Do Samsung sell ‘gray imports’?

[Steveoh]

I wanted to trade in my A14 for a new model. But the trade in was not accepted on the Samsung online shop.

Why?

Because my phone is an A145R and not an A145F.

I purchased it two years ago, from the official Samsung shop, in order to ensure I got a genuine UK model. So I don’t understand why they won’t accept it for trade in.

Why pay ‘official’ prices when the same phone can be found significantly cheaper from other sources?

[BandOfBrothers]

You're most certainly welcome @Steveoh 

[AndrewL]

@Steveoh: For clarity, which device were you interested in purchasing with the A14 as a Trade in option? 

[Steveoh]

I wanted the A26 5g, but I don't understand why my A14, bought from Samsung, was not eligible for trade-in.
I have since reconsidered my position and paid the full price from Samsung. I didn't want the complications that may arise from purchasing a grey import phone.

[Steveoh]

I would add that I understand why Samsung doesn't encourage the purchase of grey imports. It's a pity that the variants are not, more easily, identified. Searching the different model numbers is like cracking the 'enigma' code.