How Much Can You Get From Trading In Your Old Phone in Singapore?

Thinking of upgrading to a new phone model soon? Compared to simply storing or selling your phone, here are some reasons why it might be more worth it to trade in your old phone instead.

On average, the typical usage lifespan of a phone is around two years. But with new Apple and Android models released every year, the temptation to upgrade each time becomes harder to resist. Especially with the recent iPhone 14 launch, there’s been a lot of hype and talk deliberating whether it’s worth the purchase or not.

Notwithstanding that, the advent of SIM-only no-contract phone plans has risen to prominence over the last couple of years. Many people see less appeal in locking into phone contracts and prefer the flexibility and convenience of SIM-only plans instead. These plans offer the same, if not better, plan options and data coverage than fixed mobile contracts.

So whenever a phone is due for an upgrade, many opt to sell or trade it in to earn that extra bit of cash to fund buying a new flagship. Curious to know your options? In this article, we’ll explore more about phone trade-ins and the best retailers offering competitive prices in Singapore.

• What is a mobile device/phone trade-in
• How does a mobile device/phone trade-in work
• Things to know before a mobile device/phone trade-in
• Best retailers to trade in your mobile device/phone in Singapore 2022
• FAQs about mobile device/phone trade-ins

Disclaimer: Last updated on 23 September 2022. Price quotations are subject to change at any time, even within the same day itself. Please contact or inquire directly with the respective retailers for more accurate prices and deduction details where applicable.

Overview: Best retailers to trade in or sell your phone, tablets & other devices in Singapore 2022

Before we dive into the specifics, here’s a brief rundown of the different retailers and their offer rates available in Singapore to trade in both used and new mobile devices. Devices here generally refer to phones, tablets, Bluetooth wireless earphones, and others.

[Click the retailer to jump to them]:

What is a mobile device/phone trade-in?

In the simplest term, a mobile phone trade-in refers to selling your device to a retailer/reseller at corresponding trade-in values determined by them. In turn, this converted cash value is for you to use towards buying a new device at the same retailer.

So think of it as using your old, used device to pay forward your new one.

These rates are subjective to the individual retailer, with initial price quotes based on market estimations and actual valuations further quoted during the site inspection itself. Factors affecting the device’s final valuation include cosmetic defects, length of remaining warranty, availability, and condition of original accessories and original packaging.

How does a mobile device/phone trade-in work?

These retailers require customers to bring their entire device’s set down to their location to assess its true quality and resale value. This cash earned from selling off your phone, tablet or earphone can subsequently fund your next brand new device’s purchase.

Other than walk-ins, some retailers provide either a pickup service or prepaid return/shipping label to collect your trade-in device on your behalf. This streamlines the trade-in process, making it more convenient and efficient.

But if you don’t opt for a third-party retailer like the aforementioned ones, trading in through your device’s own manufacturer or your wireless carrier is feasible too.

💡 Pro-tip: Some older phone models might not be accepted for trade-ins. For example, Apple’s trade-in policy has a limit on how far back a model is permitted, not including any model before the iPhone 6 model.

Things to know before a mobile device/phone trade-in

Before proceeding with your trade-in though, there are some key pointers to take note of.

1. Trade-ins mean exchanging your used or new device for another new device at the retailer’s shop. Some shops will physically exchange it for money while others won’t, and instead directly count it towards your new device’s purchase. 
2. Deductions apply differently depending on whether it’s a used or new device. For used devices, deductions are typically based on their physical conditions. For new devices, deductions are typically based on closed/open set, colour, or if the warranty has been activated or not.
3. In general, a device is considered new if it’s unused, not charged or tested prior. All accessories must be found in the original box. Warranty must have also been activated three days ago or less. Negotiations (and less deductions) might be possible for some retailers.
4. The device must not have been repaired before as these modifications affect the final trade-in value.
5. Used devices must come with their original accessories. This pertains to the original box, charger, cables, adapters, memory cards, and earpiece set if applicable. Some retailers will reduce your device’s valuation per missing item.
6. Certain colourways of iPhone models might be valued higher because of their rarity.
7. The original printed or soft-copy receipt with the date and IMEI number is required for trade-ins and selling. NRIC or IC card is also required.
8. Some retailers consider exchange sets from a local service centre as used sets.
9. retailers highly recommend customers confirm and lock initial price valuations with them before heading down for the trade-in or selling.
10. Prices are often valid for same-day transactions only. Prices are subject to change even within the same day.
11. Device trade-in prices are usually only valid for transactions comprising less than three units. Anything above that would not be eligible for trade-in, only bulk resale price.
12. The retailer shop has the final say in final trade-in or selling prices.
13. If your device is faulty, you are encouraged to repair them before selling them. However, trade-in devices should ideally have not undergone any repair or modification to preserve their true value.

Did you know that you can buy insurance for your mobile phone?

Best retailers for mobile device trade-ins or reselling in Singapore 2022

[Click to jump to]:

• Red White Mobile
• Mister Mobile
• WhyMobile
• GW Mobile

See also: Which is the Best Phone to Buy in 2022? Top Smartphones to Consider

Disclaimer: The full, individual trade-in and buyback prices of each retailer can be found on their respective websites. These tables serve as a rough guide to assess their overall price ranges.

Red White Mobile

Red White Mobile offers a decent range of brands to trade in or sell your mobile device at. It offers a mid-range price tier and offers one of the most extensive lists of Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Airpods) and Samsung products (Galaxy Z, A series, S series, Note series) eligible for used trade-ins.

When trading in your device, customers won’t receive any money as part of the exchange. They’ll only receive a cash conversion upon selling it.

The only downside is that it only has one retail outlet to go to. But otherwise, it has a fairly central location in town, making it generally accessible.

Address: 420 North Bridge Road, #01-20 North Bridge Centre, Singapore 188727
Opening hours: 11am to 9.30pm daily
Tel: +65 6735 4811 (Call) | +65 8668 4811 (Whatsapp)
Website

Mister Mobile

Mister Mobile is another convenient retailer to consider reselling your devices at because it has over five outlets islandwide — City Plaza (Geylang), Hougang, Woodlands, Jurong East, and Chinatown.

In comparison to Red White Mobile, the variety of device exchanges are more limited. They only permit later models for device trade-ins. But on the plus side, Mister Mobile offers higher rates, which makes trading your devices (if eligible) more profitable and worthwhile in funding your next device purchase.

However, their rates come at S$10 or S$50 deductions depending on the condition of the phone, tablet, or earphones for trade-in.

For instance, an open set or activated iPhone model will incur a S$50 deduction on its overall value. Similarly, an open set or activated Samsung phone model will incur a S$10 deduction. 

Used devices for trade-ins are subjected to price deductions too for the following conditions:

• No full set
• Dent or scratch on device’s body
• Scratch on screen

Forgot to bring your telco receipt, accessories, or box along? Fret not, your outstanding accessories can be returned at a later date. However, the full transaction sum will be withheld until returned.

Cash will also be immediately paid in full upon each phone trade-in transaction. 

The calculated deduction differs from product to product so it’s best to call ahead to clarify with Mister Mobile to avoid disappointment. All quoted deductions are final and there are no hidden charges to worry about. Price negotiations will be kept to a minimum.

For specific deduction penalties, please refer to their rates directly. 

Address: Several outlets (Woodlands, Geylang, Hougang, Jurong East, Chinatown)
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm daily
Tel: +65 9223 0410 (Whatsapp)
Email: hello@mistermobile.com.sg
Website

WhyMobile

WhyMobile is a secondhand retailer offering fairly competitive trade-in rates for used and new devices.

With regards to mainstay phone brands like Apple, their range of products accepted isn’t as extensive as the previous two retailers — only accepting for example, Apple iPhone 8 onwards.

However, their range of Samsung products is good, accepting earlier models like Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 onwards.

While their device range may be limited for certain brands, WhyMobile does accept more underrated brands like Nothing Phone as an eligible transaction, so that’s a plus point.

Note: Used earphones are not accepted for trade-ins. Only new earphones from selected brands will be accepted.

Their website provides a clear overview of their different brand rates, with a nifty dropdown bar to quickly isolate your preferred brand’s rates. 

Additionally, the estimated prices for a new phone or device trade-ins are already differentiated in their table, allowing direct price comparisons without calculating deductions manually.

Do note that the prices stated are approximate valuations only. The actual prices may vary depending on the device’s physical condition, working conditions, presence of accessories, packaging, remaining warranty and other factors.

Therefore, the final quoted price is decided by their store consultant’s in-store evaluation and can change within the same day itself.

Their range of accepted devices also differs across used devices and new devices. For instance, iPhone 8 models are eligible for used trade-ins, but only iPhone 13 models onwards are eligible for new trade-ins. So you’ll have to check their website directly.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #03-126 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: 12pm to 9pm (Mon to Sat) | 12pm to 8pm (Sun/PH)
Contact
Website

GW Mobile

Compared to the other retailers, GW Mobile offers a more versatile range of device trade-ins — featuring phones, tablets, watches, and even laptops. Their website offers an intuitive user interface to quickly search and filter through specific products.

They also have a direct “Sell Now” action for each of their individual product listings. Clicking on that button leads you to another page to select your product’s specs, physical condition, associated accessories, and other details.

Once the selections are done, there’s a final button to churn out your device’s price estimation.

Address: 1 Rochor Canal Road, #05-60/61 Sim Lim Square, Singapore 188504
Opening hours: 10.30am to 8.30pm daily
Tel: +65 9628 4044
Email: sales@gwmobile.sg
Website

FAQs about device and phone trade-ins

Disclaimer: Guidelines differ from store to store. Please do contact or search their websites respectively for more information on their FAQs and policies. The information below is meant for general educational purposes only and SingSaver is not affiliated with any of these stores. We do not take any responsibility for faulty or damaged products.

Q: Are mobile phones unlocked?

A: Yes, it is against the law for phones sold in Singapore to be SIM locked. Thus, all mobile phones are SIM-free or unlocked and can be used with any network-compatible SIM card.

Q: Do traded-in phones and devices come with a 7-day exchange policy?

A: Some retailers (like Red White Mobile) don’t offer a 7-day exchange policy. If an exchange is to be made, the phone or device has to be checked thoroughly during the point of sale before leaving the store. A 1-for-1 exchange will then be carried out.

On the other hand, retailers (like Mister Mobile) allow product exchanges for items of equal value or higher (with top-up of excess balance).

Otherwise, all faulty products thereafter will have to be serviced at the device’s respective service centres in Singapore.

Q: Is your phone’s password needed?

A: Yes, in order to test the device, your password is needed to access applications such as the dialer, camera, and settings. A separate SIM card may also be inserted to test your phone’s call functionality.

Q: Do traded-in phones and devices come with a warranty?

A: Yes, they do. Warranty is assumed to be local unless explicitly stated. Depending on the retailer, warranty for brand new mobile devices can be up to 180 days or agent warranty (whichever is applicable).

Warranty for accessories and used mobile devices may be up to 30 days. Please check with your retailer respectively.

Q: Will personal data be affected? Will you need to back up your data?

A: No. 99% of phone trade-ins and repairs will not affect one’s data. However, there might be the off chance that data might be compromised. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that customers back up their data on a regular basis regardless as good practice.

Q: Are instalment plans available?

A: It depends on the retailer. For instance, Red White Mobile offers an interest-free instalment plan for all UOB cardholders with a one-time 3% to 6% charge depending on the plan’s duration.

Q: How to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of a secondhand retailer?

A: There are specific certifications to look out for to check if a business is trustworthy or not. ISO certifications are awarded to businesses that comply with quality assurance and standardisation requirements. 

For instance, the ISO 9001 – Quality Management System (QMS) is a standard certification issued to businesses that meet the requirements for a quality management system.

This certification ensures that the business adheres to quality management standards and upholds customer satisfaction. This gives customers peace of mind that their device and its stored content/information will not be wrongfully breached or extracted for other unofficial and illegal purposes.

Another certification to look out for is CaseTrust, an accreditation scheme since 1999 used to recognise businesses for their commitment to quality and transparency through fair services.

Q: Are delivery services available?

A: Again, it depends on the retailer.

Q: Do retailers charge GST? And do they offer GST refund?

A: In general, these secondhand retailers are considered small businesses and might not charge GST nor offer GST refunds. Businesses with less than S$1 million in annual turnover are considered small and therefore, aren’t required for GST registration in Singapore.

See also: Singapore Budget 2022: GST Hike — Increase in GST and Packages to Offload the Financial Burden

Don’t forget to financially upgrade too

Besides upgrading your phone every few years, don’t neglect your own financial review too. To be on the ball with your savings, expenditure, and investments, it’s necessary to conduct either a mid-year or yearly financial checkup to ensure that you’re on track with your objectives.

Or if you’re looking beyond the typical high-yield savings account, digital wealth management accounts like Citi Plus do an excellent job of managing savings while growing your wealth. 

Ready to level up? Find out how you can make your money work harder and smarter for you. Enjoy your own dedicated relationship manager and privileged access to a whole suite of preferential rates with Priority Banking. Compare your options.

Help yourself to better financial shape in the new norm, with SingSaver’s all-new Ultimate Savings Guide! Got your free copy yet?

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