Samsung Galaxy Trade-In Value Guide: Every Model in 2026

If you're holding a Samsung Galaxy phone and wondering what it's worth, you're in the right place. Samsung is the world's largest smartphone manufacturer, which means there's strong demand for used Galaxy devices — but it also means there's a lot of competition in the resale market.

The Samsung Galaxy lineup spans four distinct series, each with different value retention characteristics:

• Galaxy S-series (S22 through S26): The flagship line that competes directly with iPhone. These hold value best within the Samsung ecosystem.
• Galaxy Z Flip (Flip 4 through Flip 6): The compact foldable that appeals to a specific niche. Decent value retention due to limited supply.
• Galaxy Z Fold (Fold 4 through Fold 6): The premium foldable tablet-phone hybrid. High original price means significant dollar depreciation, but absolute values remain strong.
• Galaxy A-series: Samsung's mid-range lineup. Lower resale values but still worth selling.

Below, you'll find real buyback prices for every major Samsung Galaxy model from GadgetRenu, updated for April 2026. All prices are for unlocked devices in excellent condition — your specific phone may be worth more or less depending on carrier lock status, storage capacity, and cosmetic condition.

Ready to see your exact price? Get an instant Samsung Galaxy quote from GadgetRenu. Quotes are locked for 14 days, shipping is free and insured, and payment arrives via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or check within 3-5 business days.

The Galaxy S-series is Samsung's flagship smartphone line and holds the best resale value of any Samsung phone. Here are current buyback prices from GadgetRenu for unlocked devices in excellent condition:

Galaxy S26 Series (Released January 2026)

Galaxy S25 Series (Released January 2025)

Galaxy S24 Series (Released January 2024)

Galaxy S23 Series (Released February 2023)

Galaxy S22 Series (Released February 2022)

The pattern is clear: the Ultra model holds the most value within each generation, and each generation loses roughly $70-100 compared to its successor. If you're holding a Galaxy S24 Ultra or older, every month you wait costs approximately $10-18 in depreciation.

See also: How Much Is My iPhone Worth? for a side-by-side comparison of iPhone values.

Samsung's foldable phones are a unique category in the resale market. They launched at premium prices ($999 for Z Flip, $1,799 for Z Fold), which means the dollar amount of depreciation is significant — but the absolute resale values remain strong because demand for foldables continues to grow.

Galaxy Z Fold Series

Galaxy Z Flip Series

Why Foldable Depreciation Is Different

Foldables depreciate differently from standard smartphones for a few reasons:

Higher starting price, steeper dollar drop. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 launched at $1,799 and is now worth about $450 — that's a 75% depreciation in roughly 18 months. In raw dollars, that's $1,349 in lost value, or about $75 per month. By comparison, a Galaxy S25 Ultra that launched at $1,299 and is now worth $480 lost $819, or about $55 per month.

Durability concerns affect resale. Some buyers remain skeptical about foldable durability — the hinge, the inner screen crease, and the flexible display are all potential failure points. This skepticism pushes resale values lower than you might expect based on specs alone. If your foldable is in truly excellent condition with no hinge issues and no visible crease problems, you'll command the top of the price range.

Limited supply supports prices. Foldables are a much smaller segment of the market than standard smartphones. Fewer are produced, fewer come up for resale, and the buyers who want them are willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained unit.

Timing for Foldable Sellers

Samsung announces new Z Flip and Z Fold models at Galaxy Unpacked in July, with shipping in August. If you're planning to sell a foldable, sell before June to capture the best value. The July announcement will trigger a 10-15% drop in used foldable prices.

Get your Samsung foldable quote from GadgetRenu before the next announcement hits.

This is the question every Samsung owner asks when they see how much their phone is worth compared to an iPhone of the same age. The reality is consistent and well-documented: Samsung phones lose value faster than iPhones. Here's why.

1. Market Saturation

Samsung releases dozens of phone models every year across multiple price tiers — Galaxy S, Galaxy A, Galaxy M, Galaxy Z, Galaxy F (in some markets). This abundance of options dilutes demand for any single model. Apple, by contrast, releases four to five iPhone models per year, creating concentrated demand and scarcity.

2. Software Update Longevity

Apple supports iPhones with major software updates for 6-7 years. Samsung has improved significantly (now promising 7 years of updates for flagship models starting with the S24 series), but older models (S22 and earlier) received fewer years of support. Buyers pay more for devices with longer update runways.

3. The Android vs. iOS Premium

The secondhand market assigns a brand premium to Apple products across every category — phones, tablets, laptops, watches. This isn't necessarily about which is "better" — it's about buyer perception and willingness to pay. Used iPhones command higher prices relative to their original retail price than comparable Samsung devices.

4. Carrier Promotions Depress Resale

Carriers frequently offer aggressive "free" or deeply discounted Galaxy phones as promotions to attract new customers. These promotions flood the market with Samsung devices and create a perception that Galaxy phones aren't worth paying full price for — which carries over to the resale market.

What This Means for Samsung Sellers

Faster depreciation means timing is even more critical for Samsung sellers than for iPhone sellers. Every month you hold a Samsung Galaxy phone, you're losing a higher percentage of its remaining value compared to holding an iPhone. The bottom line: sell your Samsung Galaxy as soon as you're done using it. Don't let it sit in a drawer losing $15-25 per month in value.

GadgetRenu pays competitive prices for Samsung Galaxy phones and offers the same 14-day price lock, free insured shipping, and fast payment that they provide for iPhones. Compare what you'd get for both brands: Samsung and iPhone.

Carrier lock status is one of the most impactful yet frequently overlooked factors in Samsung Galaxy resale value. An unlocked phone is worth significantly more than a locked one, and the process of unlocking is usually straightforward.

The Price Difference

A carrier-locked Samsung Galaxy is typically worth 10-20% less than the same unlocked model. For a Galaxy S26 Ultra worth $550 unlocked, that's a $55-110 difference — just because of a software lock.

Why the gap? An unlocked phone can be used on any carrier worldwide, which makes it far more versatile in the resale market. Buyback companies like GadgetRenu can sell unlocked phones to a much wider pool of buyers, which supports higher prices. A phone locked to T-Mobile can only be sold to someone who uses T-Mobile (or a T-Mobile MVNO), which limits the market significantly.

How to Check If Your Samsung Is Unlocked

1. Open Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators.
2. If the phone searches for and shows multiple carriers, it's likely unlocked.
3. Alternatively, insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If it connects and makes calls, the phone is unlocked.
4. You can also dial #06# and check your IMEI against your carrier's unlock status tool.

How to Unlock Your Samsung Galaxy

AT&T: Request an unlock at att.com/deviceunlock. Requirements: device is paid off, account in good standing, active for at least 60 days.

T-Mobile: Request through the T-Mobile app or by calling 611. Requirements: device is paid off, account in good standing, at least 40 days on the network.

Verizon: Most Verizon phones purchased after 2019 are automatically unlocked 60 days after purchase. If yours isn't, contact Verizon customer service.

The unlock process typically takes 24-72 hours. It's free and permanent. Given that it can add $55-110 to your sale price, it's absolutely worth doing before you sell.

What About Phones Still Under Contract?

If you're still making payments on your Samsung Galaxy, you typically cannot unlock it until it's paid off. You can still sell the phone to GadgetRenu while it's carrier-locked — they accept locked devices at a slightly lower price. But if you can pay off the remaining balance and unlock the phone, the increased resale value usually more than covers the remaining payments.

Check GadgetRenu's Samsung page to compare locked vs. unlocked quotes for your specific model.

Three main options exist for selling your Samsung Galaxy: Samsung's own trade-in program, your carrier's trade-in deal, and independent buyback companies like GadgetRenu. Here's how they compare.

Samsung Trade-In Program

Samsung offers trade-in credits through samsung.com when you're buying a new Galaxy device. The upside is convenience — you can apply the credit directly to your new phone purchase. The downsides:

• Lower values: Samsung's trade-in offers are typically 20-35% less than what independent buyback companies pay. For a Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung might offer $310-380 in credit while GadgetRenu pays ~$480 in cash.
• Store credit only: The trade-in value comes as a discount on a new Samsung purchase. If you want cash, this isn't an option.
• Conditional on new purchase: You only get the trade-in value if you buy a new Samsung device. No purchase, no trade-in.
• Promotional bait: Samsung frequently advertises "up to $800 trade-in value" in bold letters, but the fine print reveals this requires a specific new phone purchase, a specific trade-in model, and activation on a specific carrier plan. The actual standalone trade-in value is much lower.

Carrier Trade-In Programs (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)

Carrier trade-ins often advertise the highest values — "Get up to $1,000 for your old phone!" — but the reality is heavily conditioned:

• Bill credits, not cash: The trade-in value is spread across 24-36 monthly bill credits. If you leave the carrier before the credits run out, you lose the remaining balance.
• New plan required: The best trade-in values require adding a new line or switching to a premium unlimited plan that costs more per month.
• Contract lock-in: You're effectively financing a new phone and committing to 2-3 years with that carrier. The "trade-in value" is really a subsidy buried in your monthly bill.
• Limited device acceptance: Carriers only accept devices in good or better condition. Cracked screens or significant damage often disqualify you entirely.

GadgetRenu: Cash, No Strings

GadgetRenu operates differently:

• Real cash: PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or check. Not store credit, not bill credits, not a discount on a purchase you haven't decided to make.
• No new purchase required: Sell your phone and do whatever you want with the money.
• 14-day price lock: Your offer is guaranteed for two weeks. No pressure.
• Any condition accepted: Even phones with cracked screens, battery issues, or cosmetic damage get honest quotes.
• Free insured shipping: USPS label included, device insured in transit.

Price Comparison Example: Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB

*Carrier value is conditional and spread over 36 months. Effective present value is lower.

The choice depends on what you value. If you want maximum cash with minimum hassle, GadgetRenu is the clear winner. If you're already committed to buying a new Samsung phone, the Samsung trade-in adds modest convenience at the cost of $100+ in value.

Also see: GadgetRenu vs Gazelle vs Decluttr for a deeper comparison.

Before shipping your Samsung Galaxy, take these steps to protect your data and ensure a smooth transaction.

1. Back Up Your Data

• Open Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data to save to Samsung Cloud.
• For a Google backup: Settings > Google > Backup > Back up now.
• Transfer photos to Google Photos, a computer, or an external drive if they're not already backed up.

2. Remove Your Google Account

This is the most critical step. Samsung Galaxy phones have Factory Reset Protection (FRP) that locks the phone to your Google account. If you factory reset without removing your Google account first, the next owner will be asked for your email and password during setup.

• Go to Settings > Accounts (or Passwords & accounts).
• Tap your Google account and select Remove account.
• Repeat for all Google accounts on the device.

3. Remove Your Samsung Account

• Go to Settings > Accounts and tap your Samsung account.
• Select Remove account and confirm.
• This also disables Samsung Find My Mobile.

4. Disable Find My Mobile

• Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Find My Mobile.
• Turn it off.

5. Factory Reset

• Go to Settings > General management > Reset.
• Tap Factory data reset.
• Scroll down, tap Reset, enter your PIN, and tap Delete all.

6. Remove SIM Card and SD Card

Use the SIM ejector tool to remove your SIM card. If your Samsung has a microSD card, remove that too — it contains your photos, videos, and app data.

7. Clean the Phone

Wipe down the screen and body with a microfiber cloth. Remove any case or screen protector. Check for debris in the charging port and clean gently with compressed air if needed.

Once you've completed these steps, your Samsung Galaxy is ready to ship. GadgetRenu's R2-certified facility in New Jersey will perform an additional data wipe when it arrives, giving you an extra layer of security. Lock in your Samsung quote today and ship within 14 days.

Why is my Samsung Galaxy worth so much less than a comparable iPhone?

Samsung phones depreciate faster due to higher market saturation (Samsung releases more models), the Android ecosystem's competitive pricing dynamics, and the brand premium that Apple commands in the resale market. A Galaxy S25 Ultra that retailed for $1,299 is worth about $480 after 15 months — roughly 37% of retail. A comparable iPhone 16 Pro Max that retailed for $1,199 is worth about $633 after a similar period — roughly 53% of retail. The gap is real, but it doesn't mean Samsung phones aren't worth selling. $480 in cash is still significant money.

Can I sell a Samsung Galaxy with a cracked screen?

Yes. A cracked screen reduces your Samsung's value by approximately 40-50%, but the phone still has meaningful value for its components and for refurbishment. GadgetRenu accepts Samsung phones in any condition, including cracked screens, water damage, and devices that won't turn on. You'll get an honest quote based on the actual state of the device. It's always better to sell a damaged phone than to let it sit in a drawer losing the remainder of its value.

What's the difference between selling a Samsung directly vs. through a carrier?

Selling directly to a buyback company like GadgetRenu gives you cash with no strings attached. Carrier trade-ins give you bill credits spread over 24-36 months, require a new plan commitment, and lock you into a contract. The advertised carrier value is higher on paper, but the effective value — accounting for the plan commitment and the time value of money — is usually lower than a cash sale. If you want flexibility and immediate payment, sell directly.

How much does the Galaxy A-series hold in resale value?

Galaxy A-series phones (A54, A55, A35, etc.) hold modest resale value due to their lower original retail prices. A Galaxy A55 in excellent condition is worth approximately $100-130, while a Galaxy A54 is worth $70-100. These aren't large amounts individually, but they're still worth collecting — especially considering the phone is just sitting unused. GadgetRenu accepts Galaxy A-series phones along with the entire Samsung lineup.

Does GadgetRenu accept Samsung tablets and watches too?

GadgetRenu focuses on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. Samsung Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Watch devices are accepted alongside Galaxy phones. Visit GadgetRenu's sell page to see if your specific Samsung device is eligible and get an instant quote. All devices ship free to their New Jersey facility with insured USPS shipping.