Motorola Reveals Lackluster Trade-Up Program Details

Motorola Mobility has finally revealed details of the Trade Up Program it promised back in September, giving owners of select smartphones $100 credit towards a new device as a consolation for not receiving any further Android updates.

Yet, it seems users will receive a mail-in rebate of $100, rather than a discount on a new model, and will only receive the credit after returning the older device to Motorola. The so called "Trade Up" plan is Motorola's attempt to hold onto previous customers, whose devices will not be receiving an update to Google's latest operating system, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean).

The manufacturer is only accepting select devices, which include the Droid 3 and droid x2 from Verizon, the Atrix 2 and the Atrix 4G from AT&T, the Admiral and Titanium from Sprint and the Cliq 2 from T-Mobile, among others.

Should users be lucky enough for their handset to make the cut, they must then choose from six specified models for their next smartphone, which include the Atrix HD on AT&T, Verizon's Razr HD, HD Maxx and Razr M, the Electrify 2 or Electrify M from U.S. Cellular, and the Photon Q on Sprint or C Spire. If their choice wasn't restricted enough, users must also go through a drawn-out process to receive their rebate.

Verizon customers can simply bring their old phone to a retail location and get a $100 Verizon Wireless gift card after signing up for an eligible new phone. The gift card then be used to pay bills from the carrier or for purchases at stores or online.

Subscribers on other networks will have to purchase their new handset first, then mail in their used device and proof-of-purchase within 30 days of buying their updated smartphone. After doing so, they should receive a $100 Motorola Visa Prepaid Card in 6-8 weeks, according to the manufacturer.

For a move that is intended to maintain its customer base, Motorola is doing a fine job limiting its loyal supporters in terms of choices. Some might be better off looking towards eBay or Craiglists to sell their old devices, instead of waiting two months for a prepaid card from the company.