Short answer: In late 2026 the best-value pre-owned Samsung phones are the Galaxy S23 (if you want a flagship at the lowest price) and the Galaxy S24 or S24 FE (if you want updates into the 2030s). Buy unlocked, check that the IMEI is clean, and ask for the phone's actual battery health. Where you buy matters as much as which model: warranty, return terms and how honestly the phone is graded vary a lot between sellers.
Where to buy a pre-owned Samsung phone
There are four main places to buy, and each has trade-offs.
- Samsung Certified Re-Newed (Samsung.com). Samsung refurbishes the phone itself with genuine parts and a new battery, and backs it with a one-year limited warranty. It's the closest thing to new, but it costs the most. In the U.S. it currently covers the newest models, such as the Galaxy S26 series (for example, a Re-Newed S26 Ultra starts at $1,099 vs. $1,299 new).
- Marketplaces (Back Market, Amazon Renewed, eBay Refurbished, Swappa). The biggest selection and often the lowest prices. You're buying from one of many independent sellers, so quality, grading and support depend on which seller you get. Read each listing and the seller's ratings carefully.
- Carriers. Carrier pre-owned phones are often tied to that carrier's service or financing, and some stay locked until a period of paid service is complete. They're a good option only if you plan to stay with that carrier.
- Specialist sellers (like CPO Phones). One company tests, grades and ships every phone, so the standard is the same on every unit. Look for sellers that publish their grading standard, show battery health and offer a warranty.
Which pre-owned Samsung models make sense in 2026
Software support matters more than it used to. A phone that's stopped getting security updates is riskier to use for banking and payments. Here's how the common pre-owned models compare, based on Samsung's published update policies.
| Model | Released | Updates promised | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S22 | 2022 | 4 years of security updates, ending in 2026 | Skip it unless the price is very low. Its security updates are ending. |
| Galaxy S23 | 2023 | 4 Android upgrades, security updates through 2028 | The best-value flagship today: compact, fast, great cameras, at a much lower price. |
| Galaxy S23 FE | 2023 | 4 Android upgrades, security updates through 2027 | A cheaper flagship look and feel, with a shorter support window. |
| Galaxy S24 / S24 FE | 2024 | 7 years of Android and security updates | Buyers who want to keep one phone for many years. |
| Galaxy S25 series | 2025 | 7 years of Android and security updates | Near-current flagship features at a pre-owned discount. |
| Galaxy A-series (A16, A36, A56) | 2024–2025 | 6 Android upgrades and 6 years of security updates | Budget buyers, first phones and backups. |
Update timelines are Samsung's stated policies and count from each model's launch. Check Samsung's security updates page for the latest status.
What to check before you buy
- Unlocked status. "Factory unlocked" Samsung models carry U1 in the model number. "Carrier unlocked" phones started on a carrier and were later unlocked. Both work on other carriers, but make sure the listing says unlocked, not "locked to" a carrier.
- Clean IMEI. The phone's IMEI shouldn't be reported lost, stolen or blacklisted, and it shouldn't have an unpaid balance with a carrier. A good seller checks this before listing.
- Battery health. Batteries wear out. Look for at least 80% of original capacity, and prefer a seller that shows you the actual number for your phone rather than a minimum.
- Account locks removed. The phone should be factory reset with Google and Samsung account locks (FRP) removed, or you won't be able to set it up.
- A clear grade. Grades like "A/B/C" or "Excellent/Good/Fair" describe cosmetic wear only. Read the seller's definition so you know what scratches to expect.
- Warranty and returns. Look for at least a 90-day warranty and a 30-day return window, and check who pays return shipping.
Refurbished, used and certified pre-owned: what's the difference?
Used usually means sold as-is, often without testing. Refurbished means the phone was inspected and repaired where needed, but the standard depends on who did it. Certified pre-owned (CPO) means the phone passed a defined set of tests and grading rules and comes with a warranty. There's no single industry standard for any of these terms, so the seller's published policies are what count.
How CPO Phones fits in
CPO Phones is a small U.S. seller based in Parker, Colorado, specializing in unlocked Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. Every device is fully tested, checked for a clean IMEI, factory reset with account locks removed, and graded against one published standard. Each listing shows that phone's tested battery health, and every device comes with a 90-day warranty and 30-day returns. You can also see how we compare with Back Market.
Shop pre-owned Samsung phones →
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-owned Samsung phone worth it?
Yes, for most people. A one- or two-year-old Galaxy flagship usually costs far less than a new one and still performs well. The key is buying a model with enough update support left and a battery in good condition.
How long will a Galaxy S23 get updates?
Samsung promised the Galaxy S23 four major Android upgrades and five years of security updates from its 2023 launch, which runs through 2028.
Will an unlocked Samsung phone work with my carrier?
Unlocked U.S. Galaxy phones work on the major U.S. networks and most prepaid carriers that use them. If you're unsure, check your carrier's compatibility tool with the phone's IMEI before you switch.
What battery health is good for a used phone?
80% or more of original capacity is the usual minimum, and 85–90% or higher is very good. Below 80%, most people notice shorter battery life during the day.
Should I buy a Galaxy S23 or a newer A-series phone?
A pre-owned S23 has a faster processor, better cameras and a better screen than mid-range A-series phones. A newer A-series model gets software updates for longer. Choose the S23 for performance, or the A-series if long-term updates matter most.
Last updated October 2026. Samsung, Galaxy, Back Market, Amazon, eBay and Swappa are trademarks of their respective owners. CPO Phones is operated by LEK Telecom LLC and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsung or the other companies named here.