Trade-ins become more important as smartwatch prices climb
As new smartwatches from Samsung become more expensive, the company’s trade-in program is offering more value than ever. The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 both qualify for a $250 discount through the trade-in program for eligible users.
Samsung’s trade-in program typically offers less than what Apple gives for its devices, but this year, the Galaxy Watch Ultra and its refreshed model both align with the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s $250 valuation. Older models, like the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 7, offer $150 and $130, respectively.
Apple and Samsung users see different trade-in values
Samsung’s system gives different values for Apple watches, ranging from $194 for the original Apple Watch Ultra down to $71 for the Series 7. Meanwhile, Apple users don’t get the same trade-in options for Galaxy devices, leaving Pixel Watch owners out entirely.
The Gear S3 Frontier, a decade-old smartwatch from Samsung, also appears on the trade-in list for the Galaxy Watch 9 alone. It nets $100, but it's unclear why the device was included only for the newer model.
Odd inclusions and unclear logic in trade-in list
Samsung's trade-in program sometimes includes unexpected models. The Gear S3 Frontier, part of an earlier smartwatch era, offers $100 credit only for the Watch 9. The inclusion raises questions, but it’s not unheard of for Samsung to include unusual models in its offers.
Whether you're upgrading from an old Galaxy Watch or switching from Apple, the trade-in program could help offset the cost of a new device, especially with the high starting price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.