Best Refurbished Samsung Phones to Buy
Looking for the best refurbished Samsung phones to buy in 2026? Compare top Galaxy picks from Zextons for value, camera quality, battery life, premium features and more.
Looking for the best refurbished Samsung phones to buy in 2026? If you want premium Samsung features without paying brand-new flagship prices, buying refurbished is one of the smartest ways to save money while still getting a powerful and reliable Galaxy phone.
In 2026, Samsung remains one of the strongest brands to buy refurbished because many Galaxy phones still offer excellent displays, strong cameras, smooth everyday performance, and premium design long after launch. The key is choosing the right model for your budget and needs.
In this guide, we rank the best refurbished Samsung phones to buy in 2026 based on value, camera quality, premium features, battery confidence, and overall day-to-day usability. Whether you want the best all-round Galaxy, the best Samsung flagship for value, or the best foldable to buy refurbished, this guide will help you choose with confidence.
Best Refurbished Samsung Phones in 2026 at a Glance
If you want the short answer, these are the refurbished Samsung phones that make the most sense for buyers in 2026:
Samsung Galaxy S24 – Best overall refurbished Samsung phone
Samsung Galaxy S23 – Best value Samsung flagship
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – Best premium refurbished Samsung phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Best Samsung for camera and power users
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – Best older Samsung flagship still worth buying
Samsung Galaxy S22 – Best budget-friendly Samsung flagship
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Best refurbished Samsung foldable
For most buyers, the sweet spot is simple: choose a Galaxy phone that still feels modern, offers strong everyday usability, and comes from a trusted refurbished seller with clear grading, warranty support, and reliable after-sales service.
Quick Comparison Table
*Prices vary by storage, colour, grade, and availability.
Best Overall Refurbished Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy S24
If you want the safest all-round recommendation, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the best refurbished Samsung phone to buy in 2026.
It offers one of the best balances of performance, premium feel, modern design, and long-term value in Samsung's lineup. For most buyers, the Galaxy S24 is the point where refurbished buying really makes sense. It still feels current, still looks premium, and still offers the kind of smooth day-to-day experience people expect from a flagship Galaxy device.
Who it's for
The Galaxy S24 is ideal for buyers who want:
a premium Samsung phone without jumping all the way to Ultra pricing
strong all-round performance for daily use
a polished flagship experience that still feels modern in 2026
long-term value from a more current Galaxy model
Why we like it
The Galaxy S24 is easy to recommend because it does almost everything well. It suits a wide range of buyers and feels like a smart purchase rather than an over-complicated one.
Things to consider
If your budget is tighter, the Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S22 may offer stronger value. If you want the biggest screen and more premium camera ambitions, an Ultra model may suit you better.
Zextons verdict
If you want one Samsung recommendation that covers the widest range of buyers, the Galaxy S24 is the best place to start.
Browse refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 deals at Zextons
Best Value Samsung Flagship: Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the best value refurbished Samsung phones you can buy in 2026.
It gives buyers a premium Galaxy experience without the higher price of the S24 or Ultra models. This is the phone for shoppers who want Samsung flagship quality, but also want to spend more carefully and get stronger value for money.
Who it's for
The Galaxy S23 is best for:
value-focused Samsung buyers
people upgrading from older mid-range or entry-level phones
users who want a modern flagship without overpaying
shoppers who want a strong all-round Android phone
Why we like it
The Galaxy S23 still feels premium, smooth, and reliable. It gives you much of what people want from a Samsung flagship without pushing the price too high.
Things to consider
If the price gap between the S23 and S24 is very small, some buyers may prefer moving up to the newer model. If you want a bigger display and more camera power, the Ultra line makes more sense.
Zextons verdict
For buyers who want a Samsung flagship that feels smart, balanced, and value-driven, the Galaxy S23 is one of the strongest refurbished picks available.
Shop refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 at Zextons
Best Premium Refurbished Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
If you want a more serious flagship experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the strongest premium refurbished Samsung phones to buy in 2026.
This is the kind of device that still feels impressively high-end. It is ideal for users who want a big-screen Samsung phone with premium status, flagship features, and more top-tier appeal than a standard S-series model.
Who it's for
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is ideal for:
premium Samsung buyers
users who want a large immersive display
productivity-focused users
buyers who want a more serious flagship feel
Why we like it
The S23 Ultra still feels like a proper top-tier Samsung phone. It offers the kind of large-screen premium experience that many buyers want from a refurbished flagship.
Things to consider
It is bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the standard Galaxy S23 or S24. It will not be the right choice for users who prefer smaller or lighter phones.
Zextons verdict
If you want a premium refurbished Samsung that still feels flagship-level in 2026, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a standout option.
Explore refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at Zextons
Best Samsung for Camera and Power Users: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
For buyers who want the most complete Samsung experience in this guide, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best choice.
This is the strongest option here for users who care most about camera flexibility, power-user performance, flagship features, and a true top-end Galaxy experience. It is the most advanced phone in this list and the most aspirational refurbished Samsung pick for 2026.
Who it's for
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is best for:
photography-focused users
power users
business users
content creators
buyers who want Samsung's highest-end flagship experience
Why we like it
The S24 Ultra gives you the full premium Samsung package. For users who want the best hardware and the strongest overall feature set, it is one of the easiest premium recommendations to make.
Things to consider
It is one of the most expensive phones in this guide. For lighter users, the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S23 often makes more financial sense.
Zextons verdict
If camera quality, premium performance, and flagship features matter more than price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best refurbished Samsung phones you can buy in 2026.
See refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra deals at Zextons
Best Older Samsung Flagship Still Worth Buying: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best examples of how buying refurbished can unlock premium value.
Instead of paying much more for a newer Ultra phone, many buyers can get the feel and feature set of a high-end Samsung flagship for a more accessible price. That makes the S22 Ultra a very smart option for shoppers who want the Ultra identity without newer-Ultra pricing.
Who it's for
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is ideal for:
buyers who want an Ultra phone at a lower price
users who prefer a bigger display and premium feel
shoppers who want older flagship value
buyers who care about experience more than owning the newest model
Why we like it
It still looks and feels like a serious flagship. That gives it excellent appeal in the refurbished market, especially for buyers who want Samsung's premium identity without spending too much.
Things to consider
Because it is an older flagship, battery condition and overall grade matter more. Buyers should look carefully at value, not just the model name.
Zextons verdict
If you want Ultra-level Samsung value without going all the way to the newest models, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is still a strong buy in 2026.
Browse refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra at Zextons
Best Budget-Friendly Samsung Flagship: Samsung Galaxy S22
If you want a refurbished Samsung phone that still feels premium without stretching your budget too far, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is one of the smartest choices.
This is the lower-cost flagship option in the list. It gives buyers a better Samsung experience than many basic new phones, which is exactly why refurbished shopping can be so worthwhile.
Who it's for
The Galaxy S22 is best for:
buyers who want Samsung flagship feel on a tighter budget
users upgrading from old entry-level or mid-range devices
shoppers who want more premium design and display quality for less
buyers focused on value first
Why we like it
The S22 still feels like a proper Samsung flagship rather than a compromise phone. That makes it a much more attractive option than many newer cheap devices.
Things to consider
Battery condition matters more on older flagships, so overall grade, seller trust, and realistic expectations are important.
Zextons verdict
If your goal is getting a premium-feeling Samsung for less money, the Galaxy S22 is one of the best-value refurbished Galaxy picks in this guide.
Shop refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 at Zextons
Best Refurbished Samsung Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
If you want something more distinctive, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the best foldable Samsung to buy refurbished in 2026.
Foldables are not for everyone, but they are a great fit for buyers who want something stylish, more compact in the pocket, and more eye-catching than a standard phone. The Z Flip 6 gives you a foldable Samsung experience while still feeling current and desirable.
Who it's for
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is ideal for:
buyers who want a foldable Samsung
users who value style and compact carry
shoppers who want something more unique
Samsung fans who want a modern premium phone with personality
Why we like it
The Z Flip 6 adds variety to Samsung's lineup and gives buyers a foldable option that feels practical enough for real everyday use.
Things to consider
Foldables are more niche than standard Galaxy S-series phones. For most buyers, the safer-value recommendation will still be the S24 or S23.
Zextons verdict
If you want a refurbished Samsung phone that feels more exciting, modern, and different, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the strongest foldable choice in this guide.
Explore refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 at Zextons
Samsung Galaxy S Series vs Z Series: Which Refurbished Samsung Is Best?
For most buyers, the Galaxy S Series is the safer recommendation.
That is because Galaxy S phones usually offer the strongest balance of value, display quality, everyday usability, flagship performance, and practical buying confidence. They are easier to recommend to the widest range of users, especially people who simply want a dependable premium Android phone.
The Galaxy Z Series is better for buyers who want something more distinctive. Foldables can feel more stylish, more compact, and more exciting, but they are also more niche.
In simple terms:
Choose the Galaxy S Series if you want the best all-round refurbished Samsung experience
Choose the Galaxy Z Series if you specifically want a foldable and care more about style, compact design, and novelty
For most Zextons buyers, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S23 will make the most practical sense. The Z Flip 6 is the stronger option if foldable appeal is part of the buying decision.
How We Ranked the Best Refurbished Samsung Phones
At Zextons, we do not judge refurbished Samsung phones the same way we judge brand-new launches. A good refurbished buy has to make sense right now.
We ranked these Samsung phones based on the factors that matter most to buyers in 2026:
overall value for money
premium feel and everyday usability
realistic long-term appeal
display quality
camera strength
battery confidence
flagship features
refurbished market value
fit with live Zextons Samsung stock
We also prioritized Galaxy phones that are easier to recommend in 2026 because they still feel relevant, desirable, and practical for today's buyers.
What to Check Before Buying a Refurbished Samsung Phone
Before buying any refurbished Samsung Galaxy phone, there are a few important things worth checking.
1. Battery condition
Battery quality matters more than cosmetic perfection. A phone may look excellent externally, but if battery health is weak, the daily experience will suffer.
2. Condition grade
Always check the condition grade so you understand the cosmetic standard of the phone. In many cases, a Good or Fair grade can offer better value than paying much more for a cleaner-looking device.
3. Unlocked status
Make sure the phone is unlocked and ready for your preferred UK network.
4. Storage
Think about how much storage you really need. Photos, video, apps, and updates can fill up a device quickly.
5. Warranty and returns
A refurbished phone should come with proper support. Clear warranty cover and a straightforward returns policy make a big difference to buyer confidence.
6. Seller trust
The seller matters just as much as the phone itself. Accurate grading, proper diagnostics, and reliable customer support all help create a better refurbished buying experience.
Why Buy a Refurbished Samsung Phone from Zextons?
Buying refurbished should help you save money without making you feel uncertain about quality.
At Zextons, Samsung buyers can shop with more confidence because the store already highlights the kinds of trust signals that matter most in the refurbished market:
18-month warranty
free UK next-day delivery
expert grading
tested devices
strong Samsung range
UK-focused support
That matters because the best refurbished Samsung phone is not just about specs. It is also about where you buy it, how carefully it has been checked, and how confident you feel after checkout.
If you are still comparing across brands, you can also browse our wider guides on the
best refurbished phones under £300 in the UK,
best refurbished phones under £200 in the UK,
best refurbished phone to buy in 2026.
Browse all refurbished Samsung phones at Zextons
FAQs About Buying Refurbished Samsung Phones
What is the best refurbished Samsung phone to buy in 2026?
For most buyers, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the best all-round refurbished Samsung phone because it offers the strongest balance of premium design, performance, value, and long-term usability.
What is the best value refurbished Samsung phone?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the strongest value picks because it still feels premium while usually costing less than the newest Samsung flagships.
Is it worth buying a refurbished Samsung flagship?
Yes. In many cases, a refurbished Samsung flagship gives you a better display, better camera experience, and a more premium overall feel than buying a cheap new phone.
Which Samsung Galaxy is best for camera quality?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the strongest choice for camera-focused users and power buyers who want the most complete premium Samsung experience.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is still a strong older flagship option for buyers who want Ultra-level features at a lower refurbished price.
Are refurbished Samsung phones safe to buy?
They can be a very smart and safe choice when bought from a trusted seller that offers clear grading, warranty support, and tested devices.
Should I buy a Galaxy S Series or a Galaxy Z Series phone?
For most buyers, the Galaxy S Series is the safer and better-value choice. The Galaxy Z Series is better for shoppers who specifically want a foldable phone.
Final Verdict: Which Refurbished Samsung Phone Should You Buy?
The best refurbished Samsung phone to buy in 2026 depends on what matters most to you.
If you want the best all-round answer, choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. If you want the best value flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the smartest buys. If you want a more premium experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are the strongest high-end choices. If you want older flagship value, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is still worth serious consideration. And if you want something more distinctive, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the best foldable option in this guide.
For most buyers, the winning formula is simple: choose a Samsung phone that still feels modern, offers strong everyday usability, and comes from a trusted refurbished seller.
If you are ready to compare the latest Galaxy deals, browse the current range of refurbished Samsung phones at Zextons and find the model that best matches your budget, style, and needs.