The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has arrived, bringing cutting-edge features and performance to Samsung’s flagship line. For owners of older Galaxy devices like the Note 20 Ultra, this launch presents an opportunity to trade up to the latest technology. But is Samsung’s current trade-in offer worth taking advantage of? Let’s examine the details and weigh the pros and cons.
Samsung’s Current Trade-In Offer
Samsung is currently offering up to $600 in trade-in credit for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra when purchasing a new Galaxy S25 Ultra. This represents a significant portion of the Note 20 Ultra’s original $1,299 retail price from 2020.
For context, the base model 256GB Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at $1,299. With the maximum $600 trade-in credit, Note 20 Ultra owners could potentially upgrade for $699 out of pocket.
Is This a Good Deal?
To evaluate if this trade-in offer is worthwhile, we need to consider a few factors:
Device Age and Depreciation
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was released in August 2020, making it nearly 5 years old at this point. Smartphones typically depreciate quickly, losing 60-70% of their value within the first two years. Getting $600 for a 5-year-old device is objectively a strong offer.
Current Market Value
Checking current resale values, used Galaxy Note 20 Ultra devices in good condition are selling for around $300-400 on sites like Swappa and eBay. Samsung’s $600 trade-in credit exceeds what most owners could get by selling privately.
Feature Comparison
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers several upgrades over the Note 20 Ultra:
- Newer Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for improved performance
- Enhanced camera system with upgraded sensors
- Longer software support (7 years of updates vs. end-of-life for Note 20 Ultra)
- Improved display technology
- Faster charging capabilities
However, the S25 Ultra’s S Pen lacks Bluetooth functionality found in the Note 20 Ultra, which may be important for some users.
Alternative Options
Before committing to Samsung’s trade-in offer, consider these alternatives:
Wait for Promotions
Samsung and carriers often run aggressive trade-in promotions around holidays or new device launches. Waiting could potentially yield an even better offer.
Sell Privately
While likely not matching Samsung’s $600 credit, selling your Note 20 Ultra privately gives you cash to use anywhere, not just on a new Samsung device.
Keep Your Device
If your Note 20 Ultra still meets your needs, there’s no obligation to upgrade. Continuing to use a paid-off device can save money in the long run.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the value of this trade-in offer depends on your personal circumstances:
- If you’re looking to upgrade and were already considering the S25 Ultra, this trade-in deal offers strong value.
- If you’re satisfied with your Note 20 Ultra’s performance, there’s no urgent need to upgrade unless you specifically want the S25 Ultra’s new features.
- Consider your budget and whether the out-of-pocket cost fits your financial situation.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s smartphone technology, and this trade-in offer provides a path to upgrade at a reduced cost. Weigh the benefits against your needs and budget to determine if now is the right time for you to make the switch.