Target: Trade old iPhone for cheaper iPhone 4S

Target is offering trade-in credit for iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS phones when you pre-order the iPhone 4S from Target stores.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.

See full bio

Jessica Dolcourt

Oct. 7, 2011 12:51 p.m. PT

If you're pre-ordering an iPhone 4S today, Target wants you to head to one of its 1,490 Target Mobile centers within a Target retail store to do so. Especially if you're trading up from an earlier iPhone model.

Related stories
• <="" a="" rel="follow" target="_self">iPhone 4S: Which is the best carrier?
• iPhone 4S First Take
• Apple's iPod lineup (2011)

Bring in your (fully functioning) iPhone 4 for up to $200 credit, or your iPhone 3GS for up to $120 credit, and walk out with a chit for a new iPhone 4S.

There is one catch, though. You'll spend less on your new iPhone 4S in a roundabout way, by walking away with a Target gift card that you can spend on the new phone when you pick it up October 14. Although you can bring your phone in on October 14, Target is giving pre-order customers priority for the trade-in value, and isn't guaranteeting it to sales-day walk-ins.

The competition for sales is even fiercer in this iPhone round, with not two, but three carriers vying to win your contract, and distributors like Target elbowing to win your dollars. Target will set you up with any of the three iPhone 4S carriers.

The iPhone 4S goes on pre-order today and goes on sale Friday, October 14.

Article updated Friday at 2 pm PT with more details.

Mobile Guides

Phones

Foldable Phones

Headphones

Mobile Accessories

Smartwatches

Wireless Plans

Mobile coupons