Samsung is dangling a pretty tempting carrot in front of anyone eyeing its upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup: up to $900 in trade-in credit if you preorder one of the new phones. That’s a big jump from the company’s usual trade-in values, which maxed out around $700 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The timing isn’t accidental—Samsung’s next Unpacked event is set for February 25th, where the S26 series will take center stage alongside new wearables and earbuds, with Galaxy AI software expected to be a major highlight.

The deal works like this: if you register your interest in a preorder now through Samsung’s site or the Shop Samsung app, you’ll unlock a $30 credit that can be applied toward accessories once preorders go live. It’s a “use-it-or-lose-it” perk, meaning you can’t shave dollars off the phone itself, but it’s handy if you’re planning to pick up a case, charger, or earbuds. The real draw, though, is the trade-in program. Samsung is offering up to $900 for eligible phones, applied directly at checkout when you preorder. The catch is that your old device has to meet certain conditions—no major damage beyond normal wear and tear, and it must be fully functional.

For anyone sitting on a relatively recent flagship, this could be one of the most generous trade-in offers we’ve seen from Samsung. It’s clearly designed to nudge fence-sitters into upgrading early, especially with AI-powered features being teased as the big differentiator this year. If you’ve been holding onto an older Galaxy or even a competitor’s device, the math suddenly looks a lot more appealing: trading in a phone that’s lost resale value elsewhere could net you nearly a thousand dollars off a brand-new S26 Ultra.

Of course, there’s always the fine print. Trade-in values vary depending on the model and condition of your phone, and Samsung reserves the right to adjust the credit if your device doesn’t meet its standards. Still, compared to carrier deals that often lock you into long contracts, Samsung’s direct offer is refreshingly straightforward. You preorder, you trade in, and you get the credit upfront.

The bigger picture here is Samsung’s push to make its AI ecosystem sticky. By sweetening the deal with aggressive trade-in values, the company is betting that once users step into the Galaxy AI experience, they’ll stay for the long haul. Whether that gamble pays off will depend on how compelling the S26 lineup really is—but for now, the trade-in program is one of the strongest incentives we’ve seen to upgrade.

If you’re even mildly curious, it’s worth registering before the February 25th event. Worst case, you walk away with a $30 accessory credit. Best case, you shave hundreds off the cost of Samsung’s latest flagship and get a front-row seat to its AI ambitions.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.