Galaxy S21
Trade-In Value

Name: SamsungGalaxy S21
Brand: Samsung

Here’s a look at what an Galaxy S21 in good condition with base storage is worth right now.

Galaxy S21 Trade-In Value

Here’s a look at what an Galaxy S21 in good condition with base storage is worth right now.

Galaxy S21
Market Value

No Promo:

This is the average cash value if you trade  in your phone without buying a new one. This value is typically provided in the form  of a gift card or bill credit depending on  the carrier.

Galaxy S21 Trade-in Value with Carrier Promo

Minimum to max range:

860

This is the range you can get for your Galaxy S21 when you trade it in for an Samsung Galaxy S25 based on current promotions.

Get Matched to Best Deal

Find best deals for other phones

Trading in your phone isn’t just about the cash value. Carriers often give bigger credits when you upgrade to certain phones or plans. Just answer a few quick questions and we’ll show you the best deals based on the phone you’ve got, the one you want, and the kind of plan you’re looking for.

About the Galaxy S21

Released in 2021, the Galaxy S21 introduced a refreshed design to the popular S series. It features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, triple-camera system with enhanced low-light capabilities, and a Snapdragon 888 processor, delivering fast performance and strong camera output.

Why you should trade in your Galaxy S21

Now 4 years old, the Galaxy S21 lacks the AI smarts, longer battery life, and new camera tech of today’s flagships. Trading it in for a Galaxy S25, Pixel 9, or iPhone 16 (or soon, the iPhone 17) gets you those upgrades. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile accept the Galaxy S21 for trade-in.

The Difference between the Market Value and the Promotional Value

	Market Based Trade-In	Carrier Trade-in Promo
PAYOUT TYPE	Cash, PayPal or Store Credit	Monthly bill credits or account credit
CONDITIONS	Based on phone’s fair market value	Must buy a new phone or switch plans
TYPICAL VALUE	Lower (e.g. $100-300 for older models)	Higher (e.g. up to $1000, with strings)
FLEXIBILITY	No obligation to switch or upgrade	Must commit to contract or installment
TRANSPARENCY	Straightforward cash deal	Promotional value applied over 24-36 mos.

Trade-In Process for Popular Devices

Trading in your phone for a new one is as easy as one-two-three. Whether you’re trading in an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or another kind of Android device, rest assured that there’s a trade-in program for you.

1. Calculate Your Phone’s Value

Calculating your phone’s value will help you determine its eligibility for various trade-in offers. Navi’s trade-in value calculator on this page can give you a ballpark of what your phone is worth to get started. Ultimately, you’ll also need to assess your device condition and have your IMEI number on hand, as all of these factors impact the value of your trade-in credit.

2. Choose an Offer

Once you’ve gotten a ballpark estimate of your phone’s trade-in value, the fun part begins: choosing the trade-in promotion that suits you best. Most phone trade-in deals provide bill credits spread out over 24 or 36 months. These credits are applied to your monthly bill, lowering the cost of a new phone over the installment period.

3. Prepare Your Device

Now that you’ve calculated your phone’s value and chosen a trade-in offer, it’s time to prepare your device. First, you’ll want to perform a factory reset of your phone. Next—assuming you’re mailing your device in as opposed to doing an in-store drop-off—you’ll need to prepare your phone for shipment. Print the shipping label, box your phone up, and send it off. You’ll have your new phone in no time.

Trade-In Requirements

In order to trade-in your phone for a new device, it has to meet certain requirements. These tend to be the same regardless of which carrier, third-party reseller, or retailer you go with. They include:

Ownership

You must own your phone outright in order to get the max trade-on value for it.

Functional Condition

While requirements can vary, generally speaking your phone should power on and hold a charge, have a crack-free, functioning screen, and be free of water damage.

Factory Reset

Make sure to erase your personal data and reset your phone to factory settings before trading it in.

Physical Condition

While many programs accept phones with slight cosmetic wear, just be aware that it may reduce its trade-in value. Major physical damage (cracked screen, missing buttons, bent chassis) may disqualify it or lower the offer.

Model Eligibility

The device you plan on trading in must be a model that the trade-in program accepts. Older models may not qualify.

While trade-in offers generally require the above, carriers occasionally run Any Phone, Any Condition promotions which waive many of the aforementioned requirements.

How to Find Your IMEI

In order to trade in your device, you’ll need to provide its IMEI number. There are a few ways to do this.

Dial *#06# on  your phone

The IMEI number will be displayed on screen.

Access the Settings menu on your phone

Pull out the SIM card tray

The IMEI code may be printed on the tray.

Look at your phone’s box

The IMEI number should be on a sticker attached to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good time to trade in a Galaxy S21?

Yes, trading in your Galaxy S21 now will help you get a higher trade-in value before it depreciates further. This can help reduce the upfront cost of your next upgrade.

Can I trade in a Galaxy S21 with a cracked screen?

You can, but your trade-in offer will be lower if the screen is cracked. Repairing the screen beforehand may increase your trade-in value.

Should I trade in my Galaxy S21 or wait?