Samsung claims used Galaxy smartphones are worth more and more each year.
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Just like the devices from Apple , invest in a used Galaxy smartphone It has become a good long-term investment, as a study shows. Among the reasons, which benefit both consumers who buy new devices and those who purchase used ones, are the guarantee of updates for up to seven years and the delivery of good performance over time. See the most relevant data.
Decisive purchasing factors
The Brazilian technology landscape has matured significantly in recent years. Today, Brazilians are not just looking for the cheapest device on the shelf, but rather one that delivers real value: the average purchase price for smartphones has risen to R$ 1.600, indicating a shift towards mid-range and premium models. Samsung He understood this market better than anyone, consolidating an absolute leadership where, for every ten smartphones sold in the country, five are from this line. Galaxy.
This purchase decision is driven by a very clear digital "survival kit." The consumer prioritizes high quality cameras (essential for social media and work), performance that doesn't cause choking in everyday life and long battery lifeFurthermore, durability has become a decisive factor: features such as Water resistance, dust protection, and more durable screens. They've gone from being a luxury to a requirement for those who invest heavily in the device.
This requirement creates a cycle of trust in the brand. By dominating half of the Brazilian market, the Korean manufacturer has created an ecosystem where consumers feel secure, knowing they will find easy access to assistance and accessories for their devices. Brazilians have become analytical buyers: they are willing to pay more, as long as the product guarantees robustness and does not need to be replaced quickly due to breakage or slowness.
Longer usage time
As a consequence of this higher investment, the device replacement cycle has increased. The average smartphone ownership is now at least two years, especially among users of premium lines (such as the series...). Galaxy S e ZAlthough "early adopters" still exist—those enthusiasts who buy at launch—the vast majority of consumers prefer to get the most out of their hardware before considering an upgrade.
This is where the brand's strategic vision comes in. As highlighted Renato Citrini, senior product manager at Samsung BrazilThe update policy is not just about software, but about increasing the value of the consumer's assets.
By guaranteeing seven years of system and security updates (starting from the line S24The company ensures that the device will remain functional and valuable even when the user decides to sell it.
Android vs. iPhone
Historically, there was a financial gulf between the two platforms. Android smartphones They had a reputation for high depreciation, losing more than half their market value after just one year of use. On the other side of the ring, the iPhone It behaved almost like a "strong currency": a model of Apple After the same twelve-month period, it used to be resold for a price very close to the original, protecting the user's capital.
This stark difference occurred because the resale market prices longevity. With the increased physical durability of current devices, the guarantee that the phone will function well for years has become the key factor. iPhone It held the price down because it guaranteed long-term updates; whereas the Android It depreciated because, in the past, software had a short lifespan, giving the impression of an "old" product much faster.
The growth of the used smartphone market significantly expands how the sector views the device lifecycle. We will continue working to bring more and more features that increase our installed base.
Rafael Aquino, Director of Mobile eExperience Product at Samsung Brazil
However, the tide began to turn. The new strategy of Samsung Offering seven years of updates directly addresses this historical weakness. By matching (and even exceeding) the competitor's lifespan, the trend guarantees a drastic reduction in model depreciation. GalaxyThe goal is clear: to end the stigma that "money on Android goes to waste" and to prove that, with long-term support, the Korean flagship can hold its resale value just as well as its Apple rival.
Evolution of repurchase value
Data from Assuring[Company name], a partner in the trade-in program, indicates a consistent increase in the repurchase value of smartphones. Galaxy Across generations, the analysis indicates that the most recent devices show significant gains in residual value compared to their predecessors, demonstrating a trend of progressive improvement in value retention. This means that the secondary market has begun to financially recognize the continuous evolution of the user experience delivered by the brand.
The figures for this appreciation are significant when we compare the periods of January 2025 and January 2026. The highlight is the jump of... 57% in the evolution of the repurchase value, both in the transition of Galaxy S23 protocols for S24 how much on the line Fan Edition (of S23FE protocols for S24FEIn the most advanced segment, the passage of S22 Ultra for the S23Ultra recorded an increase of 42%while the evolution between the S21FE and S23FE It guaranteed a 41% gain in trade-in value.
This positive scenario is not accidental, but a direct reflection of three fundamental pillars: hardware durability, prolonged software support, and structural engineering decisions. The combination of these factors has resulted in greater product longevity, which is now "rewarded" at resale time. In other words, updates and robust construction are ensuring that the device depreciates less, reinforcing device retention. Galaxy on the market.
How does Smart Exchange work?
Launched in 2023, the Smart Exchange program It works as a solution that buys back your old device when you purchase new ones from the same brand. SamsungIn this way, old cell phones, tablets, or other devices can be refurbished or disposed of properly without harming the environment.
The process can be done at a store of Samsung In person or online — in the latter case, directly on the new device's purchase screen, with the customer selecting the option before proceeding to payment. Then, it will be necessary to fill out a form with information about the model, its condition (such as damage, etc.) so that, at the end, the user receives a value based on what they entered.
Next, via email, the Assuring We will contact you to arrange the free shipment of the device for technical evaluation. Then, if the information entered in the form matches the device sent, a deposit will be made into the buyer's account for the new device, as if you had sold the cell phone/tablet/smartwatch to us. AssuringSo, the old device can be refurbished to return to the market, reconditioned and ready to have a new owner, sold by Trocafy, official partner of Samsung.
If you choose to do the Smart Exchange somewhere Samsung physical storeThe attendant will evaluate your old device on the spot, indicating its value so you can receive a discount when purchasing a new product. Samsung It points out that the models can be valued at up to R$ 4.
And you, did you think that a used Galaxy smartphone Could it be worth that much? How often do you change your cell phone? Tell us in the comments! Comment!
See also other features
With some info: Samsung Newsroom.
Text review done by Jaime Ninice on 16/02/2026
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