The refurbished Galaxy S25 Ultra costs €1,239. The brand new Galaxy S25 Ultra? €1,099.
You read that right. Samsung's official refurbished program sells reconditioned phones for more than new ones. Sounds crazy.
It is.
On January 13, 2026, Samsung expanded its Certified Re-Newed program to Germany. France and the UK joined the same day. The manufacturer promises flagship quality, 147 quality checks, genuine Samsung parts, and a one-year warranty matching new devices.
Sounds good on paper. Then you look at the prices.
The Pricing Problem Nobody Expected
heise online did the math. Here's what they found when comparing Samsung Galaxy prices:
| Model | New at Samsung | Certified Re-Newed |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 | €669 | €769 |
| Galaxy S25+ | €819 | €979 |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | €1,099 | €1,239 |
Refurbished costs €100 to €160 more than new. Samsung acknowledged the error. Or at least suggested it might be one.
Imagine walking into MediaMarkt. You see the Galaxy S25 Ultra for €1,099. Right next to it, the same model labeled "refurbished" for €1,239. Which one do you pick?
Exactly. That's Samsung's problem.
This isn't the first time. Android Central reported on the S24 series that Samsung's refurbished units often cost more than new phones from other retailers. Brady Snyder wrote: "Samsung made buying refurbished a tough decision by setting prices way too high."
The pattern repeats. And raises a question: Is Samsung Certified Re-Newed actually meant as a samsung phone refurbished alternative, or more like a premium warranty service with a surcharge?
What Samsung Certified Re-Newed Actually Offers
Okay, but what do you get for the extra €140?
More than you'd think. Every CRN device goes through over 100 quality tests. Brand new battery. New IMEI number - the phone is literally reborn. Plus you get 100% genuine Samsung parts and the full manufacturer warranty of one year.
The 147-Point Check Explained
Samsung checks each device thoroughly. The battery gets completely replaced, not just refurbished. New battery means new. The IMEI number gets renewed, so the device has a clean history. No previous theft reports, no insurance claims, no locks in any databases.
Tech Advisor praises the program: "This one seems to go the extra mile with a 147-point checklist and 100 percent genuine Samsung parts."
The difference from third-party refurbishers like Refurbed or Back Market? They often offer just 90-day warranties instead of a full year. And you can't always be sure the battery is actually new. Some sellers have battery health at 80-85%, which is functional but not new.
More details about the refurbished process and what condition grades mean in our comprehensive guide.
Samsung Certified Re-Newed vs The Competition
Germany loves refurbished products. We're the largest refurbished market in Europe, and samsung refurbished germany devices are particularly popular here. The market for samsung phone refurbished is growing fast: from $24 billion in 2025 to an estimated $47 billion by 2032.
The market leaders? Refurbed hit €283 million in German revenue in 2024, with Back Market following at €193 million. Both offer 30 to 70% savings off new prices.
Samsung promises up to 30%. Theoretically. When the prices aren't upside down.
Want a concrete example? SlashGear compared the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung Certified Re-Newed: $829. Amazon: under $400. That's more than 50% cheaper elsewhere.
Warranty Makes the Difference
The big advantage of Samsung Certified Re-Newed is the warranty. One full year from the manufacturer is gold, as our warranty comparison shows. The 90 days many third-party sellers offer barely covers the first three months. With Samsung: full year, full protection, direct from the manufacturer.
Who Should Actually Consider This Program?
Let's say Samsung fixes the pricing. Who would the galaxy renewed program make sense for then?
If warranty matters to you: One full year manufacturer warranty is gold. The 90 days third-party sellers often offer? Barely covers the first quarter.
If you want a clean device history: New IMEI number means no baggage. No previous theft, no insurance fraud, no lock anywhere in the world. This matters especially if you plan to resell the phone later.
If you only accept original parts: Samsung only uses its own components. With third-party sellers, you never know exactly what's inside. Some use aftermarket displays or batteries from other manufacturers.
Budget-conscious? Stick with Back Market or Refurbed for now, at least until Samsung gets the pricing sorted out.
The Environmental Argument Still Holds
Regardless of the pricing mess, there's one reason that always favors refurbished: the environment.
An ADEME study shows refurbished smartphones reduce environmental impact by up to 87%. That's 261 kg less raw materials per device, roughly the weight of three average adults.
The numbers behind it: 80% of a smartphone's environmental impact happens during production. Rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt - everything must be mined, processed, transported. A refurbished device skips all of that.
Jun Kim, Samsung's Head of Sustainability, says: "Through the Certified Re-Newed program, we aim to contribute to the circular economy."
Nice words. But if the refurbished device costs more than a new one, nobody buys for environmental reasons. The prices need to work for the environmental argument to matter. Starting in 2027, new EU battery regulations require replaceable batteries, making refurbished programs even more important.
Buying Advice: When to Buy, When to Wait
The most important question: should you buy now or wait?
Wait if:
You're price-conscious and want the best deal
You're flexible about sellers
90 days warranty is enough for you
Buy from Samsung now if:
Manufacturer warranty matters above everything
You want absolute certainty (IMEI cleanliness)
Money isn't a concern
The smart alternative: Set a price alert for Samsung Certified Re-Newed. Once prices drop (and they probably will, Samsung has acknowledged the issue), you'll get a notification. Until then, check out Refurbed or Back Market.
For help deciding which refurbished smartphone fits your needs, our comparison tool shows current prices across all major sellers.
Our Take: Potential Wasted
Samsung Certified Re-Newed is technically solid. The quality standards beat most third-party refurbishers. The warranty is fair. The concept works.
But the price? Not competitive. At least not at launch.
If you want a samsung phone refurbished right now, you're better off with Refurbed or Back Market. The galaxy renewed program has potential, but only after a price correction.
If you insist on buying from the manufacturer, wait. Either Samsung fixes the prices. Or just buy new. It's actually cheaper at the moment.
The irony: Samsung got everything right with Certified Re-Newed except the most important thing. The price.
