10th February 2026

Are Refurbished Samsung Phones 5G Ready?

Steve AthwalLast Updated On 04 mins
Are refurbished samsung phones 5g ready?

Short answer: yes—lots of refurbished Samsung phones are fully 5G ready. The tricky bit is knowing which exact models (and variants) support it. Samsung’s naming can be confusing, and some phones have both 4G and 5G versions.

If you’ve had enough of guessing, this guide sorts it. We’ll show you the cut-offs, the quick checks, and how The Big Phone Store makes buying a 5G-capable refurb simple.

Overview show

What “5G-ready” actually means

  • The phone must have a 5G modem.

  • Your network needs 5G coverage in your area.

  • You need a 5G plan/SIM from your carrier.

  • The handset’s firmware/region should match your network for best performance.

  • Keep software updated to the latest Android/One UI.

Samsung model cut-offs at a glance

Use this table to see where 5G starts for the main families. Some series contain both 4G and 5G editions—watch for the “5G” or “FE 5G” label.

SeriesModels that do support 5GModels that don’t support 5G (or have 4G-only variants)Notes / Cut-off
Galaxy S S10 5G; S20 5G range (incl. S20 FE 5G); S21/S22/S23/S24 (all 5G); S21 FE 5G S10/S10+/S10e (4G only); S20 (some regions had 4G variants); S20 FE (4G variant exists) First mainstream 5G begins with S10 5G; from S21 onwards the S series is 5G-only.
Galaxy A A15 5G, A14 5G, A13 5G; A33 5G, A34 5G, A35 5G; A52 5G / A52s 5G; A54 5G, A55 5G; A32 5G; A42 5G; A51 5G; A71 5G; A25 5G A14 (4G), A13 (4G), A32 (4G); older A-series like A30/A40/A50 (4G only); A24 (usually 4G) From 2021 onward many mid-range A models gained dedicated 5G versions. Check the name: it must say “5G”.
Galaxy Note Note10+ 5G; Note20 5G / Note20 Ultra 5G Note10 / Note10+ (4G); Note9 and earlier (4G only) 5G appears on select Note10 variants; both Note20 models have 5G editions.
Galaxy Z (Fold/Flip) Z Flip 5G and later (Flip3/4/5/6); Z Fold2/3/4/5/6; some original Fold had a 5G variant Original Z Flip (4G); original Fold base model (4G in some markets) From 2020 the Z family is effectively 5G as standard.
Fan Edition (FE) S20 FE 5G; S21 FE 5G

How to double-check 5G on any Samsung

  • Look for “5G” in the exact model name. Example: “Galaxy A54 5G.”

  • Check the model number in Settings → About phone. Search the number to confirm radios.

  • Insert a 5G SIM and go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode. If you see “5G/4G/3G/2G (auto),” the hardware supports 5G.

  • Stand under 5G coverage and watch for a 5G icon in the status bar.

Will a 5G phone work on 4G plans?

Yes. A 5G phone works on 4G just fine. You just won’t reach 5G speeds until you upgrade your plan and have coverage. That makes a 5G phone a good “future proof” pick, even if your area is still rolling out 5G.

What we test at The Big Phone Store

  • Network & SIM: Calls, data, and signal stability.

  • 5G-ready models: Verified where applicable, clearly labelled on the listing.

  • Battery & performance: Health checks and stress tests.

  • Cosmetics & grading: Clear, honest grades so you know what to expect.

  • Software: Factory reset, security-checked, and ready to set up.

Are refurbished samsung phones 5g ready?

Quick FAQs

Do I need a special SIM for 5G?

Yes. Ask your network for a 5G SIM/plan. Most upgrades are quick.

Is 5G safe for battery life?

5G can use more power at the edge of coverage. Modern phones balance it well. You can force 4G in settings if needed.

Is every “2020 or newer” Samsung 5G?

No. Many are, but check the exact variant—especially in the A-series and S20 FE.

Conclusion

So, Are Refurbished Samsung Phones 5G Ready? Many are—and the latest S, A, and Fold/Flip models lead the way. Use the cutoff table above, confirm the exact variant, and you’ll know in seconds. The Big Phone Store clearly labels 5G models and fully tests every device, so you can buy refurbished with total confidence.

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