Samsung Electronics plans to launch a program to sell refurbished used versions of its hign-end smartphones as early as next year, according to a report. The South Korean technology firm is looking for ways to sustain earnings momentum after reviving its mobile profits by restructuring its product line-up. Samsung wants to maximize its cost efficiency and keep operating margins above 10 percent, according to a person with direct knowledge quoted by Reuters.

The smartphone maker will refurbish high-end phones returned to the company by users who signed up for one-year upgrade programs in markets such as South Korea and the United States.

Samsung would then re-sell these phones at a lower price.

A Samsung spokeswoman said the company does not comment on speculation.

Rival Apple's iPhone has a re-sale value of around 69 percent of its original price after about one year from launch, while Samsung's flagship Galaxy sells for 51 percent of the original price in the U.S. market, according to BNP Paribas.

Samsung's refurbishment program, details of which the person said could be finalised as early as 2017, could help the firm generate revenue from dated high-end smartphones returned by users upgrading to newer versions.