Samsung's new promotional schtick might just convince those on the fence about getting a Galaxy Note 10 — which has yet to be launched officially — to make the jump.
The company is willing to give up to $600 to anyone who will trade their phone in and purchase the Galaxy Note 10 instead. Samsung has just started accepting registrations for the forthcoming phone in the United States, and it's offering various perks for early-bird buyers, among them a $50 instant credit that can be used to purchase devices or accessories from the company's website.
Eligible Phones
But the spotlight, of course, is on that $600 cashback incentive. Those who own a smartphone made by either Samsung, Google, or Apple will be eligible to save up to $600 if they surrender their current handset to Samsung in exchange for the Galaxy Note 10. The phones included in this $600 trade-in are the Galaxy Note 9, S10, S10 Plus, S10e, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max.
But even those who don't own any of these phones will still be able to get varying discounts. Granted, they'll be much less than the maximum $600, but some could still be swayed. Those with older devices from the aforementioned manufacturers will save up to $200 if they trade in their Galaxy S7, S7 Active, S7 Edge, S8, S8 Active, S8 Plus, and the original Pixel handsets from 2016.
Don't Get Too Excited Yet
Samsung's promotional gimmick seems incredibly attractive, but it's important to note that the final trade-in discount will depend on the condition of the device being deposited. Any signs of wear will result in lower values than the price listed, no matter how small they may be. Suffice it to say that handsets nearing the end of their life will probably net lower than the maximum $600 incentive, if at all. Still, there's no harm in trying one's luck. Samsung is taking registrations on its website right now, so make sure to provide the required information.
More importantly, as Lifehacker notes, once a customer hands in their phone, they won't be able to get it back as long as Samsung is willing to offer something for it, whatever the value. That, coupled with the fact that Samsung has done a sloppy job of honoring these types of trade-in deals in the past, as Android Police points out, triggers reason for worry. Still, those who find it reasonable can go ahead and submit their phones.
Samsung is scheduled to debut the Galaxy 10 this Aug. 23.
