Apple lowers the trade-in value for some of the best Android phones

iOS 14 and Android 11
iOS 14 and Android 11 (Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Apple has slashed the trade-in values for many Android smartphones.
  • The most significant cuts are applied to Samsung's best and latest smartphones.
  • Some of Apple's own products are seeing reduced trade-in values as well.

Your Galaxy S21 is so 2021, at least according to Apple, which has reportedly slashed the trade-in values for several flagship Android smartphones.

The changes were reported by MacRumors, who compiled a list of devices with their old and new trade-in values. The list consists only of Samsung and Google phones, with Galaxy devices seeing the largest cuts. Interestingly, you'll still get more for the 2020 Galaxy Note 20 than you will for a 2021 Galaxy S21+.

You can check below to see what some of the best Android phones are worth to Apple:

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - $260 (previously $325)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G - $325 (previously $435)
  • Samsung Galaxy S20+ - $205 (previously $275)
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 - $150 (previously $205)
  • Samsung Galaxy S10+ - $170 (previously $185)
  • Samsung Galaxy S10 - $150 (previously $160)
  • Samsung Galaxy S10e - $120 (previously $130)
  • Samsung Galaxy S9+ - $80 (previously $95)
  • Samsung Galaxy S9 - $65 (previously $75)
  • Samsung Galaxy S8+ - $60 (no change)
  • Samsung Galaxy S8 - $50 (no change)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra - $405 (previously $545)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 20 - $285 (previously $385)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10 - $175 (previously $235)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 9 - $120 (previously $130)
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8 - $45 (previously $65)
  • Google Pixel 5 - $235 (previously $315)
  • Google Pixel 4 XL - $135 (previously $180)
  • Google Pixel 4 - $110 (previously $150)
  • Google Pixel 4a - $120 (previously $160)
  • Google Pixel 3 XL - $50 (previously $70)
  • Google Pixel 3 - $45 (previously $55)
  • Google Pixel 3a XL - $50 (previously $55)
  • Google Pixel 3a - $50 (no change)

On the one hand, it makes sense since we're in a new year with a new batch of flagship smartphones on the horizon. Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S22 series, which we expect to see in early February. And of course, this only applies to anyone hoping to make the switch away from Android over to the dark side. But on the other hand, it'll make it a little less desirable to switch if you have to fork over more cash.

That said, Apple also slashed the trade-in values for some of its own products as well:

  • iPad - $200 (previously $205)
  • iPad Air - $335 (previously $345)
  • MacBook Pro - $1415 (previously $1630)
  • MacBook Air - $530 (previously $550)
  • MacBook - $325 (previously $340)
  • iMac - $1260 (previously $1320)
  • Mac mini - $740 (previously $800)

Regardless, be prepared to spend a little more dough if you're looking to trade in any of these devices for a new Apple smartphone, tablet, or computer. Of course, you can always just take that phone and grab another Samsung, like the excellent Galaxy Z Flip 3. At least Samsung will give you a decent trade-in value for your phone.

Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?

Android Central

Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.

  • Subscribe in Pocket Casts: Audio
  • Subscribe in Spotify: Audio
  • Subscribe in iTunes: Audio
Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.

Read more
Looking at the different colorways of the Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung reboots its trade-in program for Galaxy phones, and this one detail is an absolute game-changer
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 on cobblestone road
Samsung is celebrating the New Year by carving $1,200 OFF the Galaxy Z Fold 6 — so what's the catch?
Customizing the lock screen in One UI 7 on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
The Galaxy S25 Plus crashes down to $299.99 with this trade-in deal — but how long will it last?
Samsung's Galaxy A16 5G.
Samsung releases its newest smartphone with a 50% discount (and it's not the one you think)
Top-down view of the Galaxy S25 Ultra back
Almost gone! Score up to $900 off the 'almost perfect' Galaxy S25 Ultra (or $300 without trade-in) with this Samsung deal
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 cover screen
You can grab the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for as low as $399.99 from Samsung, this week only — here's how
Latest in Samsung Galaxy
Leaked image of a blue Galaxy Z Flip 7
New Galaxy Z Flip 7 case leak backs rumors of a larger cover display
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 on cobblestone road
One UI 7 Beta 3 for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Fold 6 brings two notable AI additions
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ on a desk.
Ditch Amazon and score 50% OFF the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus with this deal from Samsung
Top-down view of four different Galaxy S25 Ultra colors
New leak hints at major camera upgrade in the books for Galaxy S26 Ultra
Comparing the displays between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung displays aren't the gold standard you think they are
Getting the One UI 7 Beta 5 update on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung's One UI 7 blog post reappears amid launch date confusion
Latest in News
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter
The back of the Obsidian Google Pixel 9 Pro
Some Pixel owners had a delayed start, thanks to alarm clock failures
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Home Screen - 16x9
Heads up — Samsung's detailed One UI 7 rollout schedule for Galaxy appears
The old Android logo at Google's Pier 57 building in New York City
Report claims Google may move to 'privately' develop Android's future
Leaked image of a blue Galaxy Z Flip 7
New Galaxy Z Flip 7 case leak backs rumors of a larger cover display
The Google Maps logo at the Google Maps Street View Garage
Google Maps might predict more than just the traffic for you soon