UAE smartphones: Should you trade-in your phone for a new one? Experts weigh in

Yet as tech giants tempt us with shiny new models and attractive trade-in deals each year, many hand over their data-rich devices without a second thought.

However, before you trade up for the latest flagship phone, here is what you need to know about protecting the sensitive information living in your pocket, according to UAE experts.

Conduct a security wipe

“Ultimately, the biggest factor is how well you sanitise your phone before handing it over,” Ivan Milenkovic, Vice President of Cyber Risk Technology, EMEA at Qualys told Arabian Business.

“Security-wise, as long as you properly wipe the phone, there shouldn’t be a significant difference. A thorough factory reset on a modern, encrypted phone is usually effective, regardless of who ends up with the device,” he added.

For iPhone users, the process requires several steps: back up your data to iCloud or iTunes/Finder, sign out of your Apple ID (which de-registers the device and disables Find My iPhone), unpair any connected devices like Apple Watches, and perform a factory reset through Settings.

Android users face a slightly more complex procedure: back up data, remove Google accounts, disable all locks (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, face unlock), ensure encryption is enabled, and perform a factory reset.

“Most modern smartphones use full-disk encryption by default. Once you trigger a factory reset, the encryption key is destroyed, making the data unreadable (even if someone tries advanced recovery techniques),” he added.

However, there could be hidden data

Some data can stick around even after a factory reset, Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor at BeyondTrust, said identifying several key concerns.

“On modern phones, end users should be particularly careful about eSIM data, which needs to be deleted during the reset process, physical SIM cards that must be removed, and SD cards, especially in Android devices.”

“If Quick Erase is used on some Android devices, the file system can still be recovered using commercial tools and file recovery solutions. It is always recommended to do a full format on Android. iOS does not have this issue,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, Alexander Ivanyuk, Technology Director at Acronis, said that traces of personal data can remain in unencrypted storage, suggesting that overwriting storage or using a secure erasure tool provides extra protection.

Trade-in vs. Private sale: Is my personal info safer if I sell my phone myself instead of trading it in?

When it comes to choosing between trading in your device or selling it privately, experts have mixed views.

“Both methods [trade-in or private sale] pose risks if the phone isn’t wiped correctly. Selling privately increases the risk if you’re unfamiliar with the buyer,” Ivanyuk said, adding that once a customer trades in a phone, it usually becomes “refurbished for resale, recycled, or disposed of responsibly, depending on its condition.”

“Selling to a legitimate company will help ensure best practices are followed for secure erase, diagnostics, etc.,” Haber said, revealing that manufacturers typically don’t handle trade-ins themselves but contract with third-party vendors for testing and refurbishment.
Milenkovic, however, added that security-wise, there’s little difference between trade-in and private sale if proper wiping procedures are followed.

“Reputable trade-in programs often have secure processes, with devices refurbished or recycled in bulk. For a private sale, if you’ve done a complete wipe, you’re still secure, but you have no control over how the buyer handles the phone afterward,” he explains.

So, how can I make a safe decision?

Before handing over your device, experts recommend several verification steps.

“When you power up the device, does it welcome you with the factory reset home screen for initial setup? [This step] assures the operating system has been erased. If you continue the setup yourself, the device should FAIL because there is no SIM (or eSIM) assigned and external memory cards are not present,” Haber said.

Moreover, documentation is crucial, all experts emphasised. This includes keeping receipts or confirmation emails showing the device’s IMEI number and transfer of ownership. This paperwork helps avoid future disputes about device responsibility.

If concerned about potential data leaks after trade-in, users should watch for several warning signs. “Any PII (personally identifiable information) would be contacted or compromised,” Haber explained, adding that this is inclusive of “SIM jacking of your phone number, a compromise of email accounts, or even individuals being called based on being in your address book.”

Should I trade-in my phone for a new one in UAE?

“When possible, I always recommend secure erasing an older device, charging to capacity, and NOT trading it in. Why? Having a backup device if your new device is stolen, lost, or broken occurs. I personally like to have one backup device for my entire family,” Haber advised.

However, all experts advised on taking some final crucial steps such as double-checking if features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device are disabled, log out of all services including streaming and social media accounts, and remove the device from online device lists. For those handling sensitive corporate data, professional data erasure services are available.

“When selling or trading in, prioritise wiping your phone thoroughly. Also, consider encrypting it before resetting it for an added layer of protection,” Ivanyuk, said, adding that while detection of data leaks can be difficult, thorough wiping significantly reduces risks.

“Do NOT simply dispose of the device in a landfill. If the offered trade-in value is not significant, would you keep the device as a back-up or even in active use for some specific services such as Multi Factor Authentication,” Qualys’ Milenkovic concluded.