The cheapest way to get a Samsung phone in the UK is not always the newest one with the lowest price tag. For roughly the same money, you can choose a brand-new budget Galaxy A-series phone or a refurbished Galaxy S-series flagship from a few years ago. The two routes give you very different things: one buys years of software support, the other buys better cameras and a more premium build. This guide sets out the real trade-offs, using our own listings at the time of writing (October 2026) and Samsung's published update commitments, so you can pick the right cheap Samsung for how you actually use a phone.
What is the cheapest Samsung phone you can buy right now?
At The Tech Gadgets, the cheapest Samsung phone is the refurbished Galaxy A16 4G at the time of writing (October 2026). Next come the refurbished Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy S10e. The cheapest brand-new-condition Samsung we list is the Galaxy A27 5G 128GB, sold as Open Box (Activated).
Prices depend on the condition grade and storage option you choose: Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest, while larger storage costs more. Stock and prices move, so check today's price on each product page.
New budget A-series or refurbished S-series: which is better value?
A refurbished Galaxy S flagship is better value if you care most about camera quality, zoom and build, and you accept a shorter software runway. A new or recent Galaxy A-series phone is better value if you plan to keep the phone for four years or more, because Samsung promises the latest A-series models up to six years of security updates.
The deciding factor for most people is software support. A phone that no longer receives security updates still works, but it stops getting fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. For a phone you use for banking, work email and payments, that matters more than an extra camera lens. So the honest answer depends on two questions: how long will you keep the phone, and how much do you value photography?
How long will each cheap Samsung get updates?
Samsung's update support varies a lot by model. The Galaxy S24 FE gets seven years of security updates, the newest A-series phones get up to six, and older flagships such as the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 have already dropped off Samsung's security update list. Check this before you buy any cheap Samsung.
The table below combines two official Samsung sources: the update commitment Samsung announced when each phone launched, and Samsung's own security update scope page, which lists the models currently receiving monthly or quarterly patches. We checked that page on 2 October 2026. Samsung notes that the list changes as support periods expire, and that timing can vary by market and network.
| Model (our listing) | Samsung's launch commitment | Status on Samsung's security list (2 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S10e / S10 / S10+ | At least four years of security updates (announced February 2021) | Not listed: no longer receiving security updates |
| Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra / S20 FE | At least four years of security updates | Not listed |
| Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra | Four generations of OS upgrades, up to five years of security updates | Not listed |
| Galaxy S21 FE | Four generations of OS upgrades, up to five years of security updates | Quarterly updates |
| Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra | Four generations of OS upgrades, up to five years of security updates | Quarterly updates |
| Galaxy S23 / S23+ | Four generations of OS upgrades, five years of security updates | Monthly updates |
| Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 FE | Seven generations of OS upgrades, seven years of security updates | Monthly updates |
| Galaxy A16 4G / A16 5G (refurbished) | Six generations of OS updates, six years of security updates | Quarterly updates |
| Galaxy A17 5G (refurbished) | Six generations of OS upgrades, six years of security updates | Quarterly updates |
| Galaxy A26 5G / A36 5G (refurbished) | Up to six generations of OS upgrades, six years of security updates | Quarterly updates |
| Galaxy A56 5G (refurbished) | Up to six generations of OS upgrades, six years of security updates | Monthly updates |
| Galaxy A27 5G (Open Box) | Up to six generations of OS upgrades, six years of security updates | Quarterly updates |
| Galaxy A37 5G / A57 5G (Open Box) | Up to six generations of OS upgrades, up to six years of security updates | A37: quarterly; A57: listed under monthly (enterprise models) |
Two caveats. First, Samsung does not publish an exact end date for every model. Where Samsung promised "up to five years" from a 2022 launch, as with the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S22 series, that points to support running out around early 2027, but Samsung has not confirmed a specific month for those phones, so treat it as an estimate. Second, Samsung's UK product page for the Galaxy S24 FE is more specific: it states security updates are valid until 31 October 2031.
The practical takeaway: a refurbished Galaxy S10, S20 or S21 (non-FE) is a capable phone at a low price, but it is best as a second phone, a child's first phone with limited apps, or a camera-first device rather than your main phone for banking.
What do you gain with a refurbished Galaxy S flagship?
A refurbished Galaxy S phone usually gives you a dedicated telephoto zoom lens, a faster flagship-class chip and a better-built body than a similarly priced A-series phone. The Galaxy S20 FE, S21 FE and S24 FE all have a 3x optical telephoto camera, which the current A-series phones we sell do not.
Here is what Samsung's own launch specifications show for three cheap Samsung options at either end of the price range:
| Spec (Samsung launch data) | Galaxy S21 FE (refurbished) | Galaxy A27 5G (Open Box) | Galaxy A57 5G (Open Box) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, up to 120Hz | 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+, up to 120Hz |
| Processor | 5nm octa-core | Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) | Not named in Samsung UK's launch release |
| Rear cameras | 12MP wide (OIS), 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP 3x telephoto | 50MP wide (OIS), 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro |
| Front camera | 32MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,500mAh | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh (typical) |
| Water/dust rating | IP68 | IP64 | IP68 |
| Security updates (Oct 2026) | Quarterly; nearing end of five-year window | Six years from 2026 launch | Six years from 2026 launch |
The pattern is clear. The S21 FE wins on zoom, selfie camera resolution and water resistance against the A27, while the A27 and A57 win on battery capacity and, decisively, on the length of software support. The A57 matches the S21 FE's IP68 rating but still has no telephoto lens.
What about the bigger refurbished flagships?
Spend a little more and you reach the Galaxy S20 Ultra, S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra. These were the top-of-range Galaxy S models of their generations, with the biggest screens and the most ambitious camera systems in each line-up. The Galaxy S20 Ultra and S21 Ultra no longer appear on Samsung's security update list, though, so the Galaxy S22 Ultra, still on quarterly updates, is the safer pick of the three for daily use. Our S22 Ultra guide covers it in detail.
What do you lose with a refurbished older flagship?
You mainly lose software runway and battery freshness. Older Galaxy S phones are past or near the end of Samsung's security support, and their batteries have been through more charge cycles. Our refurbished phones are dispatched with at least 85% battery health on Like New, Excellent and Very Good grades.
Older flagships also tend to have smaller batteries than today's A-series: the Galaxy S20 and S21 launched with 4,000mAh cells, against 5,000mAh on the Galaxy A27 and A57. A smaller, older battery plus a flagship chip and a 120Hz screen generally means you should expect to charge daily. That is a reasonable expectation rather than a measured result; battery life depends heavily on how you use the phone.
Finally, a refurbished phone will show some wear on lower grades. Our grades are Like New (no visible marks on screen or body), Excellent (light signs of use, hard to spot at arm's length), Very Good (visible marks on the body, screen in good shape) and Fair (the most visible wear). Choosing Very Good rather than Like New is often the easiest way to save money without any functional compromise.
Browse all refurbished Samsung phones →
Best cheap Samsung phones by budget
These picks use only phones we currently list (October 2026); check today's price on each product page. Each pick states the main trade-off so you can rule options in or out quickly.
Best Samsung phone on a tight budget
The best Samsung phone on a tight budget is the refurbished Galaxy A16 5G. It has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, a 5,000mAh battery and a 50MP main camera, and Samsung committed to six generations of OS updates and six years of security updates for the A16 series when it launched in 2024.
- Galaxy A16 5G (refurbished): the sensible all-rounder. Long update support, big screen, big battery.
- Galaxy A16 4G (refurbished): the lowest-cost Samsung we sell, with the same six-year commitment. Choose it if you do not need 5G.
- Galaxy S10e or S10 (refurbished): flagship build and cameras, but no longer receiving security updates. Best as a backup or secondary phone.
Shop refurbished Galaxy A16 5G →
If you are weighing up the two A16 versions against the newer A17, our Galaxy A16 vs A17 comparison goes into the differences.
Best Samsung phone on a mid-range budget
For most buyers, the best Samsung on a mid-range budget is the refurbished Galaxy S21 FE if you want camera flexibility, or the refurbished Galaxy A17 5G if you want the longest software support. The S21 FE still gets quarterly security updates; the A17 5G has a six-year commitment from its 2025 launch.
- Galaxy S21 FE (refurbished): 3x telephoto, 32MP selfie camera, IP68. Short remaining update window.
- Galaxy A17 5G (refurbished): 6.7-inch 90Hz screen, 5,000mAh battery, 50MP main camera with OIS, and six OS upgrades plus six years of security updates from its 2025 launch.
- Galaxy A26 5G (refurbished): up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates.
- Galaxy S22 (refurbished): the newest compact flagship in this band; on quarterly updates.
- Galaxy A27 5G 128GB (Open Box): a 2026 model with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and six years of security updates.
- Galaxy S20 FE (refurbished): the cheapest Samsung with a telephoto lens, but no longer on Samsung's security update list.
Shop refurbished Galaxy S21 FE →
Best Samsung phone on a bigger budget
On a bigger budget, the best Samsung is the refurbished Galaxy S24, because it combines flagship cameras with seven years of OS and security updates from its 2024 launch. If you would rather spend a little less, the refurbished Galaxy S23 still receives monthly security updates.
- Galaxy S24 (refurbished): 50MP main, 3x telephoto, seven-year update commitment.
- Galaxy S24 FE (refurbished): larger 6.7-inch screen and 4,700mAh battery; security updates to 31 October 2031 per Samsung UK.
- Galaxy S23 (refurbished): monthly updates; five-year security commitment from its 2023 launch.
- Galaxy A56 5G (refurbished): six-year commitment and on Samsung's monthly update list.
- Galaxy A37 5G or A57 5G 128GB (Open Box): 2026 models with six years of support.
- Galaxy S22 Ultra (refurbished): the cheapest Ultra still receiving updates (quarterly).
Refurbished vs brand new: what about warranty and returns?
Refurbished and pre-owned phones from The Tech Gadgets come with our 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional malfunctions. Brand-new items carry the manufacturer's warranty. Both come with our 30-day returns window, plus your 14-day legal right to cancel an online order.
Our warranty excludes physical, water and electrical damage, and battery defects or reduced capacity. If a covered fault appears, we repair first and replace if repair is not possible. Full details are on our warranty policy and refund policy. If you report a faulty, wrong or damaged item, do so within 3 days of delivery.
Some of our A-series listings are Open Box (Activated) or international stock rather than refurbished. Our guide to brand-new international stock vs refurbished explains what that means in practice.
How to choose a cheap Samsung without regretting it
- Decide how long you will keep it. Two years or less: an older flagship is fine. Four years or more: choose a model with a six- or seven-year commitment.
- Check the security list. If the phone will hold your banking apps, pick a model still on Samsung's security update list.
- Decide whether zoom matters. If you photograph kids' sports, gigs or pets from a distance, a telephoto lens is worth having, and only the Galaxy S models here have one.
- Pick the grade, not just the model. Very Good costs less than Like New and has the same battery-health floor of 85% at dispatch.
- Buy enough storage. Storage cannot be upgraded on every model, so check the storage options on the listing before you buy.
For a wider look at every refurbished Samsung we sell, see our best refurbished Samsung phones for 2026. If you have already decided on a brand-new A-series, our best brand-new Galaxy A-series guide compares the current range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest Samsung phone in the UK?
At The Tech Gadgets, the cheapest Samsung is the refurbished Galaxy A16 4G at the time of writing (October 2026); check today's price on its product page. It carries Samsung's six-generation OS and six-year security update commitment for the A16 series. Prices elsewhere vary, and offers change, so compare like-for-like condition and storage.
Is a refurbished Galaxy S21 better than a new Galaxy A27?
For cameras and build, the Galaxy S21 is stronger: it has a telephoto lens and IP68. For long-term use, the Galaxy A27 is the safer choice, because the standard Galaxy S21 no longer appears on Samsung's security update list, while the A27 has six years of security updates from its 2026 launch.
Is it safe to use a Samsung phone that no longer gets security updates?
The phone keeps working, but it stops receiving fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Some apps, particularly banking apps, may eventually stop supporting older Android versions. An unsupported phone is better suited to light use, a backup or a child's phone with limited apps than to being your main device.
Which cheap Samsung has the best camera?
Among the cheap Samsung phones we list, the refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra, S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra were the top-of-range camera phones of their generations; the S20 Ultra, for example, launched with a 108MP main camera. Of those, only the Galaxy S22 Ultra is still on Samsung's security update list.
How long will a refurbished Galaxy S24 get updates?
Samsung promised the Galaxy S24 series seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from its 2024 launch. Refurbishment does not change that, because updates are tied to the model, not the individual handset. Timing can still vary by market and network.
Do refurbished Samsung phones work on every UK network?
Yes. Every refurbished phone we sell is unlocked for all UK networks, tested, cleaned, factory reset and signed out of the previous owner's account before dispatch. Orders placed by 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day, with free UK delivery over £50.
Is a new budget Samsung better than a refurbished flagship for a teenager?
Usually, yes. A new or recent A-series phone such as the Galaxy A16 5G or A17 5G has a large battery and years of security updates ahead, which suits a phone that will be used for school, messaging and banking apps over several years. A refurbished flagship suits a teenager who prioritises photography.