Samsung Opens Certified Refurbished Galaxy Phone Sales In U.S.

However, it appears that the South Korean electronics giant was much further along in the process than originally thought, because Samsung’s certified pre-owned and refurbished Galaxy store is open for business today. However, those looking to score a sweet deal on a refurbished Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge will need to look elsewhere — all of the phones available in the store are at least a year old.

When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. Most of these phones are likely coming from customers that have traded up to purchase newer Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge smartphones. In addition, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge probably haven’t been around long enough for Samsung to have a sufficient refurbished inventory to sell to customers.

Smartphones that are currently available include the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. All of the phones are carrier locked, with models available for use on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint networks. Samsung says that all of the phones have been “Completely refurbished by Samsung engineers” and include a full one-year manufacturer warranty. You’ll also be glad to know that each phone comes with a brand new charger and new headphones (because we’re sure that you don't want to use someone else’s earbuds — yuck).

As for pricing, Samsung lists the retail price of a Verizon Galaxy S6 (32GB) at $576.99 and is selling the certified refurbished model for $399.99, representing a $177 savings. If the Galaxy S6 Edge is more up to your speed, Samsung offers a 64GB model carrier locked to T-Mobile for $499.

Although you won’t find newer phones like the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and Galaxy Note7 in the store, we have a feeling that the latter will make an appearance in large numbers in the next few months…