Published
03/28/2025, 17:35How often do you change your smartphone? In the UK, it was found that people update their phones every 3 years and 4 months, replacing their gadgets about 19 times in their lifetime. Some even more frequently — for example, I’ve changed 12 smartphones in my 25 years (technology doesn’t seem to like me — Author's note), not counting basic mobile phones. Probably, like me, you have a small box where old phones are stored, and you’re not sure what to do with them. Throwing them away feels wrong, and giving them away isn’t always an option. So, what should you do with them? You have two options: sell your devices to buyback services or use the Trade-in service.
The Trade-in system ("exchange") first appeared in the early 20th century in the USA amid the growing popularity of cars. To attract customers and simplify the purchasing process, car dealers began accepting old cars as partial payment for new ones. This allowed buyers to quickly switch to a new car and helped dealers speed up sales. This scheme is well-known in the automotive industry, but in recent years, it has also become popular for electronics.
Today, this approach is widely used in developed countries. Kyrgyz companies are also keeping up with the trends, and the Trade-in system has been in place here for quite some time. The program is available in major electronics stores and primarily applies to premium models such as Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, and other devices from top brands.
It all starts with the evaluation. You go to the store, where a specialist examines your phone. Important factors include:
"If your phone is broken, for example, the display, we still accept such models, but the discount will be a bit lower. The discount starts from 5 thousand, and it all depends on the model you want to purchase," said Violetta, a specialist at the "My Phone" store, in an interview with Akchabar.
For example, as part of an experiment, a journalist from our editorial office brought in his old broken phone, which was valued at 18,000 KGS (even with a broken display – Author's note). However, this was on the condition of purchasing one of the latest flagship Samsung models. If you are interested in a different model, the discount will be lower or may not apply at all to certain product lines.
Today, in smartphone stores, Samsung can be considered the main ambassador of the Trade-In system.
"Samsung is a major supplier of various spare parts for all brands, including Apple and Pixel. They provide many different components, so it makes sense for them to buy phones either for spare parts or for recycling," – shared the company's representative, Sheraly Sydykov.
No matter what phone you bring, in the end, you will receive a model from Samsung.
However, as Nurmat, who has been involved in buyback services for several years, told Akchabar, the Trade-In system has been working here for quite some time.
"The idea of Trade-In has existed for a long time, it just wasn't called that. About fifteen years ago, you could come in, trade in your phone, pay the difference, and get something better. Now it has become official, but it hasn't changed the work of buyback services because, in addition to the discount on a new model, we also offer cash," – said the buyback specialist.
After researching online offers, Akchabar's editorial office found that even a budget model from Xiaomi, released in 2024, can be sold to a buyback service for 15,000 KGS, while you originally bought it for 19,000 KGS.
"When I evaluate a phone during buyback, I look at its market value, roughly estimate the price at which I can sell it. Then I subtract between three to five thousand to account for expenses, and that’s the amount I’m willing to pay for it," – said Nurmat.
Phone resellers also promise to pay a fair price for phones in good condition. If you own a popular and still sought-after iPhone (model 12 or higher), you can get anywhere from 30,000 to 80,000 KGS for it.
Trade-in is a good option for those who want to quickly and profitably exchange an old phone for a new one. However, if you want to get cash for your old phone, it's better to try selling it yourself.
In addition to Trade-In and reselling, there is another option, though it hasn't yet reached us. Mobile operators and gadget manufacturers are also offering a new model of consumption — smartphone subscriptions, where the user makes monthly payments in exchange for new devices. The user subscribes to the service, makes payments, and after 12-24 months can exchange their old smartphone for a new one, sometimes with additional bonuses such as insurance or discounts on accessories.
A smartphone subscription can be a convenient alternative to purchasing, but it's important to consider the terms of the contract. Often, over 1-2 years, the total payments accumulate to a significant amount, exceeding the cost of the gadget, and contract termination may result in penalties. However, from the perspective of responsible consumption, this approach allows for the reuse of resources and helps protect the environment from excess waste.
In the end, smartphones can be exchanged in different ways: quickly and conveniently through Trade-In, more profitably but slower through resale on the secondary market. But the key question remains the same — do you really need a new phone? Sometimes marketing makes us believe that life isn't the same without the latest model, although in reality, the old smartphone still serves its purpose. So, before rushing for an upgrade, it's worth asking yourself honestly: is it a necessity or just a decision imposed by advertisers?
