Samsung Slashes Galaxy Z Fold 6 Price with Big Trade-In Offers

Samsung is offering significant savings on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as part of an early January sale, which includes high trade-in values for older tech, a free $300 subscription, and discounted accessories. This promotion, updated with new details on December 29, focuses heavily on offering generous trade-in values, which could make it an appealing option for tech enthusiasts looking to upgrade. While direct price reductions are typically the most desirable deal, Samsung’s new trade-in prices are among the highest I’ve seen.

For those with an old Google smartphone, the best trade-in offer is $500 for any Google phone. Samsung doesn’t provide an exhaustive list of which Google devices are eligible, but it is clear that phones from the Pixel era will likely be accepted. However, it remains unclear whether devices from the pre-Pixel era will be eligible for the deal. Still, if you have an older Google device—like the 2016 Pixel 1—you’ll be able to trade it in for an exceptional price of $500. If you’re considering purchasing the Z Fold 6 and have an older Google phone sitting around, this deal is a no-brainer.

For shoppers on a tighter budget, devices such as the original Pixel can be found on secondary markets like eBay or Swappa for under $50. Though these phones might not always meet the trade-in criteria, newer models like the Pixel 5a and Pixel 4 XL, both available for under $100, should qualify for the full $500 offer, provided they’re in decent condition.

Samsung’s trade-in program doesn’t just cover Google devices; other smartphones are also eligible for substantial trade-in values. Some of the top offers for older phones (specifically those over two years old) include the Galaxy Z Fold 3 for $1000, Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G for $800, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G for $800, Galaxy S9 for $500, Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max for $800, Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max for $700, and Apple iPhone X for $550.

In addition to trade-in offers, Samsung is providing discounts on accessories when purchased with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. For example, the Galaxy Buds 3 are $117 off, and the Galaxy Ring is $80 cheaper. While these accessories often go on sale throughout the year, Samsung’s discounts might be worth considering if you’re purchasing the Z Fold 6 as part of this promotion.

The most interesting aspect of the deal is Samsung’s offer of two years of VIP Advantage membership, which is valued at $300. This includes benefits such as Samsung Care Plus, which provides unlimited repairs for your Z Fold 6. However, it does not cover theft or loss. The membership also gives access to a 10% discount on accessories, “exclusive discounts” on Samsung products (although Samsung’s hardware often gets discounted anyway), and free simple installations, or 50% off more complex installations and TV mounting services.

Since the VIP Advantage membership is offered for free as part of the promotion, there’s little reason to pass up this offer. However, it’s important to note that after the two years, you’ll be automatically charged $149 if you don’t cancel the membership, so be sure to mark your calendar for when the promotion ends to avoid unwanted charges.

In addition to Samsung’s promotion, Amazon has also made waves with one of the largest price reductions on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. As of December 30, Amazon offered a $472.99 discount on the 512GB version of the Z Fold 6, lowering the price to $1,547. This represents a 23% discount, making it one of the largest direct price reductions currently available. Amazon has recently gained attention for offering significant discounts on high-end devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhones, often undercutting competitors.

However, while Amazon’s upfront pricing is great, its trade-in prices don’t compare to Samsung’s. For example, Amazon offers just $130 for a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, whereas Samsung’s trade-in offer for the same device is $800. Amazon also does not accept any Galaxy S phones later than the S21 Ultra, while Samsung’s trade-in program offers higher values for more recent models.

Ultimately, the choice between Amazon and Samsung depends on your specific situation. If you’re looking to trade in an older phone for the best possible price, Samsung’s trade-in offers far exceed Amazon’s, especially for devices like the Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhones. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the lowest upfront cost and don’t have a trade-in device, Amazon’s price drop may be the best option.

To sum up, Samsung’s early January sale for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers some of the best trade-in values I’ve seen, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their smartphone. With high trade-in offers for both Google and Apple devices, generous discounts on accessories, and the bonus of the VIP Advantage membership, Samsung’s promotion provides plenty of incentives to buy the Z Fold 6. However, if you’re mainly interested in the lowest upfront price, Amazon’s recent discount is hard to ignore, although you’ll lose out on trade-in value by choosing the retailer. Either way, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is available at some excellent prices right now, whether you go with Samsung’s trade-in offers or Amazon’s direct discount.