Last updated: August 2026
Trade-in and upgrade are not alternatives — trade-in is something you do during an upgrade, or instead of it if you sell privately. The real question is what to do with the old handset.
Three things you can do with it
| Option | Best when |
|---|---|
| Trade in to the provider | Convenience matters; the offer is close to market value |
| Sell privately | You want maximum value and will handle the sale |
| Keep it | You need a backup, or someone in the household can use it |
Provider trade-in is almost always below private sale value — you are paying for convenience. Whether that gap matters depends on the handset.
Brand changes the maths
iPhones hold value considerably better than most Android handsets, so the gap between trade-in and private sale is larger in rand terms. On a recent iPhone it is often worth selling privately; on an older mid-range Android the difference may not justify the effort.
Get both numbers before deciding — a trade-in quote from your provider and a realistic private sale figure.
The option people forget
Keeping the phone and moving to SIM-only instead of upgrading at all. If it still receives security updates, that saves more than any trade-in offer will.
See phone upgrade vs SIM only.
Before trading in
- Back up, then sign out of your accounts — on Apple this clears activation lock
- Factory reset the device
- Remove the SIM and any memory card
- Confirm the quoted value is guaranteed, or conditional on inspection
See iPhone upgrade deals, Samsung upgrade deals and upgrade phone contract online.
Frequently asked questions
Is trade-in worth it?
Convenient, but usually below private sale value. Compare both figures.
Which phones trade in best?
iPhones, by a clear margin, since they hold value better.
What should I do before trading in?
Back up, sign out of your accounts, and factory reset.
Is keeping the phone an option?
Often the best one — keep it and move to SIM-only if it still receives updates.
More comparisons
- Cellphone Contract Guides
- Service Contract Deals
- Data Contract Upgrades
- No Upfront Cost Contract Deals
- A70 Contract Deals — Compare Options in South Africa
- 24 Month Contract Deals
- Mobile Contracts South Africa
- Cellphone Contract Networks South Africa
- Flagship Phone Contract Deals
Trade-in values and terms are set by each provider and change regularly.