Samsung Trade in Policy, Charging Port Condition

LAhoon on 03/03/2025 - 23:20

Hey everyone,

I'm considering trading in my Samsung S21, but I have a concern regarding their "Good Condition" criteria. My phone has a damaged motherboard FPC connector(requires microsoldering new connector) that causes the following issues:

USB-C port only works in one direction (fast charging and data transfer work fine, but I have to plug the cable in a specific way).
SIM card is not recognized, but everything else functions perfectly.
No cracks or physical damage to the phone or screen.

Samsung's trade-in policy states:
"Your device must have a fully functioning charging port that is able to support charging & data transfer."

Since my phone can charge and transfer data at normal speeds, I technically meet the requirement. However, my concern is whether this will be an issue during inspection.

Has anyone successfully traded in a phone with a similar issue? Am I taking a 50/50 risk depending on whether the person testing it inserts the USB-C cable in the "correct" direction on the first try? I’d rather not go through the hassle if there’s a high chance of rejection.

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Comments

  • askbargain on 03/03/2025 - 23:21

    Gaslight them.

  • Hybroid on 03/03/2025 - 23:35
    +5

    People have traded fully WORKING phones to Samsung's Asurion partner and been hit with claims of defects. You stand little chance actually starting off with a defective device… Do a search here & review sites to read their stories.

    • Ahoon on 03/03/2025 - 23:44

      Yeah, I’ve read about people getting hit with defect claims and it is recommended to take detailed, uncut video showing every function working (charging, data transfer, screen, buttons, etc.) before packing it up. In this case, would that serve as solid proof ?

      • holdenmg on 04/03/2025 - 04:26
        +2

        Any video you take prior doesn't mean much if they can't easily replicate it at their end.

        They won't engage in a protracted discussion about it working "sometimes" they will probably just reject it as they have done for far less.

        Why not ship it with a cheap short 5cm USB-C Cable plugged in "your way" and see if that flies.

        They aren't obliged to test it using a cable you supply (but they might).

        • Ahoon on 04/03/2025 - 16:38

          Wouldn't supplying a cable make it look more suspicious due to security reasons? I’d assume they have a standard testing procedure, and I doubt checking the USB port both ways is explicitly included.

  • elgrande on 04/03/2025 - 04:39

    You will end up with $30.

  • Gunnar on 04/03/2025 - 06:25
    +7

    FFS

    Yea it will be fine. Is this the confirmation bias response you were seeking?

  • SBOB on 04/03/2025 - 07:47
    +1

    Am I taking a 50/50 risk

    Kind of, but your ratio is probably closer to 99/1

  • JumpingUnicorns on 04/03/2025 - 13:11
    +1

    Just show them my comment saying it'll be fine :)

  • bobokingdom on 04/03/2025 - 14:14

    It seems your phone wasn't repaired by Samsung using Geniune Parts. They may reject the trade-in completely.

    • Ahoon on 04/03/2025 - 16:32

      It is not repaired at all, still using it as it is with eSIM.

  • Bruceflix on 04/03/2025 - 15:29

    Sounds like it should be repaired/replaced/refunded under the Australian consumer guarantee. Or did you cause the damage?

    • Ahoon on 04/03/2025 - 16:31
      -1

      It happened after dropping the phone from a height of 1–1.5m. I have a Nillkin case and screen protector, but I think the impact damaged the FPC connector pins inside.(daughterboard connector)

      • Bruceflix on 04/03/2025 - 16:40

        yeah, that sucks. I'd only use that in a trade if the bonus is good because you won't be getting back your security deposit

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