2026-07-02
# When is the best time to sell your Samsung Galaxy in the UK?
Timing matters when selling your Samsung Galaxy. Recycler prices drop when Samsung announces new models — and they drop again when those models actually launch. Sell at the right time and you can get significantly more for your phone.
This guide explains exactly when Samsung prices drop, the best time to sell each series and how to get the best price in 2026.
Recyclers and trade-in platforms adjust their prices based on demand. When Samsung announces a new Galaxy, demand for the previous model drops — people wait for the new one. Prices typically fall in two stages:
After that, prices stabilise and decline slowly over 12-18 months as the phone ages.
Samsung launches new phones on a predictable schedule:
Galaxy S series (flagship) — announced and launched in late January or early February each year. The Galaxy S26 series launched in February 2026. The Galaxy S27 series is expected in January or February 2027.
Galaxy A series (mid-range) — typically announced in March-April. The Galaxy A56 launched in spring 2026.
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip (foldables) — announced and launched in July. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected in July 2026.
Sell before January — the best time to sell your Galaxy S phone is December, before Samsung announces the next S series in January. You'll get the highest recycler prices before the announcement drops demand.
Don't wait until February — once the Galaxy S announcement happens (typically late January), prices drop immediately. By launch day, you've lost 20-30% of the value compared to December.
These are illustrative figures based on typical Samsung price drops — actual prices vary by recycler and condition.
The Galaxy A series is trickier because Samsung releases multiple models across different price points. The general rule is the same — sell before the next model is announced.
Galaxy A55 / A56 — sell before March-April when Samsung announces the next A series generation. Prices drop significantly at announcement.
Galaxy A54 — already at lower prices given its age but still holds value better than most — it was a popular model. Sell now rather than waiting.
Sell before July — Samsung announces new foldables every July. The months leading up to July are when Z Fold and Z Flip prices are at their highest for the current generation. By August, prices have dropped 15-20%.
Selling a Galaxy S25 Ultra in December 2025 versus March 2026 could have been worth £100-150 more. On a mid-range phone like the Galaxy A55, timing is worth around £40-60.
It sounds small but if you're buying a new phone at the same time, the combination of selling at the right time and buying refurbished (rather than new) can save you several hundred pounds.
Compare recyclers — recycler prices for the same phone can vary by £50-100. Always compare before you sell. GadgetRank compares 30+ UK recyclers in real time.
Remove your Samsung account first — you must sign out of your Samsung account and Google account before sending your phone. If you don't, most recyclers will return the phone without payment.
Factory reset the device — go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset. This wipes your data and prepares the phone for the new owner.
Be honest about condition — if your screen has cracks or scratches, select Good or Faulty rather than Excellent. Recyclers inspect every device and will revise their offer if the condition doesn't match. This delays payment and is frustrating for everyone.
Lock in your quote — most recyclers hold their price for 14-30 days once you accept a quote. This gives you time to find your original packaging and accessories without worrying that the price will drop.
Include original accessories — some recyclers pay a small premium for phones that include the original box and charger. It's not always significant but worth checking.
Samsung's own trade-in scheme offers credits towards new Samsung purchases rather than cash. For pure cash value, independent recyclers consistently beat Samsung's trade-in prices. Use GadgetRank to compare the cash value first, then decide whether Samsung credit works better for your situation.
If you have a Galaxy S24 series phone or older, now is a reasonable time to sell. The Galaxy S25 is established and prices for the S24 have stabilised at lower levels — they won't recover. Every month you wait means the phone is worth slightly less.
If you have a Galaxy S25 series phone, you have until around December 2026 to sell before the S27 announcement drops prices again.
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