12- or 24-month term, receives the equipment with free delivery and pays a lower monthly fee than at traditional high-street phone stores. At the end of the payment period, the device agreement ends and the equipment is returned to the company. The company stresses that the device is owned by the user from the start, as what is spread out is the purchase cost over the months.

Key conditions include the option to cancel within 30 days of receiving the product by written notice, with specific requirements if the device is new (it must be returned unopened). For returns, access codes and accounts such as iCloud and Google must be removed beforehand. The company carries out credit checks as part of the eligibility process, except for SIM-only contracts.

Devices and compatibility

The catalogue includes phones, watches and tablets from brands such as Apple, Google, Samsung, Doro and Fairphone. All devices are SIM-free and unlocked, so they can be used on any network. The company offers the option of providing its own SIM, selectable at the time of purchase or later. Refurbished devices are sold in as-new condition.

Warranty and service

The plans include warranty for the entire duration of the contract, presented as unlimited. The company also mentions the option to upgrade the device every 12 months. Customer service and shipping and returns policies are available on its website.

Environmental commitment and background

GRADE MOBILE describes itself as a company with an environmental focus. According to its data, it has prevented the emission of 16 million kilos of CO2. Each refurbished device prevents 243.6 kilos of raw materials from being mixed, saves 77.31 kilos of CO2, reduces e-waste by 89% compared with a new device and saves 77,000 litres of water. The company was founded in 2014 by Owain, then a teenager, who used birthday money to buy a broken iPod touch and a new screen; that was his first refurbished device. Since then, the company states it has sold more than 70,000 units, with more than 250,000 sales worldwide and more than 12,000 online reviews.

Corporate structure and regulation

GRADE MOBILE is a trading name of OG EXCLUSIVES LONDON LIMITED, registered in England and Wales with company number 08955418. OG EXCLUSIVES LONDON LIMITED is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with number 947743 and acts as a credit broker, not as a lender. Financing is offered through Affirm UK Limited, authorised and regulated by the FCA (reference number 756087), with company number 10199101 and registered office at C/O TMF Group, 1 Angel Court, 13th Floor, London, EC2R 7HJ. Services are available only to UK residents aged 18 or over. The company warns that missed payments may affect the customer's financial situation. A representative example is provided: a purchase of £900 could cost £75.00 per month for 12 months at a representative APR of 22%; a down payment may be required.

Network and coverage

GRADE MOBILE operates supported by the EE network. According to the comparative information published, dated 16 May 2024, the company states that its device and SIM bundles are cheaper than those of most major networks. Median network speed data comes from the RootMetrics report for the second half of 2023. The company also mentions free EU roaming and unlimited calls and texts in its plans.