If you search for a "Samsung recertified phone" in the UK, you will find two different things: Samsung's own manufacturer-refurbished programme, called Certified Re-Newed, and refurbished Samsung phones sold by independent retailers like us. Both can be good buys, but they are not the same product. This guide explains exactly what Samsung's programme offers in the UK, based on Samsung's own pages, how it differs from third-party refurbished Galaxy phones, and when each one makes more sense.
Does Samsung sell refurbished phones in the UK?
Yes. Samsung sells manufacturer-refurbished Galaxy phones in the UK under the name Samsung Certified Re-Newed. Samsung announced the UK launch on 13 January 2026, starting with the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra, sold exclusively through samsung.com/uk. In September 2026, Samsung added Certified Re-Newed versions of the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra.
Samsung's announcement described the UK, France and Germany expansion as following earlier launches in the US and South Korea. In France the programme runs under a different name, Refurbished Premium by Samsung; in the UK and Germany it is Certified Re-Newed. Samsung says it will bring the programme to more markets based on demand.
What is Samsung Certified Re-Newed?
Samsung Certified Re-Newed is Samsung's own refurbishment programme for returned Galaxy phones. According to Samsung, each device is inspected and refurbished in-house, cleaned, put through more than 100 quality tests, fitted with Samsung parts where needed, given a Samsung-certified battery, reset, updated to the latest software and packed in a new box with a two-year warranty.
Here is what Samsung's UK newsroom and its Certified Re-Newed page state, point by point:
- Source devices: in the UK, France and Germany, Samsung limits eligibility to "top-grade" returned products.
- Testing: an in-house inspection and refurbishment process with rigorous cleaning and more than 100 quality tests, carried out by Samsung-approved technicians in a Samsung-approved facility.
- Parts: parts are replaced depending on the phone's condition. Samsung lists examples including the screen, camera, speakers, sensor, NFC and antenna; parts that do not work normally, or need replacing for appearance, are replaced with Samsung parts.
- Battery: a "Samsung-certified battery", which Samsung defines as a Samsung battery inspected to meet its quality standards and delivering performance comparable to a new battery.
- Box contents: a new box with a charging cable, user manual and ejector pin.
- Identity and software: UK devices are issued new IMEI numbers and updated with the latest software.
- Network: unlocked and compatible with the network of your choice.
- Condition: Samsung says devices may have minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect function or performance.
- Warranty: two years, the same as Samsung's new phones, with Samsung Care+ available at extra cost.
Which Samsung Certified Re-Newed models are available in the UK?
Samsung has announced two waves of Certified Re-Newed phones for the UK: the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra in January 2026, and the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra in September 2026. The S26 Certified Re-Newed models come in Black and Cobalt Violet, with storage from 256GB up to 1TB on the Ultra.
Samsung's announcements cover only these flagship Galaxy S models. We could not find any Samsung UK announcement of Certified Re-Newed Galaxy A-series, older Galaxy S models (S24 and earlier) or foldables. Stock on samsung.com changes, so check the Certified Re-Newed section of Samsung's site for what is in stock on the day. We have not quoted Samsung's prices here because they were not stated in Samsung's UK announcements and can change; compare them directly on samsung.com/uk.
What is a third-party refurbished Samsung phone?
A third-party refurbished Samsung is a used Galaxy phone that an independent company, not Samsung, has tested, cleaned, graded and resold with its own warranty. Our refurbished Samsung phones are refurbished by The Tech Gadgets in Manchester, not by Samsung, and come with our 12-month warranty.
Every refurbished phone we sell is tested, cleaned, factory reset, signed out of the previous owner's account and unlocked for all UK networks. Devices are activated before dispatch for testing. We sell four condition grades:
- Like New: no visible marks on the screen or body; may or may not come in the manufacturer's box.
- Excellent: light signs of use, hard to spot at arm's length.
- Very Good: visible marks on the body, screen in good shape.
- Fair: the most visible wear.
Our product pages state at least 85% battery health on Like New, Excellent and Very Good grades, measured at dispatch.
Samsung Certified Re-Newed vs third-party refurbished: side by side
The main differences are warranty length, model range and who does the work. Samsung Certified Re-Newed offers a two-year Samsung warranty but only recent flagships. Third-party refurbished covers many more models and price points, with grade choice, but the warranty comes from the retailer and is usually shorter.
| Feature | Samsung Certified Re-Newed (UK) | The Tech Gadgets refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Who refurbishes | Samsung, in a Samsung-approved facility | The Tech Gadgets, Manchester (not Samsung) |
| Models | Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra; Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra | Galaxy S10 to S25 series, including FE and Edge models, plus selected Galaxy A-series |
| Cheapest Samsung | Check samsung.com/uk on the day | Galaxy A16 4G and Galaxy S10e are our lowest-priced models; check today's prices on thetechgadgets.co.uk |
| Condition | One standard; may have minor cosmetic imperfections | Choice of Like New, Excellent, Very Good or Fair |
| Battery | Samsung-certified battery (performance comparable to new, per Samsung) | At least 85% health at dispatch on Like New, Excellent and Very Good |
| Parts | Samsung parts replaced as needed | Tested and cleaned; ask us about any specific part |
| Box | New box with cable, manual and ejector pin | Packaging varies; Like New may or may not come in the manufacturer's box |
| Warranty | 2 years (Samsung) | 12 months (The Tech Gadgets) |
| Networks | Unlocked | Unlocked for all UK networks |
| Where to buy | samsung.com/uk only | thetechgadgets.co.uk |
Is Samsung Certified Re-Newed worth it?
Samsung Certified Re-Newed is worth it if you want a current or last-generation Galaxy S flagship, value a two-year manufacturer warranty above everything else, and would otherwise buy new. It is less suited to tight budgets, because it only covers the newest flagship models.
The two-year warranty is the standout. It matches what Samsung gives on new phones, and it is double our 12-month refurbished warranty. The new IMEI, new box and Samsung-handled repairs will also reassure buyers who are nervous about refurbished phones.
The limitation is range. If you are shopping on a budget or in the mid-range, Samsung's programme does not currently offer a phone in that bracket, because Galaxy S25 and S26 flagships sit well above it even when refurbished. That is where third-party refurbished phones come in.
When does a third-party refurbished Samsung make more sense?
A third-party refurbished Samsung makes more sense when you want an older or cheaper model, want to choose the cosmetic grade to control the price, or want a Galaxy S25 Edge or FE model that Samsung's UK programme does not list. It is also the only refurbished route for Galaxy S24 and earlier.
Examples from our range; follow each link to see today's price:
- Galaxy S24: seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from its 2024 launch, per Samsung.
- Galaxy S24 FE.
- Galaxy S23.
- Galaxy S25 Edge.
- Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Shop refurbished Samsung phones →
If you are specifically after a Galaxy S25, compare our prices with Samsung's Certified Re-Newed price on the same day, then weigh the difference against the extra year of warranty. For some buyers the warranty is worth the gap; for others, a lower price on a Very Good grade wins. Our refurbished Galaxy S25 series guide covers the four S25 models in more depth.
Is "recertified" the same as "refurbished"?
In everyday use, yes: "recertified", "renewed", "refurbished" and "pre-owned" all describe a used phone that has been checked and resold. Each seller sets its own standard behind the label, so what matters is who did the work, what was tested or replaced, the battery standard and the warranty.
Samsung uses "Certified Re-Newed" for its own programme. Other sellers use their own labels. Because the words are not standardised, compare sellers on the concrete details in the table above rather than on the label.
Do my consumer rights differ between the two?
No. When you buy from a business in the UK, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies whether the phone is new, refurbished or second-hand. Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, and you can reject faulty goods for a full refund within 30 days of delivery.
What counts as "satisfactory quality" takes into account factors such as price and how the item is described, so a Fair-grade phone is judged differently from a new one. On top of statutory rights, online purchases normally carry a 14-day right to cancel. Our own terms give you 30 days to return, and you must report faulty, wrong or damaged items within 3 days of delivery; see our refund policy. A warranty, whether Samsung's two years or our 12 months, sits on top of these legal rights rather than replacing them.
Questions to ask any refurbished Samsung seller
- Who refurbished it? The manufacturer or the retailer?
- What is the battery standard? A minimum health percentage, a certified battery or a new battery?
- How long is the warranty, and what does it exclude? Our warranty, for example, excludes physical, water and electrical damage and battery defects or reduced capacity. Full terms are on our warranty policy page.
- Is it unlocked and signed out of the previous owner's account?
- How are condition grades defined? Look for written definitions, not just labels.
- How long will the model get updates? Check Samsung's published commitment for that model.
For our picks across the whole range, see the best refurbished Samsung phones for 2026. If your budget is tight, our guide to cheap Samsung phones, new vs refurbished compares price bands, starting with our lowest-priced models.
Compare refurbished Galaxy phones and today's prices →
Frequently asked questions
What is a Samsung recertified phone?
"Samsung recertified" is the term many people search for, but Samsung calls its UK programme Certified Re-Newed. These are returned Galaxy phones that Samsung inspects, tests, repairs with Samsung parts where needed and resells in a new box with a two-year warranty, sold only on samsung.com/uk.
Does Samsung Certified Re-Newed come with a new battery?
Samsung's UK page says Certified Re-Newed phones come with a "Samsung-certified battery", defined as a Samsung battery inspected to meet Samsung's quality standards with performance comparable to a new battery. The UK page does not say every battery is brand new, so ask Samsung directly if that matters to you.
How long is the Samsung Certified Re-Newed warranty in the UK?
Two years. Samsung's UK Certified Re-Newed page states that every Certified Re-Newed smartphone has a two-year warranty, the same as its brand-new smartphones. Samsung Care+ can be added for an extra cost to cover things the warranty does not.
Can I buy a Certified Re-Newed Galaxy A-series phone in the UK?
We could not find any Samsung UK announcement covering Certified Re-Newed Galaxy A-series phones. Samsung's UK launches have covered the Galaxy S25 and S26 series. Refurbished Galaxy A-series phones are available from third-party sellers, including our refurbished Galaxy A16, A17, A26, A36 and A56.
Are Samsung Certified Re-Newed phones unlocked?
Yes. Samsung states that its Certified Re-Newed smartphones are unlocked and compatible with the network of your choice. Our refurbished Samsung phones are also unlocked for all UK networks.
Do refurbished Samsung phones still get software updates?
Yes, as long as the model is still within Samsung's support period. Updates are tied to the model, not to whether the handset is new or refurbished. A refurbished Galaxy S24, for example, has the same seven-year commitment from launch as a new one.
Is a third-party refurbished Samsung safe to buy?
It can be, if the seller tests the phone properly, removes the previous owner's account, states the battery standard and gives a written warranty. Your Consumer Rights Act protections apply either way. Our refurbished phones come with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day returns window.