Samsung’s Refurbished Galaxy S24 Phones: A Sound Concept Compromised by Poor Pricing
Samsung has announced the inclusion of the Galaxy S24 series in its Certified Re-Newed program, providing refurbished versions of the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra. While this initiative is intended to foster sustainability and cost-effectiveness, the pricing framework leaves much to be desired—particularly when brand-new models are available for lower prices.
Let’s examine what Samsung is presenting, why it doesn’t meet expectations, and where you might find better bargains.
What Is Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed Program?
Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program supplies refurbished Galaxy smartphones that go through a thorough inspection and refurbishment process. Key advantages include:
– A fresh OEM battery
– A one-year limited warranty (identical to new devices)
– Eligibility for Samsung Care Plus (with optional Theft & Loss coverage)
These benefits render Samsung’s refurbished phones more reliable than many third-party alternatives. However, the value proposition diminishes when comparing prices.
Refurbished Galaxy S24 Pricing: Not a Steal
Here’s the pricing structure for Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S24 models:
– Galaxy S24 (128GB, Black): $620 (original MSRP: $799)
– Galaxy S24 Plus (256GB, Black): $800 (original MSRP: $999)
– Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Black): $1,020 (original MSRP: $1,299)
At first glance, these prices seem to provide a modest discount—approximately 20% off MSRP. However, there is a caveat: the Galaxy S25 series has already been launched, and new Galaxy S24 models are now widely available at reduced prices by retailers.
You Can Buy New for Less
In a surprising development, brand-new Galaxy S24 phones are often more affordable than Samsung’s refurbished options. For instance:
– Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB): $880 new on Amazon — $140 less than Samsung’s refurbished cost
– Galaxy S24 Plus (256GB): $730 new on Amazon — $70 less than Samsung’s refurbished price
– Galaxy S24 (128GB): $557 new on Amazon — $63 less than Samsung’s refurbished cost
Furthermore, Amazon Renewed and Best Buy’s Geek Squad Certified Refurbished programs provide Galaxy S24 models for even lower prices—sometimes as low as $415 for the entry-level model.
Why Samsung’s Refurbished Pricing Misses the Mark
While Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program offers reassurance through its warranty and battery replacement, these factors alone fail to justify the high prices. When consumers have the option to purchase a brand-new, sealed phone for a lesser price—or a significantly cheaper third-party refurbished one—the allure of Samsung’s offering diminishes.
Moreover, the Galaxy S24 series is no longer the newest technology. With the Galaxy S25 lineup now released, the S24 effectively represents last year’s model. Refurbished pricing should take this into account—but it does not.
Environmental Benefits vs. Financial Rationale
There is undeniable environmental merit in purchasing refurbished devices. It helps cut down on e-waste and prolongs the lifespan of electronic gadgets. However, Samsung’s pricing strategy undermines this advantage by rendering it financially impractical for the majority of consumers.
If Samsung genuinely aims to promote eco-friendly purchasing, it should present more competitive prices—especially considering that both third-party vendors and even Samsung itself are providing better offers on new devices.
Bottom Line: Skip Samsung’s Refurbished S24s — For Now
Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program is a commendable idea, but its implementation with the Galaxy S24 series is lacking. The discounts are insufficient, especially when juxtaposed with the deals available on new and third-party refurbished devices.
Unless you specifically seek a refurbished device with a fresh battery and Samsung-backed warranty, purchasing a new Galaxy S24 from Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart is a wiser choice—and you’ll save money in the process.
If you are committed to buying refurbished for sustainable reasons, consider holding out for a price reduction or exploring more budget-friendly options through Amazon Renewed or Best Buy’s Geek Squad program.
In the meantime, for optimal value, a new Galaxy S24—or even a more current Galaxy S25—could be the smarter decision.
