How do I compare phone deals on Mondo?

You can compare phone deals on Mondo by browsing our selection of phones by brand or network. Each listing shows the available contracts, data packages, and pricing options to help you find the best deal.

What networks are available on Mondo?

Mondo offers phone contracts from all major South African networks including Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom. You can compare offers from each network to find the best deal for your needs.

Does Mondo offer financial products?

Yes, Mondo offers a range of financial products including insurance, loans, credit cards, and investment options. Visit our financial products section to compare and apply.

Who wrote this article?

This article was written by Mondo Admin, a member of the Mondo team.

When was this article published?

This article was published on September 22, 2026.

Is Your Old Phone Worth More Than You Think? South Africa’s 2026 Trade-In Guide

That old smartphone sitting in your drawer could help pay for your next upgrade.

Phone trade-in programmes allow you to exchange an eligible device for cash, credit or a discount on a new contract. However, there is no single standard trade-in price in South Africa. The amount you receive depends on the phone, its condition and the company assessing it.

Apple devices generally attract strong interest in the pre-owned market, while selected Samsung, HONOR and Huawei smartphones may qualify for promotional trade-in deals through manufacturers or mobile networks. The trick is to compare your options before accepting an offer.

Here is what South Africans should know about phone trade-in value in 2026.

What Determines Your Phone’s Trade-In Value?

Two identical phones can receive different offers if one has a damaged screen, weak battery or account lock. A trade-in assessment will generally consider:

The brand and model
Storage capacity
The age of the device
Screen and body condition
Battery and charging performance
Whether the cameras, buttons and biometric features work
Whether the phone switches on without being connected to a charger
Whether it has been blacklisted
Whether Find My iPhone, Google or another account lock is still active
Current demand for the model

The advertised amount is usually the maximum or estimated value. Your final offer may change once the device has been physically inspected and graded.

Apple, Samsung, HONOR or Huawei: Which Holds Its Value Best?

There is no guaranteed winner for every model, but the trade-in route you choose can make a big difference.

iPhones often remain popular in the pre-owned market, especially when the device is in good condition and still receives software support.

iStore offers several trade-in options. Depending on the qualifying transaction, customers may be able to use the value as an upfront discount, receive cashback or reduce monthly contract payments. Selected Android devices can also be traded when switching to iPhone.

Before accepting an offer, use the live trade-in calculator and allow for a final inspection. Values can change when a new iPhone range launches or when the condition differs from the information supplied online.

Explore Apple phone deals on Mondo

Samsung’s trade-in programme is useful if you plan to stay within the Galaxy range. Customers buy a qualifying device, complete an online evaluation and arrange collection of the old phone. Once the assessment is complete and the offer is accepted, the cashback is transferred to the customer’s bank account.

Samsung confirms that one old device can be traded for each qualifying Samsung order. Promotional cashback may also be higher during selected Galaxy launch campaigns, so timing your upgrade could help you get more value.

Compare Samsung phone deals on Mondo

HONOR devices may qualify for selected network trade-in promotions. Vodacom’s current programme includes eligible HONOR models for trade-in against selected newer HONOR devices, subject to an in-store diagnostic test and the campaign terms.

Your offer will depend on the exact model and its condition. If you own an older HONOR phone, compare the network discount with a separate cash offer before deciding.

View HONOR phone deals on Mondo

Selected Huawei devices may still qualify through participating network or independent trade-in channels. Vodacom includes Huawei among the brands supported by its trade-in programme, although qualifying models and campaigns can change.

Demand may vary between Huawei models, so do not rely on a previous quote for a different device. Check the live eligibility list and get a device-specific assessment.

Browse Huawei phone deals on Mondo

Manufacturer, Network or Cash Buyer: Which Option Is Better?

The highest advertised amount is not automatically the best deal. Each trade-in route works differently.

Manufacturer trade-in

A manufacturer programme can be a good choice when you are upgrading within the same brand. Launch promotions may include extra cashback, but the offer may only apply to selected new devices and qualifying purchases.

Network trade-in

Vodacom applies an approved trade-in value as a monthly discount on a qualifying new line or upgrade. The old device must pass an in-store assessment, switch on and not be blacklisted. This option may suit customers who want to lower their monthly contract cost.

Cash or specialist buyer

A cash buyer gives you more freedom because the money is not necessarily tied to a particular network, brand or contract. This can be useful if you want to buy a phone separately and pair it with a SIM-only deal.

Quotes and payment terms vary, so confirm who is buying the phone, how payment works and what happens if the final assessment is lower than the initial estimate.

Cash or Contract Discount: What Should You Choose?

Start by comparing the total cost of your next deal, not only the trade-in amount.

A contract discount could work well if:

You already qualify for the upgrade you want
The trade-in reduces your monthly payment meaningfully
The contract includes enough data and minutes
You are comfortable with the full contract period

Cash may be more flexible if:

You want to shop across different brands or networks
You would rather use the money as an upfront payment
You plan to buy a pre-owned phone
You want a month-to-month SIM-only deal
You prefer a shorter device repayment period

Mondo Mobile offers selected brand-new phones paid off over 12 months, as well as month-to-month data and SIM options. This gives you another way to use trade-in cash without automatically committing to a traditional 24- or 36-month phone contract.

Compare Mondo Mobile deals

How to Prepare Your Phone for Trade-In

Do not factory-reset your device until you have backed up everything you need. Once your photos, contacts and files are safe, follow these steps:

Sign out of your Apple, Google, Samsung, HONOR or Huawei account.
Switch off Find My iPhone or Find My Device.
Remove screen locks and automatic sign-in features.
Factory-reset the phone and erase your personal information.
Remove the SIM card and memory card.
Charge the phone before the assessment.
Take your ID and any documents required by the trade-in provider.
Keep a record of the IMEI number and the condition of the phone.

Never hand over a phone while your personal accounts or banking information are still accessible.

How to Get the Best Trade-In Deal

Before upgrading, use this simple checklist:

Get at least two quotes.
Compare cash with the total contract discount.
Read the grading and promotional terms.
Check whether the quote is guaranteed or only estimated.
Confirm when and how you will be paid.
Compare the full cost of the replacement phone or contract.
Trade in before the device becomes much older or more damaged.

A slightly lower trade-in value may still form part of the better deal if the replacement contract costs less overall. Always compare the total amount payable over the full term.

The Bottom Line

Your old phone could make your next upgrade more affordable, but the first quote is not always the best one.

Apple devices often attract strong pre-owned interest, while Samsung, HONOR and Huawei users may find good value in selected manufacturer or network promotions. Compare at least two offers, check how the value will be paid and calculate the full cost of the new deal before committing.

Once you know what your old phone is worth, compare the latest phone and SIM deals on Mondo to find an option that suits your budget and the way you use your phone.

FAQs

How much is my old phone worth in South Africa?

It depends on the model, storage, age and condition. Use a live calculator or request an assessment, as trade-in values change regularly.

Can I trade in a phone with a cracked screen?

Some buyers may accept it, but damage will usually reduce the offer. Severe damage can make the device ineligible for certain promotions.

Can I trade in a blacklisted phone?

Network programmes generally require a clean device. Vodacom states that an eligible trade-in phone must not be blacklisted.

Can I trade an Android phone at iStore?

Selected Android devices may be accepted when switching to iPhone. Eligibility and value must be confirmed through iStore’s current trade-in process.

Does Vodacom accept HONOR and Huawei phones?

Selected models may qualify under current campaigns. Visit a participating store for an eligibility check and diagnostic assessment.

Should I sell privately instead?

A private sale may achieve a different price, but it can take longer and requires more care around payment and personal safety. A formal trade-in is often simpler and more convenient.

References

Pre-publication note: every rand figure is indicative confirm in-store or on the live estimator before publishing, as Vodacom, Samsung and iStore tables change with each campaign.

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