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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick answer: Samsung’s November 13, 2023 early Black Friday promotion was not a blanket $1,000 price cut. It offered up to $1,000 in select trade-in credit for the Galaxy Z Fold 5, plus a storage upgrade and a $50 Galaxy Buds2 Pro bundle. Separate offers covered the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Watch 6. The promotion has expired; current Samsung deals are different.
Droid Life reported the offers on November 13, 2023. Samsung’s current U.S. promotions are listed at Samsung’s phone-offers page.
What the 2023 promotion actually included
The headline combined several different incentives. The maximum figure applied only to an eligible trade-in and only to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offer.
| Product | Advertised maximum | Other terms reported on November 13, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Up to $1,000 in select trade-in credit | Free storage upgrade up to 512GB; Galaxy Buds2 Pro for $50 when bundled |
| Galaxy S23 Ultra | Up to $800 in select trade-in credit | Galaxy Buds2 Pro for $50 when bundled |
| Galaxy Watch 6 | Up to 80% off, with up to $250 from select trade-ins | Separate smartwatch promotion |
The source said all three offers were live when published but did not establish an end date or prove that these were the lowest prices available during the entire holiday season.
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- Versatile Camera System: High-quality photography with multiple lenses and modes.
- One UI Software: User-friendly interface for an intuitive and seamless experience.
- Foldable Tablet Experience: Combines phone and tablet functionality seamlessly.
- Multi-Window App Continuity: Run multiple apps simultaneously for efficient multitasking.
- Built to last, the Fold5 includes IPX8 water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, an Armor Aluminum hinge, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and support for S Pen (sold separately) — combining rugged engineering with productivity.
Was it really $1,000 off?
No. “Up to $1,000 off” meant the best-case trade-in credit for a qualifying device, not an unconditional reduction available to every buyer. A direct discount needs no surrendered device; a trade-in credit does.
Your effective savings should be calculated as:
Trade-in credit + any direct discount + the verified value of a storage upgrade + documented accessory savings.
Do not count the full retail price of the earbuds as savings unless you have a documented comparison price. Likewise, a storage upgrade is a higher-capacity phone for the lower-capacity price—not $512 in cash.
Rank #2
- EXPANSIVE SCREEN, CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE: Streaming on the go with this big screen is a big deal; Unfold the massive 7.6" screen* on Galaxy Z Fold5 and lose yourself in your favorite content, no matter where you are
- YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE, ELEVATED: With Galaxy Z Fold5, enjoy mobile games on the cover screen or unfold the interior screen for a more immersive experience; With an impressive processor, power through with a high refresh rate and minimal input delays
- THE FUTURE OF DOING MORE: With Dual-App Viewing, you can do more with more screen on Galaxy Z Fold5; Drag and drop photos into a text message, shop two sites side by side or stream videos while checking your feed
- IMPRESSIVE PRECISION. MORE PRODUCTIVITY: Precision meets portability with S Pen** capability on Galaxy Z Fold5; Write directly on the large screen and go from to-do to done
- FULL SCREEN OUTSIDE, MASSIVE SCREEN INSIDE: The 6.2” cover display* is perfect for one-handed scrolling and quick tasks; Or unfold the massive 7.6” interior screen* for everything else
How each product’s offer worked
Galaxy Z Fold 5
This was the source of the $1,000 headline. The maximum depended on a select trade-in, and the offer also included a storage-tier upgrade of up to 512GB. Buyers could add Galaxy Buds2 Pro for $50. The coverage did not identify which exact phones earned the maximum, nor confirm every storage tier, color, carrier version or region.
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Galaxy S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra carried a lower advertised maximum—up to $800 with a select trade-in—and the same $50 Galaxy Buds2 Pro bundle. The amount was still a trade-in credit rather than a universal price reduction.
Galaxy Watch 6
The watch promotion was separate: up to 80% off, with up to $250 available through select trade-ins. A percentage discount cannot be converted into a single final price without the model, size and starting price.
Rank #3
- Connectivity technology : Wireless
- Display.size : 7.6 inches
- Memory storage capacity : 256.0 GB
- Operating system : Android
- Battery.capacity : 4400.0 milliamp hours
What determines your real trade-in value
The maximum headline amount is not a reasonable expectation until Samsung evaluates your exact device. Check the model number, storage, unlocked or carrier status, condition and any screen damage in the checkout trade-in tool. The 2023 report did not establish whether cracked or damaged devices qualified, so current condition rules should not be applied retroactively to that promotion.
For current U.S. programs, Samsung says eligibility and credit amounts can change. Its terms generally require a functional device with a working display, removal of software locks, a factory reset and proof of ownership. Samsung says the device generally must be shipped within 15 days of receiving the new purchase and that it can charge back the credit if the device is late or fails inspection. The program is limited to one trade-in per qualifying purchase. See the current terms at Samsung’s phone-offers page.
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Trade-in versus selling the old device
A Samsung trade-in is fast and applies credit at checkout, but a private sale may produce more money. Compare the Samsung credit with realistic proceeds after selling fees, shipping, fraud risk and your time. Photograph the phone, record its condition and retain shipping evidence whichever route you choose.
Rank #4
- Connectivity Technology: NFC
- Operating System: Android 13.0
- Memory Storage Capacity: 512.0 GB
- Camera Description: Rear
- Battery Charge Time: 79.0 minutes
Should you buy an early Black Friday deal or wait?
Buying early can make sense when
- Your preferred color or storage configuration may sell out.
- The trade-in bonus or storage upgrade is especially valuable for your device.
- You need the phone immediately.
- The bundle includes accessories you already planned to buy.
Waiting can make sense when
- You would prefer a no-trade-in discount, retailer gift card or carrier incentive.
- Your old phone may sell for more privately.
- You are willing to accept a different color or configuration.
- A newer model could reduce the outgoing model’s value.
The November 13 report confirms the promotion was live that day, not that it would remain through Black Friday or represent the season’s lowest price.
Checklist before submitting a trade-in
- Confirm the exact model, storage capacity and carrier or unlocked version.
- Read the condition requirements for the specific promotion and disclose damage accurately.
- Back up your data, remove accounts and locks, then factory-reset the device.
- Photograph the phone and its condition before packing it.
- Ship it within the stated deadline and keep the tracking receipt.
- Review the final checkout page, including tax, shipping, financing costs and accessory pricing.
- Check how a return of the new phone affects the trade-in transaction.
What is current in 2026?
The 2023 Fold 5, S23 Ultra and Watch 6 promotion is over. As of August 16, 2026, Samsung’s current flagship phone family is the Galaxy S26 series, and the listed foldable flagship is the Galaxy Z Fold7. Samsung’s launch pricing for the S26 family began at $899.99 for the Galaxy S26, $1,099.99 for the S26+ and $1,299.99 for the S26 Ultra; general availability began March 11, 2026. Samsung’s launch promotion offered up to $900 in eligible instant trade-in credit or $150 without a trade-in. Details are in Samsung’s S26 announcement.
Current offers can include the S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and older models, but Samsung says promotional eligibility and values change. Check the live U.S. offers page rather than relying on the 2023 figures.
Alternatives to Samsung’s direct promotion
- Carrier financing: May provide larger total credits, but often requires a qualifying plan, port-in, installment term or minimum service period.
- Retailers: May substitute gift cards, price matching or financing for Samsung’s instant trade-in credit.
- Private sale: Can maximize proceeds but adds effort, shipping and transaction risk.
- Previous-generation phones: Often lower the cash price if you do not need the newest processor or cameras.
Bottom line for shoppers
The historical deal was potentially strong for someone holding a highly valued qualifying trade-in and wanting a Fold 5, but the headline overstated its universality. Treat “up to $1,000” as a ceiling, value the storage and accessory incentives separately, and compare the final Samsung checkout total with a private sale and current carrier or retailer offers. Do not present the 2023 promotion as available today.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
