The resale value of smart TVs varies significantly by brand, age, and original price point, with most models experiencing rapid depreciation within the first two years. Premium brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony generally retain higher resale values compared to budget brands like TCL or Hisense, though all TVs lose 30-50% of their value in the first year and another 20% in the second year ^[6]. For example, a $1,300 TV might resell for around $750 (58% of original price) after one year, while a 13-year-old TV—even in excellent condition—typically fetches just 10-30% of its original $2,000 price ($200–$600) ^[6]. The resale market for TVs under 5 years old remains limited, as even 2023 models lose substantial value once sold ^[4]. Key factors influencing resale value include brand reputation, display technology (OLED vs. LED), and market demand for specific features like 4K or smart capabilities ^[1].

• Depreciation rates: 30-50% loss in year 1, 20% in year 2, with older models dropping to 10-30% of original value ^[6]
• Premium brands (Samsung, LG, Sony): Higher retention than budget brands (TCL, Hisense) ^[3][7]
• Age impact: Even 2023 models lose significant value, with limited resale demand ^[4]
• Condition and features: OLED, 4K, and smart TVs hold slightly better value than standard LED models ^[1][5]

Resale Value by Smart TV Brand

Premium Brands: Samsung, LG, and Sony

Samsung, LG, and Sony dominate the high-end TV market, and their resale values reflect this positioning. Samsung’s leadership in QLED and Mini LED technology, combined with its strong brand recognition, allows its TVs to retain 40-60% of their original value after one year—higher than the industry average ^[3][7]. For instance, the Samsung S95F, praised for its picture quality in 2025 reviews, could resell for approximately $1,200 if originally priced at $2,000 ^[5]. LG’s OLED TVs, particularly the G5 and C4 models, also hold value well due to their superior brightness and contrast, with the C4 often recommended as the "best value" OLED ^[5]. Sony’s premium positioning means its TVs depreciate slightly slower than mid-tier brands, though exact resale figures are less documented in the sources.

Key resale factors for premium brands:

• Samsung: QLED/Mini LED models retain 40-60% of value in year 1; budget models (e.g., DU7200) depreciate faster but still outperform non-premium brands ^[5][8]
• LG: OLED TVs (G5, C4) hold 50-60% of value due to niche demand for high-end display tech ^[5][7]
• Sony: Limited resale data, but premium models depreciate closer to 40% in year 1, aligning with Samsung/LG trends ^[3]
• Market demand: OLED and 4K models resell better than standard LED, even within the same brand ^[1]

Budget Brands: TCL, Hisense, and Vizio

Budget-friendly brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio experience steeper depreciation, often losing 50-70% of their value within the first year ^[6]. TCL’s rapid growth and competitive pricing make its TVs popular for new buyers, but resale values remain low. For example, the TCL QM6K—highlighted as the best TV under $1,000 in 2025—might resell for $300–$400 after a year, representing a 60-70% loss ^[5]. Hisense follows a similar trajectory, with its budget models depreciating quickly due to lower brand prestige and perceived longevity ^[3]. Vizio, once a major player, now faces challenges in resale markets, with its TVs often selling for 30-50% of the original price within two years ^[3].

Key resale factors for budget brands:

• TCL: Best budget performer (QM6K) loses 60-70% of value in year 1; older models may drop to 10-20% of original price ^[5][6]
• Hisense: Similar depreciation to TCL, with limited resale demand outside entry-level buyers ^[3]
• Vizio: Struggles with brand perception; resale values often 30-50% of original price within 2 years ^[3]
• Condition impact: Budget TVs in "like-new" condition may fetch slightly higher percentages (e.g., 40% vs. 30%) but still lag behind premium brands ^[6]