Understanding Phone Trade-In Value

If you need quick cash to pay a bill or finance your next upgrade, trading in your old device offers a straightforward solution. However, you should calculate the value of your device first and consider how you plan to sell it to set realistic expectations.

If you’re planning to stick with a certain carrier, you’ll want to ensure your device meets their eligibility requirements. Doing this research helps you maximize the value of your old phone.

Key Takeaways

• Value Factors: Phone trade-in value is primarily determined by age, brand, condition, and storage capacity.
• Depreciation: iPhones typically retain value better than Android devices, though all electronics depreciate quickly.
• Selling Options: Choose between online marketplaces for higher potential prices or kiosks like ecoATM for instant cash and convenience.
• Preparation: Always back up data, perform a factory reset, and remove SIM cards before trading in a device to protect your privacy.

Evaluating phone trade-in value

The value of a phone decreases over time due to a combination of factors. From the age of the device to its condition and storage capacity, there are several things to consider when determining the trade-in value of your old phone.

Although Samsung devices and especially iPhone models hold their value better than less popular brands, all phones depreciate with time. Getting the best rate for your old phone requires closing a sale as soon as possible.

Age and brand

When evaluating the trade-in value of a phone, one of the biggest factors is the age of the device. Older phones, even if they’re in perfect condition, are typically worth less because technology advances quickly. However, this varies based on the demand for a given brand.

 

Brand	Estimated Value Loss (3 Years)
Apple (iPhone)	50% - 60%
Samsung (Android)	70%
Other Brands	70%+

Model and features

The specific model of the phone also plays a role in determining its estimated trade-in value. High-end models such as Samsung’s Galaxy S series or Apple’s iPhone Pro models are much more expensive when they first come out, but only part of this is down to their performance.

Instead, these phones command a premium largely due to their status as flagship devices. Once a newer flagship model launches, their resale value drops significantly, often approaching that of mid-tier models.

Condition of the phone

The phones that get the best return are those in excellent condition that lack common forms of damage such as:

• Cracks
• Liquid damage
• Major scratches
• Buttons that don’t work
• Poor battery life
• Issues with charging
• Excellent Condition: Highest trade-in value.
• Fair Condition: Typically worth 35% less than excellent condition.
• Damaged: Lowest value, but still eligible for cash or recycling.

Even damaged phones retain value. In many cases, selling a broken phone to a refurbisher/reseller like ecoATM is more economical than fixing it yourself. Selling a damaged device can help finance a down payment on a new one.

Storage capacity

Phones with larger storage capacities-such as 128GB or 256GB-will have higher trade-in values than the base models with smaller capacities. As more apps and media files require greater storage space, eligible trade-in devices with more storage are seen as more valuable by both buyers and trade-in programs.

Carrier locks

Another factor that affects trade-in value is whether or not your phone is carrier-locked. A phone that is locked to a specific carrier is typically worth less in a trade-in program compared to an unlocked phone that can be used with any carrier.

Unlocked phones have more flexibility and thus command a higher estimated trade-in value. If you plan to trade in your old phone and have an eligible device, unlock it first. If your device is paid off, most carriers will unlock it for free upon request-do this before heading to the kiosk.

Ways to sell your phone: pros and cons

When it’s time to sell your old device, there are several options available. While maximizing trade-in value is important, many sellers find that the speed and convenience of instant payment outweigh the potential for slightly higher returns through lengthy private sales.

Weigh the pros and cons of each method to decide which method is right for you.

Online marketplaces

Selling your old devices through online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace can potentially offer you the highest price. By using these platforms, you can set your price and negotiate directly with buyers.

Pros:

• You have control over the price and may receive full value for your phone.
• Direct access to buyers willing to pay for specific features, models, or conditions.
• No third-party fees (in some cases), keeping all the profits.

Cons:

• Selling can take time-there’s no guarantee you’ll find a buyer right away.
• Your phone will depreciate further during long waits to close a sale, forcing you to spend time reevaluating your phone’s value.
• You may have to deal with scammers, no-shows, or buyers attempting to haggle.
• Requires effort on your part to take pictures, write descriptions, and coordinate shipping or meet-ups.

Apple Store trade-in program

Apple offers a trade-in program where you can bring in your old iPhone or Apple Watch and receive instant credit toward the purchase of a new iPhone or other Apple products. The program also offers online trade-in estimates.

However, Apple’s program has some limitations. Apple doesn’t offer cash payments-only instant trade-in credit toward additional Apple products.

Pros:

• Convenient and simple, especially if you’re upgrading to a new Apple device.
• Instant credit applied toward your next purchase.
• Trusted program with full terms laid out by Apple.

Cons:

• Trade-in values may be lower than selling directly to a buyer.
• Only works with Apple products; you won’t be able to trade in your Samsung or other Android devices here.

Carrier trade-in programs

Many carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer trade-in programs where you can receive trade-in credit toward the purchase of a new phone or tablet.

Pros:

• You can receive instant trade-in credit toward a new device or lower your monthly bill.
• Convenient and accessible if you’re already upgrading with the same carrier.

Cons:

• The trade-in value may be lower than selling the phone on your own.
• Only specific models are eligible, and carrier-locked phones may receive less.
• Some carriers require you to stay with them for a certain period after trading in your device.

Selling to ecoATM

ecoATM offers a quick and convenient solution to sell your old devices while ensuring they’re either refurbished for reuse or responsibly recycled-turning your unused smartphones and tablets into instant cash and environmental impact. ecoATM has kiosks located nationwide where you can drop off your trade-in devices and receive instant cash.

Pros:

• Quick and hassle-free; get cash instantly by visiting a local kiosk.
• Accepts phones in various conditions, including those with cracks or minor damage.
• No shipping required-just drop your phone off and walk away with cash.
• Environmentally friendly option for recycling old devices.

Cons:

• Transactions happen at physical kiosks located in convenient shopping areas nationwide; use our online tool to find the nearest location.

Why sell to ecoATM

Selling your phone with us provides several distinct advantages that make it an appealing option for those looking for a fast and reliable way to trade in their old phone. Below, we’ll break down some of the key benefits that set us apart from other trade-in avenues.

Instant cash payment

One of the most significant advantages of ecoATM is the combination of instant cash payment and environmental responsibility-you get paid immediately while ensuring your device is either refurbished or recycled properly. Unlike other platforms where you may need to wait for payments or trade-in credit, we give you money on the spot, making it ideal for those who need quick cash.

Convenient kiosk locations

ecoATM kiosks are located in thousands of convenient locations, such as malls, grocery stores, and shopping centers, across the U.S. This accessibility makes it easy to find a nearby kiosk where you can drop off your old phone or tablet without the hassle of shipping or waiting for the process to complete.

Accepts phones in any condition

We accept devices in a wide range of conditions, from fully functional phones to devices with minor damage, such as cracks or liquid damage. Even if your phone has a broken screen or is stuck on the Apple logo, we will still provide you with a competitive trade-in estimate.

Environmentally friendly

Using ecoATM means your old device gets a second life through refurbishment or responsible recycling, reducing electronic waste without any extra effort on your part. Selling your phone with us ensures it either finds a new owner through refurbishment or gets recycled responsibly-extending device lifecycles and reducing electronic waste.

No need to wait for buyers

When selling your trade-in device on online marketplaces or through carrier trade-in programs, you often have to wait for a buyer or for your device to be processed, which can take days or even weeks. With ecoATM, you don’t need to worry about any delays.

Once you complete the transaction at a kiosk, you receive immediate payment, making the entire process quick and hassle-free.

No haggling or negotiation

Selling on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with potential buyers who may try to negotiate down the price. ecoATM eliminates the need for haggling.

The kiosk evaluates your phone instantly and provides a clear trade-in value with transparent pricing-no negotiation required. This creates a simple, stress-free selling experience.

No hidden fees or shipping costs

Online marketplaces sometimes come with hidden fees, such as listing costs, shipping charges, or platform fees that eat into your trade-in credit. We eliminate these extra costs.

There are no hidden fees, and since the kiosks are available in person, you won’t have to pay for shipping. The kiosk’s evaluation determines your device’s condition and provides an offer based on that assessment-what you see is what you get.

Easy process for multiple devices

If you have more than one old device, selling them all at once through traditional methods can be cumbersome. We simplify the process by allowing you to bring multiple devices to the same kiosk and receive instant cash for each one.

Whether you’re selling an old iPhone, a Samsung device, or a tablet, you can process multiple devices in a single visit.

Selling Damaged or Locked Phones

If your phone is damaged or carrier-locked, many trade-in programs will either reject your phone outright or offer significantly lower trade-in credit. ecoATM accepts phones with various issues, including cracked screens, liquid damage, and phones that are still locked to a carrier.

Even devices with significant damage have value-ecoATM accepts phones in various conditions and provides offers based on their refurbishment or recycling potential.

How to prepare your device for sale with ecoATM

Before trading in your old phone or tablet at an ecoATM kiosk, it’s important to properly prepare your device to ensure a smooth process and protect your personal information. Follow these simple steps to get your device ready for sale.

Step 1: back up your data

Before selling your phone, make sure to back up any important data you want to keep. Whether you use iCloud, Google Drive, or a physical backup to your computer, securing your data is crucial to avoid losing contacts, photos, or other important information.

Make sure you’ve saved everything you need before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: remove SIM card and accessories

Your phone’s SIM card stores valuable data, and you’ll want to transfer it to your new phone when upgrading. Remove the SIM card from your old device before you take it to the kiosk.

Don’t forget to take off any accessories, such as phone cases, screen protectors, or chargers. These won’t affect the trade-in value and you should keep them for your next device.

Step 3: erase all data

Once your data is backed up, you’ll want to ensure your personal information is wiped from the phone. This step is critical for protecting your privacy. The best way to erase all data is to factory reset the phone, which will remove all contacts, messages, photos, and apps.

For iPhones:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Confirm and enter your passcode or Apple ID if prompted.

For Android Devices:

• Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
• Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Step 4: sign out of Apple ID or Google account

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, don’t forget to sign out of your Apple ID before selling your device. If you’re using an Android device, make sure to remove your Google account. This prevents the next user from encountering issues when trying to set up the phone with their own information.

For iPhones:

• Go to Settings > Your Name > Sign Out.

For Android Devices:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Select Your Google Account > Remove Account.

Step 5: make sure the device powers on

Before visiting a kiosk, ensure that your device powers on and is functional, even if there are issues with the screen or cosmetic damage. We do accept no-power devices, but we recommend trying to give your device a solid charge if possible.

While most trade-in programs require devices to power on, ecoATM accepts phones even if they won’t turn on, though this affects the offer amount. If your device doesn’t turn on, we may still accept it, but the trade-in value will likely be reduced.

Visit a nearby ecoATM kiosk or price your device online

After preparing your phone for trade-in, the next step is to find a kiosk near you. Our kiosks are located in malls, grocery stores, and other convenient locations across the U.S., making it easy to drop off your phone and receive instant cash.

You can also check the estimated trade-in value of your device on our website before visiting the kiosk to get an idea of how much you’ll receive.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trade in my iPhone 11 for an iPhone 15?

Yes, you can sell your iPhone 11 at ecoATM for instant cash, which you can then use toward purchasing an iPhone 15. The iPhone 11 still holds value, though you’ll need additional funds to cover the price difference for the newer model. For more details on iPhone values, check our iPhone worth guide.

Can I trade in a broken phone?

You can trade in a broken phone, but the trade-in value will likely be lower than if the phone were in good condition. Some programs, including ecoATM, accept phones with issues like cracked screens, water damage, or malfunctioning buttons.

Is it a good idea to trade in a phone?

Trading in a phone is often a good idea if you’re looking to upgrade to a new model. It’s a good way to get instant trade-in credit or cash, which can help lower the price of your new device. Compare trade-in offers to ensure you get fair value for your old phone. If you’re considering upgrading, learn when to trade in your phone for a new one.

Can I trade my Samsung for an iPhone?

The simplest approach is to sell your Samsung phone at ecoATM for instant cash, then use those funds toward your iPhone purchase-avoiding the complexity and risk of arranging private device trades. You can also explore the best phone trade-in deals to maximize your return.