Galaxy A31 to Buy 2025: Price, Worth, Buyback & Specs Guide

You remember the Galaxy A31 — the mid-range Samsung phone from 2020 that promised a big battery and a sharp AMOLED screen for not much money. Five years later, the question isn’t whether it was a good phone, but whether it still deserves your cash. With new units discontinued and only refurbished or used devices available, this guide lays out the current prices, specs, and trade-offs so you can decide if the Galaxy A31 is a smart buy in 2025.

Release date: April 2020 ·
Current average price (refurbished): €150–€180 ·
Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED ·
Battery: 5000 mAh ·
Processor: MediaTek Helio P65 ·
Main camera: 48 MP

The A31 was built for battery life and display quality, not raw performance — and that trade-off defines its value in 2025.

The takeaway: the A31’s hardware was decent for 2020, but the processor and lack of updates put it well behind today’s budget offerings.

How much is the Galaxy A31 now?

A new Galaxy A31 is impossible to find from official channels — Samsung stopped selling it years ago. Your options are refurbished or used units. Current market data shows refurbished models from reputable sellers like Reebelo (refurbished electronics marketplace) priced between €150 and €180, often with a 12-month warranty and free shipping. Used devices on peer-to-peer platforms can dip below €100, but condition and battery health vary wildly.

Current price for new, refurbished, and used units

• New: Discontinued — no longer manufactured.
• Refurbished: €150–€180 (Reebelo; PB Tech (electronics retailer) offers B‑Grade with 1‑year warranty).
• Used: €100–€140 on platforms like Swappa, eBay, and local classifieds.

Factors affecting price: condition, storage variant, market trends

Storage matters: the 128GB version commands a small premium over the 64GB model. Condition (scratches, battery health, accessories) is the biggest variable. According to Cellmigo (refurbishment specialist), a battery health above 80% is a practical threshold for a worthwhile purchase. Prices also fluctuate by region — European markets tend to be slightly cheaper than US listings when converted.

Where to find the best deals in 2025

• Reebelo – Refurbished with warranty and 30‑day returns.
• PB Tech – B‑Grade units with 1‑year warranty.
• Swappa – Peer‑to‑peer pricing data updated regularly.
• BankMyCell – Compare trade‑in and buyback values.

The pattern: the best value comes from refurbished units with a warranty — don’t chase the absolute lowest price if it means skipping battery checks.

Is the Galaxy A31 outdated?

Short answer: yes, by most modern standards. But “outdated” doesn’t mean useless. Let’s break down where it falls short and where it still holds ground.

Hardware and software relevance in 2025

• The MediaTek Helio P65 chipset was mid-range in 2020; by 2025 it struggles with multitasking and heavier apps.
• 4GB RAM is the bare minimum for today’s Android ecosystem — expect occasional lag with multiple tabs or apps.
• No 5G support means no future-proofing for faster mobile networks.

Android version and security update status

The A31 launched with Android 10 and received updates to Android 12. Samsung official support page indicates major software updates have ceased. Security patches likely ended in 2024, leaving the device vulnerable to new exploits.

How it compares to current budget phones

A Galaxy A15 (2024) or a Redmi Note 14 offer modern chipsets, Android 14, longer update promises, and often 5G — all for around €200. The A31’s Super AMOLED screen remains its one standout advantage; many cheaper competitors still use LCD panels.

The implication: the A31 is a device for users who prioritize screen quality and battery life over everything else. For anyone needing a phone that feels current, it’s not the right choice.

Is A31 worth buying?

Pros of buying a Galaxy A31 in 2025

• Super AMOLED display – Still one of the best screens you’ll find at this price point, with deep blacks and vibrant colours.
• 5000 mAh battery – Even degraded, the battery often lasts a full day for light use.
• Expandable storage – microSD support up to 512GB (Samsung product page).
• Headphone jack – A rarity in 2025.
• Very low entry price – Refurbished units under €200.

Cons and risks to consider

• No 5G – The phone is limited to 4G LTE.
• Outdated software – No more major OS updates and likely no security patches.
• Slower performance – Helio P65 and 4GB RAM struggle with modern apps.
• Battery degradation – A used unit may have a battery health below 80%, requiring replacement.
• Limited longevity – Likely only 1–2 more years of usable life.

Who should consider this device

This phone is ideal for someone on a super‑tight budget who only needs calls, messages, light web browsing, and media consumption. It also works well as a secondary work phone or a dedicated music player. If you demand performance, camera versatility, or future‑proofing, look at newer budget options.

The catch: the A31 is a bargain only if you accept its limitations. For the same money, a newer phone like the Galaxy A05s offers a more current experience.

How old is a Samsung Galaxy A31?

Release date and timeline of the Galaxy A31

Samsung launched the Galaxy A31 in March 2020. That makes it over five years old as of 2025. In smartphone terms, that’s ancient.

How age affects performance and support

• Batteries degrade: after 5 years, a used A31’s battery may hold only 60–80% of its original capacity.
• Thermal paste and internal components age, potentially causing throttling under load.
• Android versions older than Android 12 lack optimizations for modern app code.

Expected lifespan of the device

If you buy a refurbished unit in good condition, you can reasonably expect another 1–2 years of daily use before hardware failure or software incompatibility becomes a problem. For very light use, it might stretch to three years.

Why this matters: age is the A31’s biggest enemy. The phone isn’t old in a nostalgic way — it’s old in a way that affects performance and safety.

How to get the best buyback value on the Samsung Galaxy A31

Platforms that offer buyback or trade-in

• BankMyCell – Compares offers from 40+ buyers; best resale price ~$40.
• SellCell (phone trade‑in marketplace) – Best‑price guarantee: will pay double the difference if you find a better offer.
• Carrier trade‑in programs (e.g., T‑Mobile, Verizon) – Often give higher values for in‑brand swaps.
• Local electronics recyclers – Usually lowest, but quickest.

Tips to maximize buyback value

• Keep the original box, charger, and manuals — they can add €10–€15.
• Clean the device thoroughly and remove any screen protector or case marks.
• Factory reset and remove all accounts before sending.
• Time your sale: buyback prices tend to drop after major new model releases.

What to expect in terms of payout

Current market data from BankMyCell shows an average cash value of around $10–$13 for the Galaxy A31. The best offers top out near $40 (about €37). Carrier trade‑ins may offer slightly more, especially if you’re bundling with a new contract. Don’t expect more than €60 in any scenario.

The trade-off: the buyback value is low, but it’s still cash for a device you no longer use. Selling privately (Swappa, Facebook Marketplace) can net you 2–3 times more, but with more hassle.

Galaxy A31 timeline signal

• April 2020 – Galaxy A31 released with Android 10 (Samsung launch info).
• 2021–2022 – Received major OS updates up to Android 12 (Samsung software support).
• 2023–2024 – Continued security patches (quarterly or less frequent).
• 2024–2025 – Likely end of security updates; device considered outdated.

The pattern: the A31’s update cycle was typical for a mid‑range Samsung phone of its era, but it’s now behind the curve.

Clarity: Confirmed vs. Unclear

“The Galaxy A31’s biggest strength is its display — the Super AMOLED panel is still a cut above what you get from many budget phones today.”

— YouTube tech reviewer (GSMArena style)

“If you’re buying a refurbished Samsung phone in 2025, always check battery health first. Anything above 80% is okay.”

— Cellmigo (refurbishment specialist)

“We compare prices from over 40 phone buyers to find you the best deal for your Galaxy A31.”

— SellCell (phone trade‑in marketplace)

For a buyer on a razor‑tight budget who needs a secondary device for calls, music, and the occasional video, the Galaxy A31 still makes sense — as long as you accept that it’s a phone from another era. For anyone else, the choice is clear: spend a little more on a newer model with updates and 5G, or risk being stuck with an obsolete device in a year.

For readers looking at comparable markets, comparing Galaxy A31 prices in Ireland can help gauge fair value beyond local listings.

Frequently asked questions