Refurbished Samsung Phone: 3 Checks Sellers Won't Mention
3 min read
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.
From the S24 line, the catalogue carries: Samsung Galaxy S24 128GB onyx black, graded very good.
Samsung Galaxy S24 128GB onyx black
View at asgoodasnewAffiliate link. Buying through it earns us a commission; the price stays the same for you.
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.
All products from this post
The ones we named above are marked; the rest are alternatives in the same category.
Affiliate notice: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung Knox a problem with refurbished phones?
Usually not. Reputable sellers don't sell devices with tripped Knox warranty void status. Still, the `*#0*#` check is worth doing, especially with private sellers or smaller dealers.
How long will a Samsung Galaxy S23 get updates?
The Galaxy S23 receives security updates until 2027. That's one more year of support from 2026. Newer models like the S24 get seven years of updates.
What should I look for in a used Samsung?
When buying a refurbished Samsung phone, focus on three things: Knox status (should show "0x0"), remaining update years, and known model issues. Check battery health under Settings > Device care > Battery.
