Samsung Electronics Co. launched a refurbished phone business in South Korea, offering certified used smartphones to consumers that prioritize value for money.

The company is selling Galaxy S series devices returned within a week at a 20 to 30 percent discount from the original price. This initiative aims to strengthen Samsung’s presence in the premium smartphone market while also contributing to a circular economy by reducing electronic waste.

Samsung Electronics announced that it started selling Galaxy Certified Pre-Owned Phones via Samsung.com on Monday. While the company has already been selling certified pre-owned phones in markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, this is the first time it is offering them in Korea.

Refurbished phones include devices that were returned due to a change of mind or after a short usage and, in some cases, lightly repaired smartphones. The products sold by Samsung Electronics in Korea are flagship models returned within seven days of online purchase that undergo a rigorous internal quality check and are classified as top-tier products. Samsung Electronics differentiates them from standard used phones, which may show signs of wear or require component replacements.

The first batch of refurbished phones includes unlocked Galaxy S24 series models, with plans to expand the product range based on market demand and customer feedback. The phones are priced at 260,000 won ($176.5) to 640,000 won lower than brand-new units.

The Galaxy S24 base model (256GB), for example, originally cost about 1.16 million won but is available for 889,000 won while the Galaxy S24 Ultra (1TB), normally about 2.1 million won, is sold as a certified pre-owned device for about 1.49 million won.

Like new models, these refurbished phones come with a two-year after-sales service warranty and eligibility for Samsung Care+ damage protection. Customers can also request a refund within seven days of purchase.

Samsung’s entry into the refurbished phone market in Korea comes amid rapid global growth in the sector. With the launch prices of flagship smartphones surpassing 2 million won, more consumers are prioritizing affordability.

The rise of budget mobile carriers in Korea has also led to an increase in customers preferring to buy outright phones rather than through carrier contracts. This trend aligns with cost-conscious consumers who pair used phones with low-cost mobile plans to minimize expenses.

According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the global used and refurbished smartphone market is projected to grow to 542.55 million units in 2030 from 375.99 million units in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 7.61 percent.

Apple Inc. currently dominates this market, selling certified refurbished products worldwide, including in Korea. Counterpoint Research noted that Apple held a 56 percent share of the global refurbished smartphone market in 2024 while Samsung accounted for about 24 percent.

Industry experts noted that selling refurbished phones not only allows consumers to experience premium smartphones at a lower cost but also helps companies retain users within their product ecosystems.

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