Samsung Trade-In Deals Explained: Which Carrier Has the Best Deal?

Trading in a smartphone can quickly become complicated, especially when it comes to Samsung Galaxy devices.

Samsung phones are among the most popular smartphones on the market. With new models launching every year and offering meaningful upgrades, many users look to trade in their older devices to keep up. As a result, carrier trade-in promotions have become increasingly common.

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile frequently advertise “free” or heavily discounted Samsung Galaxy phones. While these offers can appear attractive at first glance, the details often include long-term contracts, higher monthly plans, and bill credits spread out over several years.

This guide breaks down how major carrier Samsung trade-in deals actually work, what they really cost over time, and what alternatives exist if flexibility and transparency are a priority.

Whether you’re upgrading from a Galaxy S24, trading in a cracked S21 Ultra, or retiring an older Galaxy Note, understanding the full picture can help you make a smarter decision.

Please note that in the totals in the examples below may exclude taxes and fees that vary by location unless stated.

Carrier-Specific Samsung Trade-In Deals

Verizon Samsung Trade-In Deal

Verizon currently promotes up to $1,000 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, a phone with a retail price of $1,099. Advertisements often highlight very low monthly payments, sometimes as little as $2.77 per month.

To qualify for this deal, several conditions must be met.

Verizon Trade-In Requirements

• An eligible trade-in device is required

• The phone is typically carrier-locked until eligibility requirements are met

• A Verizon Unlimited plan is mandatory

• Bill credits are applied over 36 months

Using a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G as the trade-in device, the actual phone payment increases to $12.49 per month instead of the advertised $2.77.

Verizon Monthly Costs

• Phone payment: $12.49 per month

• Required Unlimited plan: $65 per month

• Monthly total with AutoPay: $77.50

• Taxes and fees due at checkout: $85.25

Verizon Total Cost Over 36 Months

• $77.50 × 36 months = $2,790

• Upfront fees = $85.25

• Total cost: approximately $3,235

By the end of the contract, the total amount paid is significantly higher than the retail price of the phone.

AT&T Samsung Trade-In Deals

AT&T currently advertises up to $1,000 off the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, suggesting a final cost of just $200 for a flagship device.

In practice, the final cost depends heavily on the trade-in device and required plan.

AT&T Trade-In Requirements

• Eligible trade-in required

• Unlimited plan required

• Bill credits applied over 36 months

Using the same Galaxy S20 FE 5G, the maximum credit offered is $800 instead of the full $1,000.

AT&T Monthly Costs

• Phone payment: $13.89 per month

• Required Unlimited plan: $65.99 per month

• Administrative and regulatory fee: $3.49 per month

• Total monthly cost: $83.37

• Amount due at checkout: $91

AT&T Total Cost Over 36 Months

• $83.37 × 36 months = $3,001.32

• Upfront fees = $91

• Total cost: approximately $3,092

This results in paying well over the phone’s retail price once plan costs and fees are included.

T-Mobile Samsung Trade-In Deals

T-Mobile advertises up to $1,100 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, a device that retails for about $2,000.

T-Mobile Trade-In Requirements

• Eligible trade-in required

• Unlimited plan required

• Bill credits applied over 24 months

The Galaxy S20 FE 5G qualifies for trade-in, but T-Mobile values it at $35.

T-Mobile Monthly Costs

• Required Unlimited plan with AutoPay: $50 per month

• Combined phone and plan cost: $133.34 per month

• Contract length: 24 months

• Amount due at checkout: $10

T-Mobile Total Cost Over 24 Months

• $133.34 × 24 months = $3,192

• Upfront fees = $10

• Total cost: approximately $3,202

Even with promotional credits, the total amount paid exceeds the retail price of the device by a wide margin.

Downsides of Carrier Trade-In Deals for Samsungs

Carrier trade-in offers often come with limitations:

• Carrier-Locked Phones: Phones are typically locked to the carrier until the device is fully paid off or contract terms are met.
• No Immediate Savings: Trade-in discounts are delivered as monthly bill credits instead of instant price reductions.
• Limited Flexibility: Switching carriers or changing plans early usually results in losing remaining credits and paying the phone balance in full.
• Lower Trade-In Values: Older models or phones with damage often receive much lower values than expected unless they are recent flagship devices in excellent condition.

An Alternative to Carrier Trade-Ins

Independent buyback services like SmartphonesPLUS offer a different approach to Samsung trade-ins.

Instead of bill credits and contracts, SmartphonesPLUS provides:

• Upfront cash payments
• No required plan changes
• No long-term commitments
• Acceptance of older, cracked, or non-working Samsung phones

Payments are typically issued within one to two business days after the device is received and inspected. Payment options include PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, or check. This gives users the flexibility to upgrade, switch carriers, or simply keep the cash.

Conclusion

Samsung carrier trade-in deals can appear generous at first, but mandatory plans, long contracts, and delayed credits often make them far more expensive than expected.

For users who value flexibility, transparency, and immediate payouts, alternatives like SmartphonesPLUS can offer a simpler and more predictable option.

Before committing to a multi-year carrier agreement, it is worth comparing the total cost and understanding exactly how trade-in credits work.

 

FAQs About Samsung Galaxy Trade-In Deals

Why are carrier trade-in deals so popular if they cost more long term?

They advertise large discounts upfront, but those discounts are spread out over time and tied to higher monthly plans.

What happens if I switch carriers after trading in my phone?

Remaining bill credits are usually forfeited, and the remaining phone balance becomes due.

Do independent trade-in services require buying a new phone?

No. You receive cash for your device with no requirement to purchase or upgrade.

Can cracked or older Samsung Galaxy phones be traded in?

Many times, carrier stores will not accept broken devices or will offer a much lower amount. However, independent buyback services accept phones in a wide range of conditions.