Understanding Phone Trade-In Value

If you need quick cash to pay a bill or finance your next upgrade, it's a smart idea to trade in your old device. However, you should calculate the value of your device first and consider how you plan to sell it to set realistic expectations. 

You may also need to ensure you have an eligible trade-in device for the kind of service you plan to use, if planning to stick with a certain carrier. But by doing this research, you set yourself up to get the best value for your old phone. 

Evaluating Phone Trade-in Value

The value of a phone decreases over time due to a combination of factors. From the age of the device to its condition and storage capacity, there are several things to consider when determining the trade-in value of your old phone. 

Although Androids and especially iPhone models hold their value better than less popular brands, all phones depreciate with time. Getting the best rate for your old phone requires closing a sale as soon as possible.

Age and Brand

When evaluating the trade-in value of a phone, one of the biggest factors is the age of the device. Older phones, even if they’re in perfect condition, are typically worth less because technology advances quickly. However, this varies based on the demand for a given brand. 

When comparing iPhone and Samsung, trade-in status with regard to original value is better for Apple devices. After three years, Apple devices typically lose over 50% of their original MSRP. An Android may lose 70% of its value by this time, and other phones fare even worse.

Model and Features

The specific model of the phone also plays a role in determining its estimated trade-in value. High-end models such as Samsung's Galaxy S series or Apple's iPhone Pro models are much more expensive when they first come out, but only part of this is down to their performance.

Instead, these phones command a premium mostly because of their value as status symbols. This goes away as soon as a newer flagship model comes out, at which point their value becomes close to more basic models. 

Condition of the Phone

The phones that get the best return are those in excellent condition that lack common forms of damage such as:

Any of these issues can significantly reduce the value of your phone. In many cases, a device that's in fair condition may be worth as much as 35% less than one in excellent condition. 

But even damaged phones have value. In many cases, selling a broken phone to a refurbisher/reseller like ecoATM is more economical than fixing it yourself. Selling a damaged device can help finance a down payment on a new one. 

Storage Capacity

Phones with larger storage capacities—such as 128GB or 256GB—will have higher trade-in values than the base models with smaller capacities. As more apps and media files require greater storage space, eligible trade-in devices with more storage are seen as more valuable by both buyers and trade-in programs.

Carrier Locks

Another factor that affects trade-in value is whether or not your phone is carrier-locked. A phone that is locked to a specific carrier is typically worth less in a trade-in program compared to an unlocked phone that can be used with any carrier. 

Unlocked phones have more flexibility and thus command a higher estimated trade-in value. If you plan to trade in your old phone and have an eligible device, unlock it first. 

Different Avenues to Sell a Phone: Pros and Cons

When it’s time to sell your old device, there are several options available. Many people start out wanting to maximize their trade-in value, but speed and convenience are often worth more. 

Weigh the pros and cons of each method to decide which method is right for you.

Online Marketplaces

Selling your old devices through online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace can potentially offer you the highest price. By using these platforms, you can set your price and negotiate directly with buyers.

Pros:

Cons:

Apple Store Trade-In Program

Apple offers a trade-in program where you can bring in your old iPhone or Apple Watch and receive instant credit toward the purchase of a new iPhone or other Apple products. The Apple trade-in program also offers online trade-in estimates. 

However, it's not all great with Apple. They don't offer cash; instead, they only offer instant trade-in credit for more Apple devices. 

Pros:

Cons:

Carrier Trade-In Programs

Many carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer trade-in programs where you can receive trade-in credit toward the purchase of a new phone or tablet.

Pros:

Cons:

Selling to ecoATM

ecoATM offers a quick and convenient solution to sell your old devices, including smartphones and tablets. ecoATM has kiosks located nationwide where you can drop off your trade-in devices and receive instant cash.

Pros:

Cons:

Why Sell to ecoATM

Selling your phone with us provides several distinct advantages that make it an appealing option for those looking for a fast and reliable way to trade in their old phone. Below, we’ll break down some of the key benefits that set us apart from other trade-in avenues.

Instant Cash Payment

One of the most significant advantages of ecoATM is the instant cash you receive. Unlike other platforms where you may need to wait for payments or trade-in credit, we give you money on the spot, making it ideal for those who need quick cash.

Convenient Kiosk Locations

ecoATM kiosks are located in thousands of convenient locations, such as malls, grocery stores, and shopping centers, across the U.S. This accessibility makes it easy to find a nearby kiosk where you can drop off your old phone or tablet without the hassle of shipping or waiting for the process to complete.

Accepts Phones in Any Condition

We accept devices in a wide range of conditions, from fully functional phones to devices with minor damage, such as cracks or liquid damage. Even if your phone has a broken screen or is stuck on the Apple logo, we will still provide you with a competitive trade-in estimate.

Environmentally Friendly

By using ecoATM, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. We ensure that devices are either responsibly recycled or repurposed, reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste. Selling your phone with us is a simple way to recycle your old device and reduce waste.

No Need to Wait for Buyers

When selling your trade-in device on online marketplaces or through carrier trade-in programs, you often have to wait for a buyer or for your device to be processed, which can take days or even weeks. With ecoATM, you don’t need to worry about any delays. 

Once you drop off your phone at a kiosk, you can walk away with cash in hand, making the transaction immediate and hassle-free.

No Haggling or Negotiation

Selling on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with potential buyers who may try to negotiate down the price. ecoATM eliminates the need for haggling. 

The kiosk evaluates your phone instantly and gives you a clear trade-in value without any back-and-forth negotiations. This creates a simple, stress-free selling experience.

No Hidden Fees or Shipping Costs

Online marketplaces sometimes come with hidden fees, such as listing costs, shipping charges, or platform fees that eat into your trade-in credit. We eliminate these extra costs. 

There are no hidden fees, and since the kiosks are available in person, you won’t have to pay for shipping. As long as the condition of your device matches your evaluation, you'll always receive the exact sum you're offered.

Easy Process for Multiple Devices

If you have more than one old device, selling them all at once through traditional methods can be cumbersome. We simplify the process by allowing you to bring multiple devices to the same kiosk and receive instant cash for each one. 

Whether you’re selling an old iPhone, a Samsung device, or a tablet, you can complete the sale of multiple electronics quickly and efficiently in one visit.

Selling Damaged or Locked Phones

If your phone is damaged or carrier-locked, many trade-in programs will either reject your phone outright or offer significantly lower trade-in credit. ecoATM accepts phones with various issues, including cracked screens, liquid damage, and phones that are still locked to a carrier. 

Even if your device has serious issues, we may still purchase it at a fair price. 

How to Prepare Your Device for Sale with ecoATM

Before trading in your old phone or tablet at an ecoATM kiosk, it’s important to properly prepare your device to ensure a smooth process and protect your personal information. Follow these simple steps to get your device ready for sale.

Selling Damaged or Locked Phones

Before selling your phone, make sure to back up any important data you want to keep. Whether you use iCloud, Google Drive, or a physical backup to your computer, securing your data is crucial to avoid losing contacts, photos, or other important information. 

Make sure you’ve saved everything you need before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Remove SIM Card and Accessories

Your phone’s SIM card stores valuable data, and you’ll want to transfer it to your new phone when upgrading. Remove the SIM card from your old device before you take it to the kiosk. 

Don’t forget to take off any accessories, such as phone cases, screen protectors, or chargers. These won’t affect the trade-in value and you should keep them for your next device. 

Step 3: Erase All Data

Once your data is backed up, you’ll want to ensure your personal information is wiped from the phone. This step is critical for protecting your privacy. The best way to erase all data is to factory reset the phone, which will remove all contacts, messages, photos, and apps.

For iPhones:

For Android Devices:

Step 4: Sign Out of Apple ID or Google Account

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, don’t forget to sign out of your Apple ID before selling your device. If you’re using an Android device, make sure to remove your Google account. This prevents the next user from encountering issues when trying to set up the phone with their own information.

For iPhones:

For Android Devices:

Step 5: Make Sure the Device Powers On

Before visiting a kiosk, ensure that your device powers on and is functional, even if there are issues with the screen or cosmetic damage. We do accept no-power devices, but we recommend trying to give your device a solid charge if possible.

Most trade-in programs require that the phone can at least power on to confirm the transaction. If your device doesn’t turn on, we may still accept it, but the trade-in value will likely be reduced.

Visit the Nearest ecoATM Kiosk or Price Your Device Online

After preparing your phone for trade-in, the next step is to find a kiosk near you. Our kiosks are located in malls, grocery stores, and other convenient locations across the U.S., making it easy to drop off your phone and receive instant cash. 

You can also check the estimated trade-in value of your device on our website before visiting the kiosk to get an idea of how much you’ll receive.

Frequently Asked Questions