News in Short

• Samsung has launched its Certified Re-Newed Programme in India for refurbished Galaxy smartphones
• Refurbished Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy A56, and Galaxy A36 models are now available
• Samsung says the phones undergo testing, software validation, and data wiping before resale
• Every device ships with a one-year warranty and the latest software version

Samsung has officially launched the Samsung Certified Re-Newed Programme in India. The company is now selling refurbished Galaxy smartphones directly through Samsung.com and the Samsung Shop app. The lineup currently includes flagship Galaxy S25 models and mid-range Galaxy A-series devices at lower prices than their original retail cost.

The move comes at a time when smartphone prices in India continue to rise sharply. As a result, Samsung appears to be targeting buyers who want premium Galaxy features without paying full launch prices.

What Is Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed Programme?

The Samsung Certified Re-Newed Programme is Samsung’s official refurbished smartphone initiative. Under this program, older Galaxy phones are inspected, repaired if needed, tested, and resold by Samsung itself.

Unlike open-market refurbished phones, Samsung says these devices go through an in-house refurbishment process. That includes functional testing, software validation, quality inspection, and secure data removal.

Samsung also claims it uses original Samsung parts during refurbishment. Moreover, the phones arrive in fresh packaging with accessories such as a USB cable, ejector pin, and quick start guide.

Most importantly, the company is offering a one-year manufacturer warranty on these devices. That is the same warranty period available with newly purchased Galaxy smartphones in India.

Which Galaxy Phones Are Available Under the Samsung Certified Re-Newed Programme?

Samsung has started the program with both premium and mid-range Galaxy models. The biggest attention grabber is the refurbished Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is listed at Rs. 97,499. The same model originally launched at Rs. 1,29,999. That creates a price gap of more than Rs. 32,000.

Meanwhile, the refurbished Galaxy S25 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs. 58,749. The new model currently costs Rs. 62,999.

Samsung has also added more affordable A-series phones under the program. The Galaxy A56 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is available for Rs. 32,749 instead of Rs. 44,999.

Similarly, the Galaxy A36 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage now costs Rs. 23,249 under the refurbished program. Its original retail price stands at Rs. 32,999.

Interestingly, the discounts are much bigger on certain A-series devices than on the flagship Galaxy S25. That could make the mid-range models more attractive for budget-focused buyers.

Why Is Samsung Entering India’s Refurbished Smartphone Market Now?

India’s refurbished smartphone market has grown rapidly over the last few years. However, the segment has mostly been dominated by third-party sellers and resale platforms.

Samsung’s direct entry changes that equation.

The company now controls the refurbishment process, warranty support, and software experience. That could help address one of the biggest concerns buyers usually have with refurbished devices: trust.

At the same time, smartphone pricing in India has shifted noticeably upward. Premium phones regularly cross the Rs. 1 lakh mark, while upper mid-range devices increasingly touch Rs. 40,000 or more.

Because of that, official refurbished programs are becoming more important for buyers looking to extend value without sacrificing software support or flagship-level hardware.

Samsung also appears to be aligning this move with sustainability goals. Refurbished devices generally help reduce electronic waste by extending the usable life of smartphones.

What Do Buyers Get With Samsung Refurbished Phones?

Samsung says every Certified Re-Newed Galaxy smartphone ships with the latest software version available for that device. That means users should still get the modern One UI experience out of the box.

The phones are also unlocked. Buyers can use them with any supported carrier in India.

Another important detail is the warranty coverage. Samsung is offering one year of manufacturer warranty support instead of limited seller-backed coverage often seen on resale marketplaces.

However, buyers should still compare refurbished pricing with ongoing discounts on new smartphones. During sales events, certain new Galaxy devices sometimes drop close to refurbished pricing levels.

Still, Samsung’s direct involvement could appeal to users who prefer official after-sales support and verified hardware testing.

Could the Samsung Certified Re-Newed Programme Push Other Brands to Follow?

Samsung is not the first company to explore refurbished smartphones globally. However, its aggressive India push could pressure other brands to expand similar programs locally.

Brands like Apple already run certified refurbished stores in select global markets, though India still lacks an official Apple refurbished storefront. Meanwhile, rising smartphone prices are making longer device lifecycles more common among consumers.

That creates an opportunity for companies to monetize older devices while also building trust around the refurbished category.

For now, the Samsung Certified Re-Newed Programme gives Indian buyers another option between buying brand-new phones and taking risks on unverified resale listings. In a market where flagship prices keep climbing, that middle ground may become increasingly important.