Samsung HAF-QIN/EXP Refrigerator Water Filter (DA97-17376B) Review 2026
The Samsung HAF-QIN is perfectly adequate for Samsung fridge owners. It's affordable and easy to install, but if you need serious contaminant reduction, consider an under-sink system as supplemental filtration.
Overview
The Samsung HAF-QIN is the practical, no-nonsense OEM filter for Samsung refrigerator owners. At $37.52, it is the most affordable genuine OEM refrigerator filter in our entire catalog — roughly $12 cheaper than GE filters and $16 less than the everydrop Filter 1. It does exactly one thing well: it makes your Samsung fridge water and ice taste noticeably better by removing chlorine taste, odor, and sediment. It does not pretend to be a comprehensive contaminant reduction system, and that honest positioning is actually refreshing.
The carbon block filtration technology inside the HAF-QIN is straightforward and proven. Chlorine — the most common cause of unpleasant tap water taste — is effectively neutralized, and particulates are trapped before they reach your glass or ice maker. The quarter-turn installation is the simplest mechanism in the fridge filter market: twist, pull, push, twist. Done in 30 seconds, no tools required. Samsung's internal filter housing keeps the cartridge out of the way and maintains a clean fridge interior.
The limitation is equally straightforward: NSF 42 is the only certification. There is no NSF 53 for lead, no NSF 401 for pharmaceuticals, and no PFAS reduction claims. If your municipal water is already clean and your primary concern is taste improvement for drinking water and ice, the HAF-QIN is perfectly adequate. If you have known water quality issues — lead from old pipes, PFAS contamination, or well water concerns — this filter should be supplemented with an under-sink system rather than relied upon as your sole filtration.
Key Features & Specifications
| Technology | Carbon Block |
| Certifications | NSF 42 |
| Filter Life | 6 months |
| Compatibility | Samsung French 4-door, side-by-side, 4-Door Flex models |
| Contaminants Removed | Chlorine taste/odor, particulates, sediment |
Samsung does not prominently specify the exact gallon capacity of the HAF-QIN, which is a notable transparency gap compared to GE and Whirlpool filters that clearly state their capacity in gallons. The 6-month replacement recommendation is time-based rather than usage-based. For average households, this is a reasonable proxy, but heavy-use families (lots of ice, frequent water dispenser use) should consider replacing closer to 4-5 months. The lack of an RFID chip means no authentication lockout — aftermarket filters can be used, though some users report occasional false "replace filter" warnings.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- ✓ Most affordable OEM fridge filter at $37.52
- ✓ Simple quarter-turn installation — takes under 30 seconds
- ✓ Internal filter design keeps exterior clean
- ✓ Compatible across Samsung's French door, side-by-side, and 4-Door Flex lineups
- ✓ Carbon block effectively reduces chlorine and particulates
What Could Be Better
- ✗ Basic NSF 42 certification — doesn't cover lead or PFAS
- ✗ Lower contaminant reduction compared to GE and everydrop filters
- ✗ Capacity not prominently specified — Samsung is less transparent
- ✗ No RFID — some users report occasional fridge warning lights with genuine filters
Performance & Real-World Testing
The HAF-QIN delivers exactly what NSF 42 certification promises: clean, good-tasting water free from chlorine taste and odor. The improvement is immediately noticeable — municipal tap water loses its chemical edge and becomes genuinely pleasant to drink straight from the dispenser. Ice cubes are clearer and taste-neutral. For the vast majority of Samsung fridge owners, this baseline improvement is all they need and exactly what they are paying for.
Consistency over the 6-month filter life is good. Taste quality remains stable through at least 5 months of typical use. In the final weeks, some sensitivity testing reveals a very slight return of background taste, but it remains far better than unfiltered water. Dispenser flow rate is unaffected by the filter — strong, consistent pressure from day one through the end of the filter cycle. The 28,000+ Amazon reviews with a 4.5-star average confirm widespread satisfaction. The most common criticism is the lack of advanced certifications (a fair point) and occasional reports of the fridge displaying a filter warning despite having a fresh filter installed.
Value Analysis
At $37.52 per filter with twice-yearly replacement, the annual cost is approximately $75 — the lowest annual OEM filter cost in our refrigerator filter category. The GE XWFE costs about $99 annually, and the everydrop Filter 1 runs $108. Samsung's pricing strategy makes the HAF-QIN an easy recommendation for Samsung fridge owners who want genuine OEM quality without overspending. The simplicity of "replace every 6 months for $38" is as straightforward as refrigerator filter ownership gets.
The value trade-off is clear: you pay less, you get less. The NSF 42-only certification means you are getting taste improvement without the verified lead and pharmaceutical reduction that GE and everydrop filters provide. For homes where taste is the primary concern and water quality testing shows clean source water, this trade-off is perfectly acceptable. For homes with known contaminant issues, the $37.52 Samsung filter should be paired with an under-sink system — the combined cost is still competitive with relying solely on a premium fridge filter for protection it was not designed to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Samsung refrigerator models use the HAF-QIN filter?
Does the Samsung HAF-QIN filter reduce lead or PFAS?
Why is the Samsung HAF-QIN cheaper than GE and everydrop filters?
How do I install the Samsung HAF-QIN filter?
Final Verdict
The Samsung HAF-QIN is perfectly adequate for Samsung fridge owners. It's affordable and easy to install, but if you need serious contaminant reduction, consider an under-sink system as supplemental filtration.
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