Excitement is building as Samsung prepares for its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25 at 1 p.m. EST. The anticipated launch of the Galaxy S26 series is generating buzz, but Samsung is already giving consumers a chance to benefit by offering substantial trade-in credits. For those looking to upgrade, you can reserve your spot to trade in your current phone for up to $900 when securing a Galaxy S26—or whatever new device might be unveiled at the event.
Maximize Your Trade-In Value for the Galaxy S26
The potential trade-in bonus marks a $200 increase from what Samsung typically offers for its existing trade-in programs, currently capping at $700 for devices such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra when swapped for a Galaxy S25 phone. As an added incentive, anyone who reserves early will receive a $30 credit for accessories alongside their pre-order. Additionally, a chance to win $5,000 in a sweepstakes for online Samsung store credits is also on the table.
While the pre-order option isn’t live just yet, you can initiate the process right away. Simply visit Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked reservation page, provide your name and email (adding your phone number is optional), and you’ll get directed to the necessary form. Don’t forget to opt-in for the sweepstakes if you’re interested.
Next, you can select your current phone brand and model from an easy-to-navigate dropdown menu. Options include Samsung, Apple, Google, and more, suggesting that Samsung is open to trade-ins from other manufacturers as well. Notably, eligible models stretch back about five years, although an “Other” category is available if your device isn’t listed.
Estimating Your Trade-In Value
While the exact trade-in value for specific models isn’t guaranteed, it’s generally safe to assume that more recent and high-end devices will command higher offers. There’s speculation that trading in a Samsung device could yield the best possible amount, potentially up to the full $900 if you were to trade in a Galaxy S25 Ultra.
After submitting your selections, you’ll just need to confirm that you’re interested in receiving offers from Samsung, and that’s it. Samsung will follow up with an estimated trade-in value as the Unpacked event approaches, likely within a week.
What to Expect from the Galaxy S26
While the opportunity for a great deal is appealing, it does reflect a pattern where Samsung asks consumers to pre-order without full information about the product specifications. However, various rumors suggest it will bear similarities to the S25, forgo a thinner Edge model, and incorporate a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor alongside a new 10MP telephoto lens on the Ultra variant. Until the event, details will remain under wraps.