Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra refurbished: wait or buy now?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is on its way — but is it worth waiting for a refurbished one? We explain honestly what to expect and when buying now is the smarter move.
Door Jalil Barati
Gepubliceerd: 2026-08-19
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is about to take the market by storm. And almost immediately, the question starts nagging: when will the first refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra appear, and what will I pay for it? A fair question — because the price difference between new and refurbished can run into hundreds of euros. But waiting wisely requires the right information.
Quick summary: A refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra isn't available yet, but typically appears 6 to 12 months after the official launch. If you want a flagship right now, the smart move is to buy refurbished from a reliable seller like The Phone Shopper — with a warranty, a low price and no compromise on quality.
What do we already know about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung traditionally launches its Ultra models in the first quarter of the year. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to come with an improved Snapdragon or Exynos chipset, an even sharper 200MP camera system, longer battery life and the familiar built-in S Pen. In short: a beast of a phone, with a retail price to match — probably between €1,300 and €1,500.
That's a lot of money. And that's exactly why more and more people look at a refurbished version as soon as it becomes available. Because a refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra will quickly be €200 to €400 cheaper than the new price from the moment it arrives — without you giving up any functionality.
When will the S26 Ultra appear as a refurbished device?
This is the question we hear most often: "When can I buy it refurbished?" The honest answer: patience is a virtue, but not always the smartest move.
From our experience in the workshop and in buying refurbished devices, we know how this process works:
- Months 1-3 after launch: The S26 Ultra is only available new. There is little or no refurbished supply yet.
- Months 4-6: The first trade-in units reach the market via the big trade-in programmes. Prices are high, supply is scarce.
- Months 6-12: The supply of refurbished Samsung S26 Ultras grows. Prices gradually drop. This is usually the best moment to buy.
- After 12 months: Plenty of supply, lowest prices, but beware: the S27 series is already being announced. You're then buying a device that's already a generation old.
Want to know right away when the S26 Ultra appears in our webshop? Keep an eye on our refurbished Samsung Galaxy shop — we update the range as soon as quality units become available.
Why buying refurbished is smart — even for flagships
There's still a misconception that refurbished means second-hand junk. Nothing could be further from the truth. At The Phone Shopper, every device — including future refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra units — is thoroughly checked and reconditioned before sale. That includes:
- An extensive technical inspection of all components
- Screen replacement if there is even a single scratch that doesn't match the condition
- Battery replacement if battery capacity is below 85% — every refurbished device we sell has at least 85% battery capacity
- Factory reset and clean software installation
- 2-year warranty on the device
We see it every day in our workshop: a phone that looks perfect on the outside but has a worn-out battery doesn't leave our shop without that battery being replaced. That's not marketing talk — that's simply how we work.
Refurbished conditions: what do they mean at The Phone Shopper?
When you buy a refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra, you'll see four conditions in our shop. Below we explain what you can expect from each, so you know exactly where you stand.
| Condition |
Appearance |
Functionality |
Suitable for |
| New |
Flawless, original packaging |
100% factory new |
Those who want the best, no compromises |
| As good as new |
No visible signs of use |
Flawless |
Maximum quality, lower price |
| Lightly used |
Small, barely visible scratches |
Flawless |
Best value for money |
| Used |
Visible signs of use |
Flawless |
Maximum savings, full functionality |
Whatever the condition: the technology always works flawlessly. And battery capacity is always at least 85%. That's non-negotiable for us.
Buying a refurbished S25 Ultra now: the smart in-between solution
Honest advice, even if it goes against our own sales: if you're looking for a Samsung Ultra experience now, you don't have to wait for the S26. The refurbished Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is already available in our shop and offers virtually the same top specs — for a considerably lower price.
In practice, the difference between the S25 Ultra and the S26 Ultra will be barely noticeable for most users. Camera, screen, battery life, S Pen — the S25 Ultra already has it all. And as a refurbished unit, you buy it with a 2-year warranty and 30 days to return it.
Check out our current range in the Samsung Galaxy shop and filter by the model that suits you. Live near Nijverdal, Almelo or Rijssen? Then you're also welcome to visit our store at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 in Nijverdal to hold the device in your hands first.
Trading in your old device: how to finance your new Samsung
Do you currently have a Samsung Galaxy — or any other brand — and want to upgrade as soon as the refurbished S26 Ultra becomes available? Then trading in is a smart move. The sooner you trade in, the better the trade-in value of your current device.
At The Phone Shopper, trading in works like this:
- Bring your device to our store in Nijverdal, or request an online valuation via our trade-in page.
- Our technicians assess the device honestly and transparently.
- You receive an instant valuation — no hassle, no waiting.
- Payout within 24 hours. It's that simple.
Wait too long, and the trade-in value of your current phone automatically drops with the market. That's a shame, and avoidable.
Buying refurbished from The Phone Shopper: what makes it different?
We understand you have a choice. There are countless webshops where you can buy a refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra as soon as it's available. But a few things set us apart, and we think they're honestly worth mentioning:
- Our own workshop in Nijverdal: We don't just sell, we repair too. That means we truly understand what's inside a device — and what can go wrong.
- Certified technicians: No hobbyists, but people who open, test and repair Samsung devices every day.
- 2-year warranty on all refurbished devices — including the Samsung models.
- 0% interest financing over 6, 12 or 24 months. So you don't have to wait until you've saved up the full amount.
- Free shipping from €150 to Belgium, Germany, France and Spain, and 30 days to return with no questions asked.
Need your Samsung device repaired in the meantime? Our is ready for you — screen replacement, battery swap, charging port problems: often done while you wait. Also check our for a full overview.
And if, alongside a new phone, you're also looking for a case, screen protector or charger: our accessories shop has everything you need to protect your device properly from day one.
Frequently asked questions
When will the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra be available?
Based on previous Samsung launches, we expect the first refurbished Samsung S26 Ultra units to appear around 6 to 12 months after the official launch. Keep an eye on our Samsung shop — we update the range as soon as reliable units become available.
How much cheaper is a refurbished S26 Ultra compared to new?
When it arrives on the refurbished market, the price difference is usually between €200 and €400 compared to the new price. The longer you wait, the bigger that difference can get — but by then the supply of more recent models will also have grown.
What is the battery capacity of a refurbished Samsung at The Phone Shopper?
Every refurbished device we sell has at least 85% battery capacity. Does a device come in below that? Then we replace the battery before sale. So you always buy a device with a healthy battery.
Can I trade in my current Samsung for the refurbished S26 Ultra as soon as it's available?
Absolutely. Via our trade-in page you can already get your current device valued and traded in. The trade-in value is highest while your device is still relatively new, so don't wait too long.
Is it better to buy a refurbished S25 Ultra now or wait for the S26 Ultra?
If you need a new phone now, the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the sensible choice. The device offers virtually the same features, is available immediately and costs considerably less. If you're purely waiting for the very latest generation and are in no hurry, then 6 to 12 months of patience is the smartest strategy.
Do you offer a warranty on refurbished Samsung devices?
Yes, a standard 2-year warranty on all refurbished devices — including Samsung Galaxy models. On top of that, there's a 30-day return period, so you always have time to test the device at your leisure.
Refurbished iPhones, Samsung and iPads
Save up to 50% on a refurbished iPhone. Every device goes through our 50-point inspection and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Our services
Why The Phone Shopper?
- 2-year warranty on all refurbished phones
- 30 days to change your mind on devices and accessories (spare parts: 14 days) and free returns
- Free shipping within the Netherlands from €50 (accessories and parts) or €150 (phones)
- Professional 50-point inspection
- Pay securely with iDEAL, credit card, Bancontact, Apple Pay and Klarna
- Customer service available on working days, 10:00 - 18:00
Device condition
Every refurbished phone is sold in one of four conditions:
- New — Unused, in original packaging
- As good as new — No visible signs of use
- Lightly used — Minimal signs of use
- Used — Visible signs of use, technically fully sound
Customer service & information
Contact
The Phone Shopper
Willem Alexanderstraat 11
7442 MA Nijverdal, Overijssel
Tel: +31 548 549 536
E-mail: info@thephoneshopper.nl
KvK: 75693623 | BTW: NL002427182B29
Opening hours: Mon 13:00-18:00 | Tue-Wed & Fri 10:00-18:00 | Thu 10:00-20:00 | Sat 10:00-17:00 | Sun closed
Legal
General terms and conditions | Privacy policy | Cookie policy | Disclaimer