The smartphones are available on the Samsung US website

Sep 2, 2016 12:27 GMT  ·  By

Earlier this month, some reports said that Samsung could start selling refurbished smartphones as part of a company project that would be announced early next year. It seems that previous reports have been confirmed, but the estimated date wasn't quite right as Samsung has already started selling pre-owned flagship handsets.

Samsung began selling pre-owned flagship smartphones in the US, as SamMobile has spotted. The measure was taken so that the company would sustain earnings momentum and help Samsung maximize cost efficiency, as well as retain operating margins above 10%. Samsung hasn't made an official announcement about the program, but refurbished smartphones are now available under the Samsung Certified Pre-Owned Phones web page.

The units were completely refurbished by Samsung engineers, and they come with new headphones and a charger, as well as one-year warranty as a new device. The first thing that stands out when looking at the web page is the fact that customers can search for devices based on carrier.

Samsung isn't yet offering unlocked refurbished smartphones

It may seem that Samsung has yet to offer unlocked refurbished smartphones, but users can browse through units from AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Devices from US Cellular and more carriers will be added soon. For now, only Android-running phones can be purchased, more precisely those that are part of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series.

Consequently, Samsung is selling refurbished Galaxy S6 edge units in multiple color variants, Galaxy S6 units, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy S5 units. Presumably, Galaxy S7 and S7 edge units will be added soon. Customers can save up to $265 on refurbished units, as the original price of the device is also listed. The entire cost of the handsets is paid upfront, as they don't come with installment plans.

The website also mentions that refurbished units are shipped in up to 10 business days. The price certainly makes these units affordable to even more Samsung smartphone fans.