The resale value of Samsung Galaxy models varies significantly depending on the specific model, condition, storage capacity, and market platform. Current data shows that newer flagship models like the Galaxy S24 and S23 series retain higher trade-in values, while older models experience steeper depreciation. The average trade-in value for a used Galaxy S device hovers around $491.33, though premium models like the S25 Ultra can fetch up to $999 in trade-in promotions ^[2][6]. Samsung's own trade-in program often offers more competitive values than third-party platforms, particularly for devices in good condition ^[4]. Condition remains the most critical factor—devices with cracked screens or functional issues see reduced offers, sometimes by 30-50% ^[7].

Key findings from available data:

• The Galaxy S24 (128GB) currently resells for approximately $265, while the S23+ (256GB) averages $261 ^[3]
• Samsung’s trade-in promotions occasionally offer up to $550 off new purchases for eligible older models ^[4]
• Foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 retain value better than mid-range devices due to limited market supply ^[10]
• Carrier-locked or blacklisted devices typically lose 20-40% of their potential resale value ^[2]

Resale Value Analysis by Galaxy Model Series

Flagship Galaxy S Series: Current Market Values

The Galaxy S series represents Samsung’s premium lineup, and its resale values reflect both initial retail prices and depreciation rates. Newer models like the S24 and S23 maintain stronger trade-in values compared to older generations, though all experience rapid depreciation within the first 12-18 months. Platforms like SellCell and BankMyCell provide real-time comparisons showing that a Galaxy S24 (128GB) in good condition fetches around $265, while the S23+ (256GB) averages $261 ^[3]. These values align with broader market trends where flagship Android devices retain approximately 40-50% of their original price after two years ^[9].

Factors influencing S series resale values include:

• Storage capacity: 256GB variants consistently command 10-15% higher prices than 128GB models ^[2]
• Carrier status: Unlocked devices retain 25-30% more value than carrier-locked equivalents ^[7]
• Physical condition: Phones with cracked screens lose 40-60% of their potential trade-in value ^[9]
• Promotional periods: Samsung’s trade-in events (e.g., $550 off new purchases) temporarily inflate older model values ^[4]

The Galaxy S22 Ultra demonstrates this depreciation curve clearly: launched at approximately $1,200, it now trades for $300-$400 on most platforms, representing a 66-75% loss in value over two years ^[6]. This aligns with ecoatm’s 2025 analysis showing Android flagships generally retain 30-40% of their original price after 24 months, compared to iPhones which retain 50-60% ^[10].

Trade-In Platform Comparisons and Strategies

Trade-in values fluctuate significantly across different platforms, with Samsung’s official program often providing the highest offers for older Galaxy models. A 2025 comparison showed Samsung offering $150 for a Galaxy S7 while third-party aggregator Flipsy listed the same device at $110 ^[4]. This pattern persists with newer models—Samsung’s promotions for the S22 Ultra reached $999 during upgrade events, while secondary markets like eBay and Swappa averaged $500-$600 for the same device in similar condition ^[6][8].

Key platform differences:

• Samsung Official Trade-In: Accepts devices from Galaxy S6 onward, offers instant credit at checkout, and provides higher values for Samsung-to-Samsung upgrades ^[7]
• SellCell/BankMyCell: Aggregate offers from 20+ buyers, with average S series values ranging from $235 (S24) to $491 (general S model average) ^[2][3]
• eBay/Swappa: Higher potential sale prices for patient sellers (e.g., S23 Ultra at $600-$700) but require handling shipping and buyer interactions ^[8]
• Carrier Programs: Verizon/AT&T trade-in values typically fall 15-20% below Samsung’s direct offers for identical devices ^[4]

Optimal trade-in strategies involve:

1. Timing sales around new Galaxy releases (February/March) when trade-in bonuses are highest ^[4]
2. Comparing Samsung’s official offers against aggregators like SellCell for older models ^[3]
3. Prioritizing unlocked devices—carrier-locked Galaxy phones lose 20-30% of trade-in value ^[7]
4. Avoiding trade-ins for devices with cracked screens (value reduction of 50% or more) unless using Samsung’s program which accepts damaged devices at reduced rates ^[7]

The data reveals that Samsung’s trade-in ecosystem favors loyalty—customers upgrading within the Galaxy lineup consistently receive the best relative values, particularly during promotional windows. Third-party platforms offer more flexibility for selling outright but require more effort to maximize returns.