Buying a brand-new Samsung flagship device can set you back by hundreds, even thousands of dollars. For instance, the base Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra retailed at $1,199 at launch. It was a similar story for the Galaxy S20, S21, and S22. However, this is not exclusive to Samsung. For instance, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max starting price was $1,099 at launch.

For those on a budget, this is a lot, but don't despair. In case you didn’t know, Samsung, like Apple, also offers refurbished or certified renewed smartphones for sale. Here's how the Certified Re-Newed program works.

What Is Samsung Certified Re-Newed?

Samsung Certified Re-Newed homepage

The Samsung Certified Re-Newed program is an initiative by Samsung that offers premium refurbished Galaxy devices for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new one—up to 30% less. There's also a Samsung Certified Re-Newed package for businesses known as Samsung Certified Re-Newed for Business.

Similar to Apple Refurbished devices, the scheme uses in-house engineers, processes, and resources to bring devices back to factory settings and standards. This includes both hardware and software upgrades or replacements.

With this approach, you can rest assured knowing that you're dealing directly with the manufacturer. Although other (sometimes unauthorized) dealers also offer refurbished devices, often for less, a certified renewed device is usually better.

How the Samsung Certified Re-Newed Program Works

Devices that go through the Samsung Certified Re-Newed program undergo a stringent 132-point quality inspection by trained Samsung engineers at a Samsung facility.

Each device is first wiped clean of any pre-existing data. Thereafter, it will be assigned a new IMEI number (here's how to find your IMEI number) and be rebuilt using genuine Samsung parts including a brand-new battery.

This is to ensure that each certified and renewed device adheres to Samsung’s high standards and offers the secondary users the best bang for their buck. After the device is certified renewed, Samsung throws in the same 1-year warranty that covers a brand-new Galaxy device, plus additional coverage.

What’s more, with each renewed Galaxy device you purchase, you also qualify for 24/7 support with Samsung Care+.

Which Samsung Phones Can You Buy on the Certified Re-Newed Platform?

Samsung-Certified-Re-Newed-devices

Unfortunately, not all Samsung devices, or even smartphones, qualify for the Samsung Certified Re-Newed program. At the time of publishing, you can shop for the following models:

  • Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
  • Galaxy S21+ 5G
  • Galaxy S21 5G
  • Galaxy S20 FE
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra
  • Galaxy S20+
  • Galaxy S20
  • Galaxy Note 10+
  • Galaxy Note S10+
  • Galaxy Note S10
  • Galaxy Note S10e

Note that these phones are subject to availability at the time of purchase and availability may differ from region to region. Samsung has promised to soon include current models in its Certified Re-Newed lineup.

What You Get With a Samsung Certified Re-Newed Device

Unlike refurbished devices by unauthorized dealers, Samsung Certified Re-Newed devices are restored to like-new mint condition by Samsung itself.

Here’s what you’ll get with the purchase of a Samsung Certified Re-Newed device as an individual:

  • A like-new device in the original box
  • 100% genuine Samsung parts
  • A new battery
  • A new charging cable
  • A new IMEI
  • Latest software updates
  • 1-year warranty
  • Samsung Care+
  • Affordable monthly payments, $0 down for up to 24-36 months
  • Free 2-day shipping
  • Free returns up to 15 days after delivery
  • Waste reduction of at least 121 lbs of CO2 emissions

In addition, businesses with a Samsung Business account will get the following:

  • Volume discounts
  • Bulk trade-in credit
  • 0% Samsung Business Financing
  • Tax-free shopping with a Samsung Tax Exempt Account for eligible organizations

The Benefits of Buying Samsung Certified Re-Newed Smartphones

There are three main benefits of buying a Samsung Certified Re-Newed device. Firstly, you'll be getting a like-new cleaned-up Galaxy device in an original box with genuine Samsung OEM parts and a brand-new battery to boot. Not only does it feel like new, but it also looks like new.

Secondly, you'll be saving money, hundreds of dollars, by buying Samsung Certified Re-Newed Galaxy devices. You can put such savings to better use, maybe even add a Samsung Watch.

Thirdly, not only will you be saving money, but you'll also be saving the planet. Each reused phone can save the planet up to 121 lbs of CO2 emissions; equivalent to what 2½ trees capture per year.

How to Shop Samsung Certified Re-Newed Smartphones

Buying a Samsung Certified Re-Newed device is simple and easy. You can even get up to $150 off or up to $265 trade-in credit with an eligible device.

To do so:

  1. For individuals, go to the Samsung Certified Re-Newed devices page on your preferred browser. You can do this on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
    1. For businesses, go to the Samsung Certified Re-Newed for Business page.

  2. Read through the page or simply scroll down to the Find your Certified Re-Newed Smartphone section.
  3. Click on the Buy Now button.
    Samsung Certified Re-Newed Buy Now button
  4. Make your selection under the Choose your device section.
  5. Go to the Choose your color box and make your pick.
  6. Select your trade-in device, its condition, and brand (if applicable). This can be a Galaxy smartphone or tablet, and certain Apple, Google, LG, and Motorola products can also be traded in.
  7. Otherwise, click on No trade-in.
    Samsung Certified Re-Newed trade-in section
  8. Add Samsung Care+ under the applicable section or skip by clicking No coverage.
  9. Scroll down and choose your purchase option. You can choose to pay once, monthly, or in four biweekly installments.
  10. Click on Continue.
    Samsung Certified Re-Newed purchase option selector
  11. Select add-ons (earbuds, smartwatches, etc.) if you want. Otherwise, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Skip add-ons button.
  12. Choose your payment option and complete your checkout. Available payment options include Express checkout (PayPal, Amazon Pay, and GPay) and Credit card (Visa, AMEX, Discover, and MasterCard)

Financing options include Samsung Financing (0% APR), Pay in 4 Installments with Affirm, and Klarna (no fees and no impact on credit score). There's also a Lease-to-own option (up to 12 months) with Progressive Leasing. However, do ensure to read the fine print in the bottom section.

Don't Buy a New Samsung Phone Just Yet if You Don't Have To

Thanks to the Samsung Certified Re-Newed program, you don't have to go all-out to buy an expensive brand-new Galaxy device if you don't have to. You can easily get a premium like-new Samsung Galaxy device for much less with peace of mind.

Also, with so many payment and financing options available, Samsung is practically begging you to buy Certified Re-Newed devices. Add that to the fact that you'll be helping to reduce CO2 emissions, and you'll have a solid reason to buy Samsung Certified Re-Newed.