Under the program, known as Certified Re-Newed, old smartphones are refurbished by in-house engineers to return them to factory settings and standards, replacing and upgrading both hardware and software. Apple has a similar scheme known as Apple Refurbished.
Smartphones refurbished under the program can be bought at significant cost reductions, with the cost of models including the Galaxy S21 Ultra lowered by more than $100.
The program also helps to increase lifespan of phones as tech companies come under pressure to improve the overall sustainability of their products and reduce e-waste.
According to Samsung, to earn the Samsung Certified Re-Newed label, each phone is extensively tested with a 132-point checklist and reassembled by Samsung engineers using Samsung parts — more than half of which are reclaimed from other Galaxy devices.
Each phone receives the latest software updates, a new device ID, and a new battery to give users a like-new and long-lasting experience. Other Samsung devices already available through its Re-Newed program include the Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Note series.