Should You Buy Galaxy A31 in 2025? Price, Worth & Support

Few tech decisions feel as personal as choosing a phone that still makes sense years after its launch. The Samsung Galaxy A31, released in March 2020, is now circling the budget‑secondhand market, and its price in Kenya has dropped to as low as KSh 16,548 for a certified refurbished unit from Badili Kenya, which raises the question: is this five‑year‑old device a smart buy in 2025 or a relic to skip?

Released: March 2020 ·
Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED ·
Battery: 5000mAh ·
Processor: MediaTek Helio P65 ·
OS max: Android 12

Six key specs, one pattern: the Galaxy A31 hits the basics hard but stops short of modern expectations.

Is the Galaxy A31 outdated?

What does ‘outdated’ mean for a smartphone?

• Software support: The Galaxy A31 launched with Android 10 and received three major OS updates, ending on Android 12 (Badili Kenya). That means no more OS upgrades and likely limited security patches.
• Hardware: The MediaTek Helio P65, while fine for calls and basic apps, lags behind today’s entry-level chips like the Helio G99 or Snapdragon 680 found in newer budget phones.

How does the Galaxy A31 compare to current models?

• Display still competitive: the 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel is brighter and more vibrant than many 2025 budget LCD screens (Badili Kenya).
• But the processor and lack of 5G put it a generation behind. Even the Samsung Galaxy A15, a direct successor, offers a faster chipset and longer software commitment.

The implication: The A31 is outdated in terms of processing power and software updates, but its display and battery life still hold up. For a buyer who only needs basic smartphone functions, “outdated” may not mean “useless.”

How old is a Samsung Galaxy A31?

When was the Galaxy A31 released?

• Announced on March 24, 2020 (Badili Kenya). As of 2025, the device is approximately five years old.

How does age affect its performance and value?

• Battery health: A five-year-old lithium-ion battery typically holds 70–80% of its original capacity. The A31’s 5000mAh battery may now deliver closer to 3500–4000mAh effective capacity.
• Resale value has dropped dramatically. Refurbished units now sell for $100–$150 (Badili Kenya), compared to the original ~$250 launch price.

Why this matters: Age directly reduces battery life and software security, making the phone a short-term option rather than a long-term investment.

What is the current price of the Samsung Galaxy A31?

What is the price for a new unit vs. refurbished?

• New units are increasingly scarce. Original launch price was around $200–$250.
• Refurbished prices vary. In Kenya, Badili Kenya lists a certified premium refurbished 4GB/128GB unit at KSh 16,548 (sale price, regular KSh 34,709). Another retailer, Price in Kenya, shows a 6GB/128GB refurbished model at KSh 25,900.

How does price vary by region?

• In the US, refurbished units on Reebelo typically run from $100 to $130, with a 30-day money-back policy and extended warranty.
• East African markets like Kenya show a wider spread due to import costs and local taxes.

The catch: The cheapest refurbished A31s come from smaller platforms like Badili, while larger marketplaces like Price in Kenya charge a premium for higher storage variants. A buyer should compare total cost including shipping and warranty.

Is A31 worth buying?

What are the pros and cons of the Galaxy A31 in 2025?

What are the best alternatives?

• Samsung Galaxy A15 – newer chipset, Android 14, guaranteed updates, similar price point.
• Moto G Power (2024) – 5000mAh battery, clean Android, 5G support.
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 – stronger performance, 120Hz AMOLED display, competitive pricing.

The trade-off: You save about $50–70 by choosing the A31 over a modern budget phone, but you lose software support, performance, and connectivity. If your budget is extremely tight and you need a phone for calls, messaging, and light apps, the A31 works. For anything more demanding, the extra cost of a newer model is justified.

How long will the Samsung A31 be supported?

What is Samsung’s software support policy for A-series?

• Samsung historically offered three major OS updates and four years of security updates for many A-series models. The A31 received OS updates from Android 10 to 12 (Badili Kenya).
• According to Samsung’s certified re-newed page, the company tests and backs refurbished devices, but older models like the A31 may no longer receive security patches.

How long will security updates continue?

• The four-year security window from 2020 would have ended in 2024. Some carriers may push sporadic patches, but active support from Samsung is likely finished.
• After official support ends, the device becomes more vulnerable to new exploits. Reebelo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning buyers can test the unit quickly, but long-term security is uncertain.

What this means: If you plan to use the A31 for another year or two, you will carry security risks that modern phones avoid. For a secondary device or a short-term stopgap, the risk may be acceptable.

Specifications

Here are the full technical details of the Galaxy A31, drawn from Badili Kenya and Price in Kenya.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

What the experts say

“This is a certified premium refurbished Samsung Galaxy A31 smartphone.”

Badili Kenya (Kenyan refurbished electronics retailer)

“Samsung’s certified re-newed phones are tested and backed by Samsung’s warranty.”

Samsung (official certified re-newed program)

“All refurbished devices are 100% functional and sold by trustworthy American vendors.”

Reebelo (refurbished marketplace)

Three sources, one verdict: the device works as advertised, but the warranty and support window are closing fast.

For the Kenyan shopper who needs a reliable secondary phone or an ultra-budget primary device, the Galaxy A31 at KSh 16,548 is a tempting deal. But the decision is clear: buy it only if you can accept zero future software updates and a processor that will feel sluggish in two years, or spend the extra KSh 5,500 on a Galaxy A15 that will serve you well into 2028.

For a detailed look at the current market, check out our guide on Samsung A31 price and specs in 2025.

Frequently asked questions

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