Galaxy S26 trade-in values are best for Galaxy upgraders, not iPhone switchers – up to $900 off

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series has arrived and, as per usual, the pre-order period is the best time to buy these phones.

Trade-in values are key to most modern smartphone purchases, and Samsung is the undisputed king of this. Often times there are ways to get a new device for a tiny fraction of its retail cost, and this year isn’t all that different from what we saw with the Galaxy S25 series last year, which was much higher than past years which had maxed out at $750.

Samsung’s maximum trade-in value this year, like last, is up to $900 towards a Galaxy S26 Ultra. But you can only get that value out of two devices – Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6. Everything else will be a bit lower, and there are some good deals to be had. For example, Samsung is still shelling out up to $500 for a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra when you upgrade.

The best values here are very much to be found from upgrading between Galaxy models, though. Moving from Galaxy S25 Ultra or Galaxy S24 Ultra to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, for instance, would net $900 and $800, respectively.

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Trade-in values max out at $900 for the Ultra, $700 for the S26+, and $500 for the base S26.

Outside of Galaxy, trade-in values are largely familiar, maybe a little lower, maybe a little higher, all depending on your device. The maximum iPhone value this year is $645 this year for an iPhone 17 Pro Max, down from $700 last time around.

Trade-in values for Google Pixel have dropped a lot. Where a Pixel 8 Pro trade-in last year was valued at $600, it’s only $370 for the comparable Pixel 9 Pro XL this year. Yikes.

Here’s the full breakdown:

Samsung only accepts trade-ins for Galaxy, iPhone, or Pixel, with no option to trade in any other smartphones.

Keep in mind, too, that these values come as the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ have both seen $100 price hikes. The Galaxy S26 Ultra remains at the same $1,299 price.

The Galaxy S26 series is available for pre-order now, with Samsung’s usual pre-order perks in full swing. You’ll find boosted trade-in values and more available now through March 11, when these phones are available on store shelves.

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