Samsung quietly crossed an interesting line this week: for the first time, the company is selling certified refurbished versions of its Galaxy Z foldables directly from its own store. If you’d been curious about folding-screen phones but balked at flagship prices, Samsung’s “Certified Re-Newed” program just made the decision a lot less brutal to the bank account — and a little more comforting, too.

Samsung is listing two models as Certified Re-Newed in the U.S.: the Galaxy Z Flip5 and the Galaxy Z Fold5. Pricing starts at $649 for the Flip5 (256GB), $699 for the 512GB Flip5, and $1,169 for the Fold5 (256GB) or $1,219 for the 512GB Fold5. The refurbished phones are sold through Samsung’s online Certified Re-Newed storefront and are currently available in limited colors (Graphite/Phantom Black on the listings).

That price gap matters: you’re looking at several hundred dollars in savings versus historical new-unit pricing for these 2023 models, which can make a foldable a realistic option for buyers who’d otherwise wait for a sale.

Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed label is more than a buzzword. According to the company, these phones are serviced by Samsung technicians, use 100% genuine Samsung parts, and include a certified new battery and a one-year limited manufacturer warranty — basically, many of the assurances you’d expect from buying new. There’s also the option to add Samsung Care+ for extra protection after purchase. In short, it’s refurbished, but with Samsung’s stamp of quality control.

That warranty and the new battery are the main trust signals here: they significantly reduce the usual risk associated with buying used electronics, especially for devices like foldables, where the hinge and display are obvious points of fragility.

Make no mistake — these are not the newest Galaxy Z phones. They’re the Fold5 and Flip5, which debuted in 2023. That means you won’t get the absolute latest folding hardware or the newest chipsets found in 2025 models, but you do get full-blown foldable features (big inner display on the Fold, pocketable clamshell form on the Flip) and flagship-era performance — the Fold5/Flip5 shipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 variants and remain powerful for most users. Samsung and reviewers also note that Re-Newed units will receive the same major software updates as retail devices, so you won’t be stuck on an ancient OS.

So the choice is essentially: newer flagship features vs a substantially lower price on a slightly older but still very capable foldable.

Samsung is leaning into the same purchase conveniences it offers on new phones: monthly financing options, trade-in credits, and Samsung Care+ coverage if you want an extra layer of insurance. If you’re trying to squeeze the final dollar out of a budget, trade-in deals combined with Re-Newed pricing can make a Fold or a Flip surprisingly affordable. Companies that track deals also point out seasonal promo codes and membership perks that can be stacked on top of refurbished pricing for further savings.

From a business and sustainability standpoint, it’s a sensible step. Refurbished flagship hardware keeps devices in circulation longer — fewer new devices produced, fewer components wasted — while opening Samsung’s most distinctive hardware to more customers. For Samsung, selling re-certified foldables directly gives it tighter quality control and better margins than third-party refurb channels. For buyers, it’s a rare moment when a bold, premium device becomes practically attainable without surrendering all the safety nets.

Who should consider buying one?

• Curious adopters who’ve been folding their smartphone wishlist around the price tag: this is your in.
• Value seekers who want flagship features without new-phone depreciation.
• Risk-averse refurb buyers who prefer the one-year warranty and OEM parts over gray-market options.

Avoid it if you absolutely need the latest hardware upgrades (newer fold exhibits, cameras or chips introduced in 2024–25) or if you want a wide palette of color choices — the Re-Newed listings are currently narrow on colors and SKUs.

Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 give the company’s most distinctive phones a second act — one that’s cheaper, still supported, and wrapped in a one-year warranty. If you’ve been waiting for a foldable to feel like a reasonable purchase instead of a splurge, this is the moment to take a serious look. If you decide to pull the trigger, remember to compare the Re-Newed listing against trade-in and promo options — that’s where the real savings hide.