Huawei vs Samsung: Phone Trade-In Values Compared

Last updated: 4 April 2026

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### Which Option is Better for Most People? *Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026* Samsung outshines Huawei when it comes to trade-in values and recycling programmes. Huawei vs Samsung: Phone Trade-In Values Compared With higher trade-in prices and more drop-off locations worldwide, Samsung offers a more convenient and financially beneficial option. ## Quick Comparison Table
FeatureHuaweiSamsung
Recycling Programme NameEnvironmental Responsibility Recycling ProgramRecycle & Reuse Programme
Accepted DevicesAll Huawei devices, including phones and tabletsAll Samsung products, from phones to cameras
Trade-in ProcessOnline or in-storeIn-store, online, or mail-in
Average Trade-in Value (P30 vs S10)$250-$400$350-$600
Drop-off LocationsLimited to Huawei stores and some partnersAround 2,000 retail locations globally
CertificationsR2-, [e-Stewards](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/r2-and-e-stewards-certification-explained)-, ISO 14001-certifiedR2- and e-Stewards-certified
## Huawei: Environmental Responsibility Recycling Program Huawei's recycling programme, the Environmental Responsibility Recycling Programme, accepts all Huawei devices. You can trade in your old phone for credit or cash either online or at a Huawei store. *According to the World Economic Forum, [e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.* trade-in values, Huawei offers an average of $250-$400 for their popular P30 model. This process is straightforward but has limited drop-off locations compared to competitors. Huawei works with partners like Best Buy in the US, and they have about 15 retail stores globally. Huawei holds R2-, e-Stewards-, and ISO 14001 certifications, ensuring responsible recycling practices. Huawei vs Samsung: Phone Trade-In Values Compared also commit to using recycled materials, aiming for a target of 8% by 2025. ## Samsung: Recycle & Reuse Programme Samsung's Recycle & Reuse Programme accepts all Samsung devices. You can trade in your old phone for credit or cash online, at retail stores, or via mail-in programmes. Their most popular Galaxy S10 model typically fetches $350-$600 during a trade-in. With over 2,000 drop-off locations globally, including partnerships with major retailers like Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse, Samsung makes it easy to recycle your old devices responsibly. They hold R2- and e-Stewards certifications, ensuring they meet industry standards for recycling and disposing of electronics. Samsung aims to use recycled materials in their products, targeting 5% by the year 2023. Additionally, Samsung offers free recycling options without requiring a purchase, making it more accessible for everyone. *According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.* ## Head-to-Head Verdict Samsung is the clear winner when comparing trade-in values and ease of recycling. With higher prices offered for popular models like the Galaxy S10 and more drop-off locations worldwide, Samsung provides better financial returns and convenience for users. However, Huawei remains competitive in regions with fewer Samsung retail partners, offering a viable alternative. In scenarios where local availability is limited or users prefer direct interaction, Huawei's recycling programme can still be a preferred choice due to its certifications and environmental commitments. *According to the BankMyCell 2024, iPhones retain trade-in value better than Android phones, losing ~40% in year 1 vs ~55%.* ## Sources - World Economic Forum - Apple Environmental Report 2024 - BankMyCell 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the trade-in value differ between a Huawei P40 and Samsung Galaxy S20?

As of recent data, a used Huawei P40 typically trades in at about $150, while a similar condition Samsung Galaxy S20 often fetches around $200 due to higher demand.

Which brand retains more value when trading up from an older model: Huawei or Samsung?

Samsung phones generally retain more trade-in value compared to Huawei. Huawei vs Samsung: Phone Trade-In Values Compared For instance, a two-year-old Samsung device might trade for 30% of its original price, whereas a similar-aged Huawei could be around 25%.

What is the typical trade-in difference between current flagship models from Huawei and Samsung?

Current flagships like the Huawei Mate 40 and Samsung Galaxy S21 typically show a $50 to $75 spread in trade-in values, with Samsung usually commanding higher prices due to brand recognition.

How does consumer preference affect trade-in values for Huawei vs. Samsung phones?

Consumer preference plays a significant role; as of the latest data, Samsung enjoys a wider user base and stronger resale value, often trading in at an average $100 more than comparable Huawei models.