Samsung Galaxy S25 Refurbished: Worth It in 2026?

Key points - The Samsung Galaxy S25 refurbished costs roughly 450 euros at iOutlet, versus 1.099 euros for a new one - It retains about 90% of the S25 Ultra's performance for less than half the price, but loses the 100x optical zoom - The S25 will receive Samsung updates until 2031, seven years confirmed by the brand - The 4.000 mAh battery is its Achilles' heel: identical to the S24, with no improvement over the previous generation

In this article

1. Samsung Galaxy S25: what’s changed compared with the S24
2. Price: where the refurbished S25 wins
3. Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite in refurbished form
4. Cameras: the real gain over the S24
5. Battery: the S25’s weak point
6. Refurbished S25 vs new S24: which to choose
7. S25 vs iPhone 16: catalogue comparison
8. Conditions to check before buying
9. Frequently asked questions
10. Is it worth buying the refurbished Galaxy S25 in 2026?
11. How much does the refurbished Galaxy S25 cost in Portugal?
12. What is the difference between a refurbished and new Galaxy S25?
13. Refurbished S25 or new S24?
14. How long does the refurbished Galaxy S25's battery last?
15. How long does the Galaxy S25 receive updates?
16. Where to buy a refurbished Galaxy S25 with warranty in Portugal?
17. Verdict: yes, it’s worth it

Samsung Galaxy S25: what’s changed compared with the S24

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 in January 2025 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 50MP camera with a larger sensor, and a slimmer body (7.2 mm versus 7.6 mm on the S24). The battery remains at 4,000 mAh, which is frankly frustrating.

The real gain over the S24 is about 15-20% in raw performance, according to AnTuTu tests published in February 2025. In everyday use the difference is rarely noticeable. The camera improves in low-light and records 4K 60fps video with refined optical stabilisation.

_{Reference date: iOutlet prices as of 25 July 2026. Check the current catalogue.}

buy Samsung Galaxy S25 refurbished

Price: where the refurbished S25 wins

For a phone that launched 18 months ago, paying 450 euros instead of 1.099 euros saves 649 euros. That’s about half the price of a new iPhone 16, yet with comparable performance hardware.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite in refurbished form

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy peaks at 3.5 GHz and uses an Adreno 830 GPU. In AnTuTu v11 tests it scores 1.7 million points, 23% higher than the S24 with the 8 Gen 3.

For demanding games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Warzone) the S25 holds 60 fps at 1080p without excessive heating. The S24 drops frames under thermal throttling, especially in dim lighting. The difference is noticeable.

Quote: The refurbished Samsung Galaxy S25 offers a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip with 1.7 million AnTuTu points, maintaining 60 fps in AAA games without excess heat, for roughly 450 euros at iOutlet (July 2026), half the price of a new unit and 23% faster than the Galaxy S24.

Cameras: the real gain over the S24

The main camera remains 50MP but with a larger sensor (1/1.56" vs 1/1.65" on the S24). Translation: about 24% more light in low-light conditions. The night mode is visibly better for urban night photography.

The 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto (3x optical) return from the S24. The main evolution is in software: Galaxy AI processing with improved skin and sky retouching.

Battery: the S25’s weak point

4,000 mAh. The same capacity as the S24. For 2026 this is modest when the iPhone 16 has 3,561 mAh but is optimised by iOS, and the Google Pixel 9 has 4,700 mAh.

In real use: 5-6 hours of screen-on time with moderate use (WhatsApp, Instagram, GPS navigation, music streaming). On a workday, leaving at 08:00 and returning at 19:00 leaves about 25% battery remaining. Not sufficient for intensive daily use.

Fast 25W charging included. Full charge in 1 h 15 min. No 30-minute full charge like the Pixel or OnePlus.

If battery life is a priority, consider the S25+ (4,900 mAh) or the S25 Ultra (5,000 mAh).

Refurbished S25 vs new S24: which to choose

The common question at purchase time: is a refurbished S25 worth it compared with a new S24?

For most people, the refurbished S25 wins with €250 savings and three extra years of updates.

S25 vs iPhone 16: catalogue comparison

The classic debate. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 costs about 750 euros at iOutlet; the S25 is around 450 euros.

The difference is personal. iOS offers a better Apple ecosystem; Samsung provides a 120 Hz display, real optical zoom, and €300 savings.

Conditions to check before buying

Before accepting a refurbished Galaxy S25, confirm:

1. Aesthetic grade: iOutlet uses grades A (no visible marks), B (small marks), C (visible use). For a recent S25, A is possible without a large price difference.
2. Battery health: at least 85%. iOutlet guarantees this by contract.
3. Network unlock guarantee: Unlocked for any Portuguese operator. iOutlet ships only unlocked phones.
4. Screen without burn-in: OLED can develop burn-in on heavily used phones. Confirmed in diagnostics.
5. Charger included: Samsung does not include a charger with the new S25. iOutlet sends a USB-C cable and a 25W adapter sold separately or as a pack.

how iOutlet warranty works

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying the refurbished Galaxy S25 in 2026?

Yes. The refurbished S25 costs around 450 euros at iOutlet, versus 1.099 euros for a new one. It retains about 90% of the S25 Ultra's performance, a 50MP camera improved over the S24, and seven years of Samsung updates until 2031. In 2026 it is the best high-end Samsung in terms of cost-benefit in Portugal.

How much does the refurbished Galaxy S25 cost in Portugal?

Approximately 450 euros for the 128 GB version and 520 euros for the 256 GB at iOutlet, with 24 months warranty and 14 days replacement. Ultra versions cost between 750 and 830 euros depending on capacity.

What is the difference between a refurbished and new Galaxy S25?

Practically none visually. Refurbished units have undergone 40 diagnostic tests and may have minor use marks (grade A: no visible marks). Functionally identical. 24-month warranty, only different packaging and 50-60% lower price.

Refurbished S25 or new S24?

Refurbished S25. For €250 less, it gets three extra years of Samsung updates (until 2031), a chip 23% faster, and an improved camera. The S24 stops receiving updates in 2028.

How long does the refurbished Galaxy S25's battery last?

4 000 mAh, giving about 5-6 hours of screen-on time with moderate use. Full charge in 1 h 15 min with a 25W charger. For intensive use consider the S25+ (4 900 mAh) or S25 Ultra (5 000 mAh).

How long does the Galaxy S25 receive updates?

Samsung confirmed seven years of security and Android updates for the S25, until January 2031. It received Android 15 and will receive Android 16, 17 and 18. In a refurbished unit the clock does not restart; the full seven years count from January 2025.

Where to buy a refurbished Galaxy S25 with warranty in Portugal?

iOutlet.pt offers a refurbished Galaxy S25 with 24 months warranty, 40 diagnostic points, 14 days for replacement and delivery in 2-8 working days. National stock with headquarters in Gaia, Portugal. Alternatives include Worten Outlet and Amazon Renewed.

Verdict: yes, it’s worth it

For 450 euros you get a smartphone that cost 1.099 euros 18 months ago. It retains the seven years of updates. The camera is better than the S24. Premium build with aluminium and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The Achilles' heel is the 4 000 mAh battery. If intensive consumption is part of the day, investing in the S25+ or S25 Ultra is justified.

At this price, it is the best Samsung you can buy without paying the new launch price.

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