The resale value of smartphones varies dramatically by brand, model, and market conditions, with Apple consistently leading in value retention while Android brands show more variability. iPhones retain 70-78% of their original price after one year due to Apple’s long-term software support and brand loyalty, while flagship Android models like Samsung Galaxy S series and Google Pixel Pro devices retain 60-70% ^[2][6]. The gap widens for mid-range and older models, where Android phones often depreciate 30-60% within nine months, particularly after new releases ^[4]. Resale strategies must account for brand reputation, device condition, timing relative to new launches, and platform choice—verified sellers like Swappa or eBay yield higher returns than generic trade-ins ^[1][3].

Key findings from the 2025 market:

• Apple dominates resale value, with iPhone 15 Pro Max retaining 78% of its value and even older models like iPhone 14 holding 72% ^[6][9].
• Samsung’s foldables and Ultra series (e.g., Galaxy Z Fold 6, S24 Ultra) perform best among Androids, retaining 65-70% due to niche demand ^[2][6].
• Google Pixel and OnePlus lag slightly, with Pixel 8 Pro at 68% and OnePlus 12 at 64%, but still outperform budget brands ^[6][7].
• Physical condition and accessories (original packaging, battery health) can swing resale prices by 20-30% ^[3][7].

Resale Value Strategies by Brand and Model

Apple’s Resale Dominance: Why iPhones Retain 15-25% More Value Than Androids

Apple’s ecosystem and software support create a resale advantage unmatched by competitors. iPhones retain 15-25% more trade-in value than Samsung or Google Pixel devices, with models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max holding 78% of their original price after a year—nearly double the retention rate of some Android flagships ^[6][10]. This disparity stems from four key factors:

• Long-term software updates: Apple supports iPhones for 5-7 years, while most Android brands offer 3-4 years, making older iPhones more desirable in secondary markets ^[2][10].
• Brand loyalty and global demand: iPhones resell for 49.87% of the used market share compared to Samsung’s 30.52%, with particularly high demand in regions like the UAE and Oman ^[5][9].
• Slower depreciation curves: The iPhone 13 series retains ~70% of its value even after newer models launch, while Samsung’s Galaxy S9 lost 60% within nine months of release ^[4][9].
• Refurbished market resilience: Used iPhones drop only 8.3-15.4% in price when refurbished, versus 30% for Samsung flagships and even steeper declines for Google Pixels ^[8].

Timing is critical: iPhones see sharpest depreciation immediately after new releases, so selling a year-old model just before the next launch (e.g., iPhone 16 in September 2025) maximizes returns ^[4]. Platforms like Swappa or Facebook Marketplace yield 10-15% higher payouts than carrier trade-ins, especially for devices in “like-new” condition with original boxes ^[1][6].

Android Resale Hierarchy: Samsung Leads, Google and OnePlus Lag

While no Android brand matches Apple’s retention rates, Samsung’s Ultra and foldable series come closest, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra retaining 70% and Z Fold 6 holding 65% of their value after a year ^[2][6]. However, the Android resale landscape is fragmented, with dramatic drops for mid-range and older models. Key patterns:

• Samsung’s tiered performance:
• Ultra and foldable models (S24 Ultra, Z Flip 5) retain 65-70% due to limited supply and high demand for premium features ^[1][6].
• Standard flagships (Galaxy S23) hold 55-60%, but depreciate 20% faster than iPhones in the same timeframe ^[4].
• Budget/mid-range models (Galaxy A series) lose 50-60% within a year, making them poor resale investments ^[7].
• Google Pixel’s niche appeal:
• Pixel 8 Pro retains 68%, but older models (Pixel 6) drop to 40-50% within 18 months due to shorter software support ^[6][7].
• Camera-focused demand helps Pixels resell better than most Androids, but only in “excellent” condition ^[3].
• OnePlus’s declining edge:
• OnePlus 12 retains 64%, but the brand’s resale value has slipped as it shifts from “flagship killer” to premium pricing ^[1][7].
• Older models (OnePlus 9) now retain <50%, similar to mid-tier Samsung devices ^[4].

Critical resale killers for Androids:

• Battery health below 85% reduces value by 30-40% ^[3].
• Lack of original accessories (charger, box) cuts resale prices by 15-20% ^[1].
• Selling on generic platforms (e.g., Craigslist) yields 25% less than specialized sites like Swappa ^[6].