Galaxy S21 Ultra Trade-In Value Plummets in 2025: Better Deals Without It

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra now has very low trade-in value. Owners looking to upgrade in 2025 are finding better offers by keeping their old phone. This trend highlights the rapid depreciation of even flagship smartphones after four years. Savvy shoppers need to check all promotion options.

According to Samsung’s official U.S. shop, direct discounts now far outpace trade-in credits for this model. The flagship from 2021 has officially aged out of high-value trade-in programs. This leaves owners with a critical choice to maximize their savings on a new device.

Direct Discounts Outshine Trade-In Offers

A clear example is the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Trading in a Galaxy S21 Ultra currently nets a $131 discount. However, a separate limited-time promotion offers a $450 discount with no trade-in required. This makes the no-trade-in path over $300 more valuable.

For the Galaxy S25+ and S25 Edge, the trade-in value is capped at $300. The standard Galaxy S25 offers only $130 for the same S21 Ultra trade-in. Options are severely limited, as Samsung USA no longer accepts phone trade-ins for tablets. This narrows the upgrade path significantly.

Waiting longer will likely result in even lower offers. The window for securing a $300 discount on a new premium model may be closing. This is a common pattern observed in the smartphone industry, where device value drops steeply after three to four years.

Strategic Upgrade Options for Owners

For Galaxy S21 Ultra users, the current market demands a strategic approach. The first step is always to compare Samsung’s direct promotional deals against their trade-in calculator. The larger, upfront discount is often the smarter financial move.

The secondary market for selling the device privately may also yield a higher return than the trade-in credit. This requires more effort but can offset the new phone’s cost more effectively. The core advice is to view the old device as a separate asset.

The aging battery and potential lack of future software support for the S21 Ultra also factor into the upgrade decision. While the phone may still function, its declining utility and value create a push toward replacement. The best financial deals are available now.

For Galaxy S21 Ultra owners, the plunging trade-in value makes a direct purchase discount the clear winner. Carefully evaluating all promotions is essential to secure the best possible price on a new Samsung flagship this year.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the Galaxy S21 Ultra trade-in value for an S25 Ultra?

Samsung currently offers a $131 discount for trading a Galaxy S21 Ultra toward a Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, a separate no-trade-in promotion provides a much larger $450 discount, making it the better deal.

Is it better to trade in or sell my S21 Ultra?

Right now, it is better to use a no-trade-in promotion and sell the phone privately. The trade-in value is very low, and you will likely get more money by selling it yourself on a marketplace.

Can I trade my S21 Ultra for a Galaxy tablet?

No. According to Samsung’s U.S. website, the company is not currently accepting smartphone trade-ins for tablet purchases. Your upgrade options are limited to newer phone models.

What is the best Samsung deal for S21 Ultra owners?

The best found deal is a $450 direct discount on the Galaxy S25 Ultra without a trade-in. This is significantly higher than the value offered through the official trade-in program for the old device.

Why has the S21 Ultra value dropped so much?

The phone is now four years old, which is a long time in the smartphone market. Batteries degrade, software support winds down, and newer technology makes older flagships less valuable for resale.