Samsung has unveiled its new money-back scheme for Galaxy phones, in partnership with Likewize, aimed at boosting the long-term value of its devices.
The initiative, currently being piloted in South Korea and France, allows users to sell their old Galaxy phones directly to Samsung with no purchase requirements.
This move aligns with Samsung’s commitment to a circular economy, aiming to reduce smartphone depreciation and compete with Apple’s high resale value perception.
Samsung has confirmed the prices it will offer for select Galaxy models:
These prices differ from Samsung’s current trade-in promotions, such as offering $750 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra when purchasing a Galaxy S24 Ultra.
However, the new scheme’s prices are higher than Samsung’s usual non-promotional trade-in values, which can drop as low as $380 for the S23 Ultra.
Samsung’s prices are competitive, sitting between typical resale values on platforms like eBay, which range from $380 to $600 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Unlike selling privately, this scheme eliminates fees and the hassle of refunds.
The program is set for a wider rollout throughout 2025, though Samsung has not announced when it will reach other regions. Currently, there’s a notable disparity in trade-in prices between the U.S. and Europe, with American customers often receiving better deals.
Samsung’s new scheme offers a promising alternative for Galaxy owners looking to trade in their devices, but its success will depend on how consistently prices are applied and whether it can rival third-party resale platforms.