Upgrading to a new phone often raises a practical question: what to do with the old one. According to Engadget, the choice between a trade-in and a private sale can have a meaningful impact on how much value you recover, with one route potentially paying more than the other.
Trade-in programs are built around convenience. They let you hand over the device and receive credit toward a new purchase without the need to list, negotiate, or ship. The trade-off is that the amount offered is often lower than what you could get from an individual buyer.
Selling the phone yourself can put more money in your pocket, but it requires more effort. You have to set a price, manage inquiries, and arrange a safe transaction. The Engadget piece suggests that the best approach depends on your priorities: if you want maximum cash and don't mind the work, selling is likely the better choice; if you prefer a quick, hassle-free upgrade, a trade-in may be worth the lower return.