SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Samsung Electronics has officially launched its "Galaxy Certified Pre-Owned Phone" program in its home market of South Korea, starting March 31st. This new initiative will see the tech giant directly selling used flagship smartphones that have been returned by customers within a 7-day window due to simple changes of mind or unboxing. Previously, these returned devices were often discarded.
The move, announced on Samsung's official online store, Samsung.com, mirrors a similar program already in place in the United States. The "Galaxy Certified Pre-Owned" devices undergo rigorous in-house quality checks to ensure they are in "like new" condition. These phones are primarily unlocked flagship models, with the initial offering focusing on the recently released Galaxy S24 series.
Consumers can expect substantial savings, ranging from 260,000 to 640,000 Korean won compared to the price of new devices. The most significant discount is available on the Galaxy S24 Ultra 1TB model, which is priced at 1,486,100 won as a certified pre-owned device, a considerable reduction from its new price of 2,127,400 won. The base Galaxy S24 256GB model sees a discount of approximately 260,000 won, with a certified pre-owned price of 889,900 won compared to the new price of 1,155,000 won.
Samsung has outlined a comprehensive four-step process for its certified pre-owned devices, including expert inspection, replacement of any necessary parts with genuine Samsung components, thorough quality testing, and repackaging in official Samsung boxes. Importantly, these certified pre-owned phones will come with the same two-year after-sales service (AS) warranty as new Samsung smartphones. Additionally, customers will have the option to subscribe to the damage protection plan of Samsung Care+.
The company has highlighted two key motivations behind this new venture. Firstly, by offering these returned devices at more accessible price points, Samsung aims to broaden the reach of its latest innovations, particularly the "Galaxy AI" features introduced with the S24 series. Secondly, this initiative aligns with Samsung's commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing electronic waste and promoting a circular economy. Industry analysts also suggest that this move could help stabilize the resale value of Samsung devices and protect the brand's premium image.
The market for used smartphones is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing new phone prices and lengthening upgrade cycles. Market research firm IDC predicts that global used smartphone shipments will reach 431.1 million units by 2027, up from 309.4 million in 2023.
Samsung's entry into the certified pre-owned market puts it in closer competition with Apple, which operates a similar "Certified Refurbished" program offering discounted used products with a one-year warranty. While Apple sells used iPhones in the US, its certified pre-owned offerings in South Korea are currently limited to PCs and tablets.
Samsung's move is expected to provide South Korean consumers with more affordable access to its flagship smartphone technology while contributing to a more sustainable approach to electronics consumption. The company has indicated plans to expand the range of certified pre-owned devices available in the future, based on market demand and consumer feedback.
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