"Refurbished" and "renewed" both describe a used or returned device that someone tested and resold. The words alone do not tell you who did the work or what warranty you get. The seller behind the label tells you that.
This guide compares the common labels with the terms that the sellers publish themselves.
The short answer
- Certified refurbished usually means the manufacturer restored the device and sells it with its own warranty.
- Renewed is Amazon's name for its marketplace program. Amazon says a third-party company inspects and tests the products.
- Outlet is a store, not a condition. An outlet can mix refurbished, returned and scratch and dent items.
What "certified refurbished" means
There is no single legal standard for "certified refurbished". Each manufacturer defines its own process. The useful question is: certified by whom?
When the brand certifies the device itself, you get the brand's own testing and warranty. Two examples, with the terms each brand publishes:
Apple Certified Refurbished. Apple says each device goes through full functional testing and gets genuine Apple replacement parts as needed. Refurbished iPhones and other iOS devices get a new battery and a new outer shell. Every product comes with Apple's standard one-year limited warranty, and you can add AppleCare. Apple ships these orders with free shipping and returns. See our Apple refurbished guide.
Samsung Certified Re-Newed. Samsung's own label uses the word "Re-Newed". Each phone must pass 147 quality checkpoints, gets a certified new battery and comes with a one-year limited warranty. See our Samsung refurbished page.
Both programs sell through the brand's own store. That is the main difference from a marketplace label.
What "renewed" means on Amazon
Amazon Renewed is a section of the Amazon marketplace. Amazon says Renewed products are "professionally-inspected and tested by a third-party company" to work and look like new.
The Amazon Renewed Guarantee lets you return a product within 90 days of receipt for a replacement or a refund. That guarantee comes from Amazon.
Renewed devices can be a good deal. Check the seller name and the guarantee text on each listing before you buy.
What "outlet" means
Some brands call their store an outlet. The Dell Outlet says its systems "are refurbished, previously ordered new, or scratch and dent", and its page promotes a "Same as New" warranty on PCs and servers. Lenovo also runs a Lenovo Outlet.
In an outlet, read the condition line on each product. Two laptops on the same page can have a different condition.
Side by side
- Apple Certified Refurbished: Apple restores and tests it. One-year limited warranty from Apple. Sold in the Apple Store.
- Samsung Certified Re-Newed: Samsung restores and tests it. One-year limited warranty from Samsung. Sold in the Samsung store.
- Dell Outlet: Dell sells it. The page promotes a "Same as New" warranty on PCs and servers. Check each listing. Sold in the Dell Outlet.
- Amazon Renewed: a third-party company inspects and tests it. Amazon Renewed Guarantee for 90 days. Sold on the Amazon marketplace.
- "Refurbished" with no program name: unknown until you check the seller. The seller sets the terms.
How to check any listing
- Find the name of the refurbisher. The brand, a named partner or an unknown seller?
- Read the warranty length and who gives it. A brand warranty and a store guarantee are not the same thing.
- Check the battery terms for phones and laptops. Apple and Samsung both state a new battery for their phones.
- Check the return window and who pays for return shipping.
- Compare with the brand's own store. Our brand directory links to the official refurbished store of each brand.
Bottom line
"Renewed" and "refurbished" are not quality grades. They are labels, and each seller defines them. If you want the manufacturer's testing and warranty, buy from the manufacturer's own refurbished program. Start with Apple, Samsung, Dell or Lenovo.
Sources
- Apple, About Apple Certified Refurbished, checked 2026-10-08.
- Samsung, Certified Re-Newed Phones, checked 2026-10-08.
- Dell, Dell Outlet, checked 2026-10-08.
- Amazon, Amazon Renewed: like-new products with a guarantee, checked 2026-10-08.