Many individuals experience excitement when the time comes to upgrade their smartphone. While exploring new devices, the option to trade in an old phone often appears. It can be appealing to see a current phone listed for trade-in, but many may not realize that the device holds significantly more value than the offered trade-in credit.
Trade-in Deals Prioritize Convenience Over Value
The primary purpose of trade-in programs is to simplify the upgrade process for consumers. Selling an old phone independently involves tasks such as taking photos, creating online listings, responding to inquiries, and arranging delivery or pick-up, which can be time-consuming.
In contrast, a trade-in allows for easy submission of a device at a store or via mail, with credit applied towards a new purchase. This convenience naturally comes at a cost, meaning the trade-in value will be less than the device’s full market potential.
However, the actual financial loss incurred through trade-ins can be substantial. For instance, an examination of the OnePlus 15 product page revealed that OnePlus offers trade-ins for various devices. Using the OnePlus trade-in calculator showed surprisingly low offers for recently released phones.
For example, the OnePlus 13, a device approximately one year old and still retailing for around $750, was valued at only up to $300. This represents less than half its current retail price, with the “up to” likely referring to the 512GB variant, which sells for $850.
The highest trade-in value offered by OnePlus for any phone was up to $800 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This device was released only a few months prior and starts at $1,200. If the “up to” applies to the most expensive 2TB model, which costs $2,000, the trade-in offer is still less than half the price of a nearly new phone.
OnePlus serves as just one illustration; most trade-in programs exhibit similar low valuations. This approach is inherent to their design, as carriers and retailers assume the risks and costs associated with inspecting, testing, potentially refurbishing, and reselling devices. Offering near full resale value would be unsustainable for these businesses.
Real-World Examples: Trade-in vs. Selling
To illustrate the potential financial loss, several phones were evaluated using trade-in calculators and compared against their realistic resale values on eBay.
It is important to note that all prices are estimates and subject to constant fluctuation. However, these comparisons provide a clear indication of the money lost through trade-ins. Some carriers, such as Verizon, could not be checked without an IMEI, but individuals can verify offers directly.
The Pixel 9, released in 2024, is a relatively new device. If an owner wished to upgrade due to dissatisfaction with the Google Tensor chip’s performance, the following values might be expected:
- Resale value (based on eBay listings): approximately $380 for 128GB, $450–500 for 256GB
- Samsung trade-in: $263 (storage tier not specified)
- OnePlus trade-in: up to $158 for 128GB, $177 for 256GB
- T-Mobile trade-in: $270 for 128GB, $275 for 256GB (T-Mobile models only)
- AT&T trade-in: $240 for both 128GB and 256GB
These figures indicate a significant loss, potentially around $100 for the 128GB variant and even more for the 256GB model. This trend of receiving considerably less for internal memory is common across trade-in programs.
Next, the Samsung Galaxy S23 from 2023 was examined. With new S26 phones approaching release, many users may consider upgrading from this still-capable flagship. Expected values include:
- Resale value (based on eBay listings): $220 for 128GB, $270 for 256GB
- Samsung trade-in: $142 (storage tier not specified)
- OnePlus trade-in: up to $76 for 128GB, $87 for 256GB
- T-Mobile trade-in: $105 for 128GB, $115 for 256GB
- AT&T trade-in: up to $130 for both 128GB and 256GB
Samsung’s own trade-in program offered the most competitive value among the trade-in options, yet it remained notably below the actual market value, particularly for the 256GB variant. OnePlus, in this instance, showed minimal interest in older Galaxy phones.
Finally, the iPhone 14 Pro, released in 2022, was analyzed. Despite being the oldest phone in these examples, iPhones typically retain their value more effectively. The findings were:
- Resale value (based on eBay listings): $300 for 128GB, $380 for 256GB
- Samsung trade-in: $272 (storage tier not specified)
- OnePlus trade-in: up to $173 for 128GB, $190 for 256GB
- T-Mobile trade-in: $195 for 128GB, $205 for 256GB
- AT&T trade-in: up to $225 for both 128GB and 256GB
Samsung’s trade-in offer for the iPhone was surprisingly close to its estimated resale value for the 128GB model. This could be attributed to Samsung’s strategy as a leading player in the US smartphone market, second only to Apple, indicating a willingness to absorb some profit loss to attract Apple users to its ecosystem.
For phones older than these examples, or non-flagship models, trade-in offers are often negligible or non-existent. However, this does not preclude the possibility of selling such devices for a reasonable amount.
Sell It for More, Pass It On, or Upcycle It
The examples demonstrate that trading in a phone rarely offers the best financial outcome. Selling the device independently on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay typically yields significantly more cash. The Samsung trade-in for an iPhone was an exception, but it still required switching to Android, and even then, a private sale would likely offer a higher return.
If a phone is only one or two years old, a substantial return can be expected, far exceeding trade-in program offers. Maximizing value is easier if the phone is in excellent condition and includes original accessories like the box or charger.
For those disinclined to navigate the resale process or prioritize maximum financial gain, consider gifting the phone to a loved one. Sharing an older device with a partner, parent, grandparent, child, cousin, or friend who could benefit from an upgrade can be more rewarding than a modest cash sum.
Even a very old phone with minimal resale value can be repurposed for alternative uses. Creative approaches can transform an old Android phone into a useful tool once again.
