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Buying guide

Which refurbished Samsung to buy in 2026

Galaxy S23, S22 or A54: which refurbished Samsung phone to choose for your budget and use, with pros, cons and years of updates.

NiceTwiceTech editorial team 2 min read

Contents
  1. Quick summary
  2. Galaxy S23: the most complete
  3. Galaxy S22: a cheaper flagship
  4. Galaxy A54: the one with the huge battery
  5. Tips for choosing well
  6. Torn between Samsung and iPhone?
  7. Verdict

Samsung is one of the best-selling Android brands in the UK and, as a result, one of the most common on the refurbished market. The problem: there are so many models that it's easy to get it wrong. Here are the ones that make the most sense today, in our view.

Quick summary

ModelWho it's forBest thingWorst thing
Galaxy S23Anyone who wants a compact flagshipPower, 3x zoom, efficiencyBattery tight under heavy use
Galaxy S22Flagship on a tight budgetDisplay and zoom for lessBattery life and heat (Exynos)
Galaxy A54Anyone who prioritises battery and a big screen5,000 mAh, 120 Hz, IP67Limited for games

Galaxy S23: the most complete

Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is powerful and, above all, efficient: it runs cooler and uses less battery than previous generations. A 120 Hz display, 3x telephoto and a compact size.

Galaxy S22: a cheaper flagship

An excellent display, triple camera with 3x zoom and a premium finish. UK models use the Exynos 2200, which runs warmer and has worse battery life than the S23. If you choose it, check the battery carefully.

Galaxy A54: the one with the huge battery

It isn't a flagship, but its 5,000 mAh battery, 120 Hz AMOLED display and water resistance make it a very complete everyday phone. With Easy mode it's also a great choice for older people.

Tips for choosing well

  1. Check the battery in Samsung Members (Support → Phone diagnostics → Battery status).
  2. Look at how many years of updates the model has left: the more, the safer it is and the longer you can use it.
  3. Avoid very old models even if they're cheap: they may stop getting updates soon.
  4. Turn on battery protection (limits charging to 85%) so it lasts longer.

Torn between Samsung and iPhone?

We cover it in Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14.

Verdict

  • Best overall: Galaxy S23.
  • Best balance for the price: Galaxy A54.
  • A cheap flagship: Galaxy S22, checking the battery carefully.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check battery health on a Samsung?

In the Samsung Members app: Support → Phone diagnostics → Battery status.

Do refurbished Samsungs still get updates?

Yes, as long as the model is within its support period. Samsung has announced several years of Android and security updates for recent Galaxy S and A series phones; check the current policy for each model.

What's the difference between Snapdragon and Exynos?

They're the processors Samsung uses depending on the model and region. The Galaxy S23 uses Snapdragon worldwide; the UK and European S22 uses the Exynos 2200, which is a little less efficient.

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