To get the best value for an old phone, compare current offers for its exact model and condition, then weigh the kind of credit and the terms—not just the largest advertised amount. Treat an online quote as an estimate until the provider confirms the device, and protect your data before you ship or hand it over.
What “best value” means for a phone trade-in
There is no universal best trade-in offer. A useful comparison includes the amount you can actually receive, how and when it is paid, and the requirements attached to it. The official U.S. program pages from Apple, Samsung and Best Buy describe different credit options and valuation factors, but do not provide comparable live dollar offers for a particular phone. Check the current quote for your device and date.
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- Value type: Is it purchase credit, a gift card, or promotional bill credits? Apple describes credit toward a purchase or an Apple Gift Card; Best Buy describes gift-card and purchase-credit options. Carrier or installment offers may have additional eligibility and service terms.
- Condition and eligibility: Check the rules for your exact model, damage, power and account-lock status. A cracked-screen phone may qualify with one program and not another; these sources do not establish a universal rule.
- Timing: Note the shipping or handoff deadline and when the final valuation is determined.
- Restrictions: Read any service, installment, promotion, accessory or return requirements tied to the specific offer.
Offers can change as promotions and resale values change. Best Buy says its trade-in offer can factor in current resale prices along with device age, condition and required accessories. If the quote is low, comparing a separate buyback or resale route may be worthwhile; no one route is always better.
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How to compare offers for your phone
1. Identify the device accurately
Record the exact model and storage, carrier status, and visible condition. Check whether the phone powers on, whether the display works, and whether it has cracks or other damage. Answer account-lock and ownership questions honestly. Small differences in model or condition can change eligibility and value.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other prepaid carriers.
- Super-bright, super-smooth 6.7" display. See your screen clearly even outdoors in sunlight, and enjoy seamless views with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display.*
- AI-powered camera system. Take stunning photos in any light with the 50MP camera**, look your best with a 32MP selfie cam*****, and capture extreme close-ups.
- Superfast 5G performance. Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed*** with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost****.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Power through day after day with a 5200mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.****
2. Get quotes and record their terms
Request current quotes from the seller of your new phone and other plausible trade-in options. Save the date, the quoted amount, the stated condition, whether the amount is an estimate or a final in-person offer, and what form the credit takes. For example, Apple says an in-store assessment may result in a different credit if the device condition differs from the online description.
3. Compare the net benefit, not the headline
Read the offer attached to the actual transaction. A large promotional figure may depend on eligibility, an installment plan, a service commitment or a particular return process. Compare what you will receive and when against any conditions you must meet. Do not assume that a quoted trade-in amount is cash or an unconditional discount.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
4. Check deadlines before placing the trade-in
Deadlines vary by program and promotion. Apple’s cited U.S. page says it must receive the device within 14 days after the new device arrives for the described transaction. Samsung Electronics America’s standard U.S. terms say to ship within 15 days after receiving the new product unless a promotion specifies a different period. Use the deadline on your own order: a promotion can supersede general terms, and these figures do not apply to other providers or countries.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPrepare the phone safely before sending it
- Back up and transfer what you want to keep. Confirm that photos, messages and other important files have been copied to a place you can access from the new phone.
- Remove accounts and activation locks. Follow the device maker’s instructions to sign out of personal accounts and disable any activation lock or device-finding feature that could prevent another person from setting up the phone.
- Erase the phone. After checking your backup, use the phone’s factory-reset option. Samsung’s U.S. terms state: “You must remove all data, including all confidential and personal data, from your Trade-In Device before returning it to Samsung.” Samsung also says it assumes no responsibility for personal information left on the device.
- Remove SIM and memory cards. Take out physical cards before shipment or handoff. Remove accessories unless the provider specifically requests them.
- Document the condition and dispatch. Photograph the phone from multiple angles, retain the quote and order details, and keep the shipment receipt or in-store handoff record. Use the packaging and return instructions supplied for the transaction.
What happens if the final offer changes?
A provider may inspect the phone and adjust the value if its condition does not match the description or program requirements. Samsung’s terms describe a possible condition charge or adjustment when requirements are not met; Apple says an in-store evaluation can differ from the online estimate if the condition differs. Check the status after delivery or assessment. If the final amount does not match what you expected, use the provider’s stated review or dispute process and share your saved quote, condition photos and shipping or handoff receipt.
Rank #3
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Where to check current U.S. program details
- Apple Trade In explains eligible devices, credit or Apple Gift Card options, and the timing and assessment terms for the described transaction.
- Samsung U.S. Trade-In Program Terms sets out program requirements and standard shipping timing; check promotion-specific terms for your order.
- Samsung Trade-In FAQ covers preparation, including backing up data, removing accounts and cards, and resetting the device.
- Best Buy Trade-In FAQ describes gift-card and purchase-credit options, valuation factors and program routes.
These pages are U.S.-oriented. Accepted models, quoted amounts, promotional conditions and deadlines can change, and terms elsewhere may differ. Confirm details on the provider’s current page and in the offer for your order.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
