There’s a certain poetry in the way we hold on to our old phones — not just as gadgets, but as time capsules of photos, messages, and the rhythm of everyday life. When a new flagship launches, that transition from old to new becomes both practical and sentimental, a moment of upgrade that balances what has been with what’s possible. This February, as Samsung prepares to unveil its next generation of Galaxy phones, the company is inviting that transition with trade-in offers that could be worth up to $900, giving users considerable credit toward the newest devices if they trade in eligible older models.

Samsung’s latest promotion is part of the buildup to its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, where it is expected to announce the Galaxy S26 series — devices incorporating enhanced artificial intelligence features and refinements across design, camera and performance. To entice early interest and reward users looking to upgrade, Samsung’s pre-reservation program now includes up to $900 in trade-in value for qualifying phones when customers complete a preorder, alongside a modest $30 registration credit that can be used on accessories.

The heart of this offer lies in the trade-in credit — a credit amount that varies based on the model being traded and its condition. For many consumers, trading in an eligible device can meaningfully reduce the cost of a high-end smartphone, smoothing the financial leap to a new Galaxy. Such promotions are not new for Samsung; past Galaxy launches have similarly included substantial trade-in incentives, particularly on premium models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Importantly, Samsung’s trade-in program applies only when users pre-reserve or preorder one of the upcoming Galaxy models, meaning that those who plan to secure the newest device at launch stand to benefit most. Critics of trade-in deals occasionally caution that the fine print — condition requirements, eligibility lists and valuation criteria — can affect how much credit a user ultimately receives, but the headline figure of up to $900 remains an eye-catching incentive for those contemplating an upgrade.

For many, this sort of value equation mirrors a broader trend in the smartphone market, where the rising cost of flagship devices makes trade-ins, bundled credits and promotional incentives an integral part of purchase decisions. In recent years, both Samsung and competitors have leaned into these programs as a way to keep customers within their ecosystems, offering credits that reduce upfront costs or subsidize accessories.

Of course, how much anyone benefits from such a program depends on their specific device, its age and condition. A newer flagship with minimal wear is likely to earn higher trade-in value than a several-year-old handset that shows signs of heavy use, and potential buyers should always review the terms before committing. Nonetheless, the opportunity to apply significant trade-in credit toward Samsung’s newest Galaxy models adds an extra layer of appeal to the forthcoming launch.

There is also a gentle art to timing an upgrade. Some users may hold onto their current phone until they are certain the new features align with their needs, while others may see this moment — with boost-ed trade-in values and launch buzz — as the right time to take the leap. Either way, the offer reflects an ongoing competition for attention in the smartphone world, where every added benefit can help frame users’ choices.

In straight terms, Samsung is offering up to $900 of trade-in credit toward its upcoming Galaxy S26 series for customers who preorder or pre-reserve the devices before launch, alongside modest registration credits. The trade-in value depends on the model and condition of the device being traded, and the promotion is part of a broader effort to drive early interest in the next generation of Samsung phones.

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Sources The Verge Android Authority Samsung Newsroom Tom’s Guide PhoneArena