The saying “old is gold” is quite relevant when buying a refurbished device. Refurbished Samsung phones are popular because of their low prices and user preferences. They also have standout features Samsung discontinued in their new phones. 

Read on to discover what refurbished Samsung phones are, how they’re better than new phones, and how to choose the right one. 

What Is a Refurbished Samsung Phone?

Refurbished Samsung phones are pre-owned devices that could’ve been returned because of factory defects, trade-in programs, or phone recycling programs.

Before being sold again, they’ve had repairs, data wipes, software updates, and customization removals. Refurbishers also put in a new battery if the existing one has depleted. The goal is to get them to work like brand new phones.

Refurbished phones are different from used phones. While used Samsung smartphones are second-hand products bought directly from their owners, refurbished devices are sent to certified retailers and repaired before sale. Wholesale refurbished phones from established retailers often carry a one-year warranty. 

Although refurbished devices perform well internally, check out their refurbished grades for cosmetic defects.

How Long Do Refurbished Samsung Phones Last?

A refurbished Samsung phone will last between 3 to 5 years, depending on when you bought it and the condition you bought it in. For tips on extending their lifespan, read our guide on how long smartphones last. 

The number of years a phone receives Android and security updates can determine its lifespan. Updates help optimize existing hardware, bug fixes, and system security. So, looking at the manufacturing date can help you predict how long a phone will last.

Samsung smartphones manufactured before 2019 — like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 Plus — receive software updates for two years. But models released after 2019 receive three years of Android updates and four years of security updates.

Premium Samsung phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, have exceptional hardware, a powerful rear camera, and extended Android software support. You can expect excellent performance for 3 to 4 years, even if it’s a one or two-year-old refurbished model.

Pros and Cons of Buying Refurbished Samsung Phones Wholesale

Whether you manage a small business or lead a large organization, purchasing refurbished phones from a certified retailer is a wise investment. Let’s look at some pros and cons of buying refurbished Samsung phones wholesale. 

Pros:

1. Affordable: A refurbished Samsung can perform just as well as a new device. Plus, buying a refurbished Samsung Phone can be 20% to 30% cheaper than a new one. You can cut down on costs dramatically if you buy refurbished phones in bulk for your team. 
2. Eco-friendly: Sourcing rare metals for new phones, and improperly disposing of old ones doesn’t do the environment any favors. Choosing wholesale refurbished phones helps reuse existing resources and promote sustainability.
3. High-quality standards: Since wholesale refurbished Samsung phones undergo intensive repairs and careful inspection, they have high safety and quality standards. It’s almost impossible to tell a new Samsung phone apart from a like-new refurbished product.

Cons:

1. Degraded battery: While Samsung puts a new battery in every refurbished device, not all refurbishers guarantee 100% battery capacity. Before buying in bulk, confirm the phone’s battery condition with the third-party retailer.
2. Visible cosmetic defects: Your wholesale refurbished Samsung phones are assigned a refurbished grade. There’ll be scratches and dents at the lowest refurbishing grade, but the device will be damage-free internally.

Refurbished Samsung Phones vs. Other Refurbished Brands 

Different brands of refurbished phones offer different lifespans and performance levels. Let’s look at how refurbished Samsung phones stack up against other brands. 

Refurbished Google Pixel vs. Refurbished Samsung Phone

Google’s smartphones have 500 battery cycles and will last 3 to 5 years. While the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro receive five years of security updates, Google offers three years of Android and security updates on other models. 

If you buy a two-year-old refurbished Google Pixel, it’ll probably last 1 to 2 years, after which its performance and battery capacity will drop. A two-year-old refurbished Samsung phone will last 2 to 3 years before it sees a considerable performance drop. 

Refurbished Xiaomi Phone vs. Refurbished Samsung Phone

Xiaomi phones have close to 500 cycles as well. But refurbished models launched before Q3 2021 receive two years of Android and three years of security updates, so their performance is likely to drop after 1 to 2 years. 

Models rolled out post-Q3 2021 will receive three years of software support and four years of security patches, like Samsung phones. So, a two-year-old refurbished Xiaomi phone should work for two years before its performance dips dramatically.

Refurbished iPhone vs. Refurbished Samsung Phone

While both Apple iPhones and Samsung phones have 500 battery cycles, iPhones tend to outlive Samsung devices because they receive seven years of iOS and security updates.

These devices have terrific battery lives and can perform exceptionally well for four years. With proper care, you can extend their lifespan up to seven years. A two-year-old refurbished iPhone will be in excellent working condition for 3 to 4 years. 

6 Factors to Keep in Mind While Buying Wholesale Refurbished Samsung Phones

There are plenty of wholesale refurbished phone sellers, but not all offer high-quality and reliable devices. Keep the following factors in mind when hunting for your new refurbished phone. 

1. Choose a Reputable Seller

Once you decide to buy a refurbished Samsung phone, you have to choose whether to buy from a third-party refurbisher or Samsung. Both offer unlocked cell phones.

Samsung’s certified renewed products are quality tested, have a one-year warranty, and come with a new battery. But quality refurbishing comes with higher price tags. 

Even phone carriers like Verizon, T-mobile, and AT&T have capitalized on the refurbishing market. Most online retailers — Amazon, Best Buy, Swappa, and eBay — use third-party services for repairs. They provide easy return policies and sizable discounts on their refurbished Samsung phones.

At RecirQ, we provide the finest refurbished Samsung phones at budget prices. We have an extensive stock of high-quality smartphones. We offer same-day shipping and a generous 30-day return policy and warranty with all our refurbished devices. 

2. Take Note of the Refurbished Grade

While all refurbished devices are in excellent condition internally, a refurbished grade indicates how your device looks on the outside. 

Grading standards can differ among manufacturers, so you’ll want to give your seller’s grading terms a thorough read beforehand. However, these are some commonly used grades for refurbished phones:

• Grade A: These products are reconditioned to look like new phones but cost more than the other grades. 
• Grade B: These models show light cosmetic damage on their outer case, but they’re more affordable than Grade A devices.  
• Grade C: These devices have visible cosmetic issues and damaged outer shells and cost the least of the grades.   

3. Verify the Product Launch Date

To determine a refurbished Samsung phone‘s overall performance and battery life, you need its launch year. To get the most out of the latest software, like fast processing and improved functionality, select a smartphone that’s 1-2 years old. Older phones will have outdated features and reduced performance. 

As a general rule, the newer the device, the more you’ll have to pay for it. So, a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 (2021) with an A-grade is double the price of an A-grade refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (2019). 

Note that the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S21 5G, and Galaxy Z Flip are great models in 2022. But steer clear of models older than 2020, like the Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 10, and Galaxy S9 64GB, since they won’t get software updates anymore. 

4. Check for a Warranty

Samsung’s certified renewed phones live up to the company’s standards of excellence and come with a one-year warranty. 

Customers often pick refurbished phones from online and local retailers since buying directly from Samsung can be expensive. While some sellers offer a short warranty period, most skimp on it entirely. It’s best to pick a seller that offers a warranty for its products.

5. Ask About the Battery

Confirm whether the seller replaces the battery on its refurbished devices. Since most sellers don’t, check the battery cycle count. Avoid choosing phones with battery capacities under 80-85%.

You won’t face issues buying directly from Samsung — all its refurbished products come with a new battery. However, they’ll cost you. 

6. Ensure the Samsung Phone Isn’t Stolen

To avoid buying a stolen Samsung phone, find out the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and verify it on an IMEI checking website. You can find this number under the “About Phone” section in the Settings app. If you buy the phone online, ask the seller to send you the original receipt. 

Phones refurbished by Samsung get a new IMEI number and SIM card, so you can be sure they aren’t stolen.  

Refurbished Samsung Phones for Your Wallet and the Planet 

Refurbished Samsung phones are pre-owned devices that are quality-tested and repaired to perform like new phones. Lasting between 3 to 5 years, these refurbished devices are more environmentally sustainable and affordable than new models. That means you can make a smart choice by purchasing these phones wholesale. 

But before you opt for a refurbished Samsung phone, verify the seller’s authenticity and check the refurbished grade, product release date, warranty, battery condition, and IMEI number. 

If you want a premium phone with top features and performance for less money, a refurbished Samsung phone is your best bet. For quality refurbishing and attractive discounts on your next purchase, get in touch with us today. We’ll generate a wholesale quote for refurbished smartphones that your wallet — and the planet — will love.