Phone Depreciation: The Best Time to Sell Your Phone (Data-Backed)

Your phone is a depreciating asset. From the moment you take it out of the box, it's losing value. But the rate of depreciation isn't constant—there are predictable windows where you'll get significantly more (or less) for your device.

Understanding this curve is the difference between getting $600 for your phone and getting $350.

The Depreciation Curve

Based on thousands of transactions we've processed, here's what the typical depreciation curve looks like:

Months 1-3: The Honeymoon Period

Your phone retains 85-95% of its retail value. Very few people sell during this window unless they got the wrong model or are flipping for profit.

Months 3-8: Gradual Decline

Value drops to roughly 70-80% of retail. The phone is still recent enough to command a strong price, and supply of used models is still limited.

Months 8-12: The Sweet Spot to Sell

At 60-70% of retail value, this is often the optimal selling window. You've gotten solid use from the phone, and the next generation hasn't been announced yet. Sell here for the best balance of usage time vs. return.

Months 12-18: Post-Successor Launch

Once the next generation launches, expect a sharp 15-25% drop within weeks. Your phone goes from "current" to "last year's model" overnight.

Months 18-24+: Accelerating Decline

Values drop to 30-50% of original retail and continue declining. Software support limitations start affecting desirability.

iPhone vs. Android Depreciation

iPhones depreciate slower than Android phones. A year-old iPhone typically retains 60-70% of its value, while a year-old Android flagship retains 45-55%. This is driven by:

• Longer software support timelines (Apple supports devices for 6-7 years)
• Stronger brand loyalty and demand in the used market
• Fewer models creating concentrated demand

The #1 Timing Mistake

The biggest mistake we see: waiting until the new model is announced to sell your old one. By that point, everyone else is selling too, flooding the market and driving prices down. The smart move is to sell before the announcement, when supply is low and demand for used models is stable.

Seasonal Patterns

In addition to product cycles, there are seasonal patterns:

• January-February: Post-holiday lull, slightly lower prices
• March-June: Strong market, people upgrading ahead of summer
• July-August: Pre-launch selling window (best prices for iPhones)
• September-October: Post-launch dip as new models arrive
• November-December: Holiday demand pushes used prices up slightly

The Bottom Line

If you're reading this and thinking "I should sell my phone," you're probably right—and waiting will only cost you money. The best time to sell is before you think you need to.

Get your phone's current value →

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