A refurbished Samsung phone at half the price sounds tempting. But unlike iPhones, Samsung phones have some specific pitfalls that many buyers miss. These three checks take about five minutes total and can save you a lot of headaches.
Check 1: Verify Samsung Knox Status
Samsung Knox is your Galaxy phone's security system. If the device was ever rooted or flashed with unofficial software, Knox gets permanently tripped. The problem: The Knox warranty void status is irreversible and can void your warranty claims.
How to check Knox status:
1. Open the Phone app
2. Dial *#0*#
3. Tap "Warranty"
4. If it shows "0x0": you're good. "0x1" means Knox was tripped
With reputable sellers like Refurbed or Back Market, the Knox status should be clean. But asking doesn't hurt. For a comprehensive overview of which sellers are most trustworthy, check our dealer comparison.
Check 2: How Long Will You Get Samsung Software Updates?
Samsung now promises four to seven years of updates for newer models. But older devices fall out of support quickly.
Quick overview:
Galaxy S24/S25 Series: 7 years of updates (until 2031/2032)
Galaxy S23 Series: 4 years (until 2027)
Galaxy S22 and older: Support ends 2026 or earlier
Buying a refurbished Samsung phone like the S21 means getting a device without future security updates. That's not necessarily bad for everyday use, but worth knowing. If you're curious about battery quality, check out our guide to refurbished batteries.
Check 3: Know Model-Specific Quirks
Every Samsung series has its quirks:
Galaxy S22 Ultra: Known for camera issues in extreme temperatures
Galaxy S21: Some users report a green tint on the display
Older A-Series: Battery capacity degrades faster than S-models
This doesn't mean these devices are bad. But if someone sells you a "perfect" Galaxy S22 Ultra and the camera acts up in cold weather, you'll know why. With refurbished smartphones, these issues are usually fixed, but a quick test never hurts.
Bottom Line: Refurbished Samsung Phone Is Worth It
When buying a refurbished Samsung phone, these three checks have you covered: verify Knox status, check the update timeline, know model-specific issues. Minimal effort, maximum savings. On refurbito, you can compare prices across different sellers and find the best deal.
Want to compare Samsung prices? On refurbito, you'll find refurbished Samsung Galaxy smartphones from various sellers. With warranty, verified quality, and significantly cheaper than new.
