Here’s a game-changer for tech enthusiasts and eco-conscious buyers alike: Samsung has officially brought its Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S25 series to the UK, Germany, and France, following its successful launch in the US last August. But here’s where it gets controversial—while this move is hailed as a step toward sustainability, some critics argue it could overshadow the demand for brand-new devices. Let’s dive in.
In the UK and Germany, the program is branded as “Certified Re-Newed,” while France gets a slightly different name: “Refurbished Premium By Samsung.” And this is the part most people miss—despite the name difference, all three markets offer the same high-quality refurbished devices. These aren’t your average second-hand phones; only top-tier returned units make the cut. Each device undergoes a rigorous process: thorough cleaning, over 100 quality tests, and repairs using genuine Samsung parts—including a brand-new battery. They’re also updated with the latest software and issued new IMEI numbers, ensuring they feel as good as new.
Packaging? It’s eco-friendly, made from recyclable materials, and includes the same accessories as a new device (though, let’s be honest, that’s just a USB-C cable and a SIM ejector tool these days). Here’s the real kicker: Samsung offers the same warranty for these refurbished phones as it does for new ones, setting it apart from third-party refurbishment deals. This bold move raises the question: Is Samsung redefining what it means to buy a ‘new’ phone?
For those wanting extra peace of mind, Samsung Care+ is available, offering perks like free battery replacement if health drops below 80% and theft coverage. Jun Kim, EVP and Head of Galaxy Value Innovation Team at Samsung Electronics, stated, ‘We’re excited to expand our Certified Re-Newed program in European markets to provide customers with more options for purchasing flagship devices, while contributing to a circular economy.’ But is this enough to convince buyers to go refurbished over new? That’s up for debate.
Currently, the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are available in various storage options, though availability varies. Notably, the Edge and FE models aren’t part of the program—yet. Prices range from £1,153 for the S25 Ultra in the UK to €800 for the S25 in France. For comparison, the US program also includes Galaxy Z units (up to Z Flip6 and Z Fold6), but these haven’t made their way to Europe—yet.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: As Samsung pushes refurbished devices as a sustainable alternative, are we witnessing the future of smartphone sales, or will buyers always crave the ‘new’ over the ‘renewed’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
For those interested, here are some of the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may earn a commission from qualifying sales:
Samsung Galaxy S25
- 128GB, 12GB RAM: $719.99 (US) | C$665.00 (Canada)
- 256GB, 12GB RAM: $779.99 (US) | C$787.00 (Canada)
Samsung Galaxy S25+
- 256GB, 12GB RAM: $999.99 (US) | C$941.75 (Canada)
- 512GB, 12GB RAM: $1,119.99 (US) | C$997.99 (Canada)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 512GB, 12GB RAM: $999.99 (US) | C$1,447.00 (Canada)
- 1TB, 12GB RAM: $1,119.99 (US) | C$2,695.00 (Canada)
For full pricing details, check out the links provided. Whether you’re team ‘new’ or team ‘renewed,’ one thing’s clear: Samsung is shaking things up—and we’re here for it.
