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Samsung Galaxy S26 Trade-In Reveals Golden Deals for Loyalists and Diminished iPhone Values

Illustrative image of Samsung Galaxy S26 trade-in offers

With the highly anticipated launch of the flagship **Samsung Galaxy S26 Series** drawing near, attention is once again focusing on the trade-in programs offered by the company, which are often the primary gateway to acquiring the latest innovations at affordable prices. Samsung stands out as the undisputed leader in offering the highest trade-in values for its older devices, tempting users toward a seamless upgrade. This year, we've specifically noted extremely generous valuations for Samsung customers, while a noticeable dip in trade-in appraisals for older iPhones and Google Pixels has emerged compared to previous offers.


  • ✨ Trade-in values for flagship models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra can reach up to $900 when upgrading to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
  • ✨ Samsung continues to offer competitive value for older devices like the Note 20 Ultra, reaching $500.
  • ✨ A decrease in trade-in values designated for iPhone and Google Pixel devices compared to last year has been observed.
  • ✨ The base purchase prices for both the Galaxy S26 and S26+ have seen an increase of $100 USD.

Samsung's strategy is clearly geared towards rewarding its loyal clientele. If you possess a Galaxy S25 Ultra or the foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6, you are eligible for the maximum available trade-in value this year, which is $900, when purchasing the newer Galaxy S26 Ultra. This value even surpasses what the company offered last year. Interestingly, Samsung continues to support older devices well; for instance, $500 can still be secured for a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, which is an excellent deal for a device released several years ago.

Focusing on Loyalty: The Best Deals for Galaxy Users

The greatest generosity is evident when switching within the Samsung ecosystem itself. Moving from a Galaxy S25 Ultra to the S26 Ultra nets you a $900 discount. If you have a Galaxy S24 Ultra, you receive $800. This tactic ensures that the loyal user base remains updated with the company's latest technology. Trade-in values are distributed as follows: $900 for the Ultra, $700 for the Plus variant, and $500 for the base S26 model.

On the other hand, competitor phones show less competitive trade-in values this year. The maximum value for an iPhone 17 Pro Max is set at $645, a decrease from last year's offers. The most significant decline was seen in Google devices, where the Pixel 9 Pro XL is now appraised at only $370, compared to the $600 previously granted for a Pixel 8 Pro. This disparity indicates that switching from other platforms to Samsung costs slightly more this year than in the past. If you are looking for the best value for your old device, holding onto it as a secondary phone might be a better option for those not looking to upgrade to the **Galaxy S26**.

Detailed Table of Galaxy S26 Series Trade-In Values

Device Traded In Towards Galaxy S26 Ultra Towards Galaxy S26+ Towards Galaxy S26
Galaxy S25 Ultra $900 $700 $500
Galaxy S24 Ultra $800 $600 $500
Galaxy S23 Ultra $650 $400 $300
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra $500 $400 $300
Galaxy Z Fold 6 $900 $600 $500
iPhone 17 Pro Max $645 $645 $500
Pixel 9 Pro XL $370 $370 $370

Samsung's current trade-in programs are exclusively limited to its own flagship devices, the iPhone series, and the Google Pixel series, excluding devices from other manufacturers. Furthermore, it is important to note that the retail price for the Galaxy S26 and S26+ has increased by $100 this year, while the price of the top-tier S26 Ultra remains stable at $1,299.


The pre-order period for the **Galaxy S26** series presents the optimal time to capitalize on these enhanced trade-in valuations. These exclusive offers and peak trade-in values conclude on March 11th, which is the date when official retail sales commence, making a purchasing decision crucial before the opportunity passes.

What is the maximum value I can receive for trading in my old phone?

You can receive a maximum discount of $900 if you trade in a Galaxy S25 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 6 when purchasing a new Galaxy S26 Ultra during the pre-order phase.

Have the prices of new Samsung phones changed this year?

Yes, the price for the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ has increased by $100 compared to last year, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains its original price point of $1,299.

Why has the trade-in value for Google Pixel phones decreased?

It appears Samsung has reduced the incentives targeted at Google Pixel users this year, with the trade-in value for the Pixel 9 Pro XL dropping to just $370, a sharp decline from the generous offers provided for last year's models.

When do the pre-order promotions end?

The pre-order deals and high trade-in values are valid until March 11th; after this date, these figures may change once the devices become officially available in the market.

⚓🕳️✨ In conclusion, Samsung remains the premier choice for loyal brand users looking for an annual upgrade, offering them unmatched deals. However, iPhone and Pixel users might find switching to Samsung slightly 'pricier' this year due to the diminished trade-in values for their devices, making careful timing and deal evaluation essential before making a final purchase decision.
Galaxy S26 Trade-in Prices: Golden Deals for Samsung Users and Lower iPhone Values Than Note 20 Offers from Apple