Samsung's trade-in program for the Galaxy S21 series is pretty darn good

A few hours ago, Samsung finally lifted the veil over its new flagship lineup, the Galaxy S21 series. While public opinion may not be universally positive, Samsung looks to have done an excellent job with its trade-in program for the phones.

The Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra are all eligible for US$700 in trade-in. The Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10e are eligible for a whopping US$550. The Galaxy A71, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ get US$350, while the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Galaxy S8 Active are valued at US$250. At the tail end of trade-in values come the Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A51, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, and Galaxy S7 Active for US$200.

Going outside Samsung's lineup, the iPhone 12 series phones are all valued at US$700; the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS series are pegged at US$550; the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and iPhone XR at US$350;  the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus at US$250; and the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, and iPhone SE at US$200.

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are listed at US$350, while the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 3a XL will fetch owners US$200. Surprisingly, none of Google's current lineup is listed, which means owners of the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 4a 5G will not be able to trade in their devices.

These trade-in values are fair, no matter how you look at it. The Galaxy S10 series, in particular, makes for excellent value at a listed trade-in figure of US$550. Samsung is doing all it can to ensure that owners of older phones have a reason to upgrade to the Galaxy S21 series; it should work.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra on Amazon.