Refurbished vs used Samsung phones — what the words actually mean in Canada
Updated
Refurbished, used, graded: the difference
| Term | Who does the work | What it tells you | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified refurbished (manufacturer) | Samsung or an authorized partner; program availability varies by market | Restored to the program's standard, usually with warranty | Warranty length and what the program actually replaced |
| Retailer refurbished | The retailer's own process, criteria vary widely | The word alone guarantees nothing specific | The written process, warranty and return window |
| Used, tested and graded | A specialist shop tests function and grades cosmetics (A+, A, B, C) | Exactly what condition you're getting, honestly described | The grading scale, IMEI check, lock removal, warranty |
SubTech phones are sold as used and graded — not as refurbished. Every Samsung we list shows its exact grade, and function is tested regardless of grade.
Samsung-specific checks before you buy
- FRP lock (Factory Reset Protection) — the Android equivalent of Apple's Activation Lock. If the previous owner's Google account is still on the phone, it is unusable to you. Confirm the account is removed before paying.
- IMEI blacklist — check the IMEI against Canada's national blacklist for lost or stolen reports.
- AMOLED burn-in — Samsung screens are AMOLED; look at a plain grey or white screen for ghost images of keyboards or status bars. Burn-in doesn't heal.
- Battery condition — ask how the battery was tested and what the seller's standard is; a graded listing should stand behind it with a warranty.
- Carrier unlock — confirm the phone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.
Buying a used Samsung from SubTech
Every Samsung we sell is tested and graded A+, A, B or C, with the grade shown on the listing. We verify the IMEI and confirm account locks are removed on every unit. Each phone includes a 30-day warranty and a 14-day return window, published in our return policy. Pick up at our Montréal shop or ship anywhere in Canada, with pay-over-time options at checkout. Repair shops and resellers can apply for a wholesale account for volume pricing.
Frequently asked questions
›Is a refurbished Samsung better than a used one?
Not automatically. "Refurbished" describes a process, not a result — and the process varies by seller. A transparently graded used phone with a written warranty can be a better buy than a vaguely described refurbished one. Judge the seller's process, grade and warranty, not the label.
›What is FRP lock on a Samsung?
Factory Reset Protection ties the phone to the previous owner's Google account after a reset. If it's still active, the phone can't be set up. Always confirm the account is removed before buying — we confirm it on every unit we sell.
›How are used Samsung phones graded?
On the same A+, A, B, C cosmetic scale we use for iPhones: A+ is like-new, C shows clear wear. Function is tested on every grade. Our grading guide explains each level.
›Do used Samsung phones come with a warranty?
At SubTech, yes — every phone includes a 30-day warranty and a 14-day return window, and nothing in our policies limits the legal warranty consumers have in Québec.
›Where can I buy a used Samsung in Canada?
From specialist used-phone shops, refurb programs or private sellers — our guide on where to buy a used phone in Canada compares all the options and the checks to run for each.