The Short Answer: iPhones Win (But There’s More to the Story)
If you’re deciding between iPhone and Android and resale value matters to you, here’s the reality: iPhones retain significantly more value than Android phones—typically 40-60% of their original price after 2 years, compared to 20-35% for most Android devices.
But before you rush to conclusions, let’s break down exactly why this happens, reveal surprising 2025 market trends, and show you when Android phones can actually be the smarter financial choice.
2025 Market Trends: The Gap Is Narrowing
Recent data from Q1-Q3 2025 shows an interesting shift in smartphone depreciation patterns. While iPhones still dominate resale value retention, premium Android devices—particularly Samsung Galaxy S series and Google Pixel Pro models—have improved their value retention by 5-8% compared to 2024.
What’s Driving This Change?
- Extended Software Support: Samsung and Google now offer 7 years of updates, matching Apple’s support timeline
- Build Quality Improvements: Premium Android devices now use titanium frames and ceramic shields similar to iPhone Pro models
- Brand Trust Growing: Samsung Galaxy S Ultra and Google Pixel Pro lines have established consistent quality reputations
- Supply Chain Shifts: Fewer mid-tier Android models flooding the market means less downward pressure on flagship resale prices
The iPhone Resale Value Advantage
Depreciation By the Numbers:
| Age | iPhone Resale Value | Android Resale Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 70-80% of original | 50-65% of original |
| 1 year | 60-70% of original | 40-50% of original |
| 2 years | 40-60% of original | 20-35% of original |
| 3 years | 30-45% of original | 10-20% of original |
These percentages give you a baseline, but checking your specific phone’s current market value is crucial before selling.
Real-World Example:
iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) – Original Price: $999
- After 1 year: ~$650-700 resale value
- After 2 years: ~$450-550 resale value
- Total depreciation: $450-550 (45-55%)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (256GB) – Original Price: $1,199
- After 1 year: ~$550-650 resale value
- After 2 years: ~$350-450 resale value
- Total depreciation: $750-850 (63-71%)
Why iPhones Maintain Higher Resale Values
1. Software Updates Last Longer
Apple supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5-7 years. Most Android phones get 2-3 years of updates (though Samsung and Google Pixel now promise 5-7 years). Buyers pay more for phones that will stay current longer.
2. Brand Recognition & Trust
The Apple ecosystem is strong. People know what they’re getting with an iPhone, which creates consistent demand in the resale market. This brand loyalty translates directly to higher cash offers when you’re ready to sell.
3. Less Model Fragmentation
Apple releases 3-4 iPhone models per year. Samsung alone releases 20+ models. More supply means lower resale values for each individual Android model.
4. Stronger Build Quality Perception
Whether fair or not, iPhones are perceived as more premium and durable, which translates to higher resale prices even for older models. This perception affects everything from how condition impacts your phone’s value to buyer willingness to pay premium prices.
When Android Makes Financial Sense
Here’s the twist: iPhones lose MORE money in absolute dollars because they cost more upfront.
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison:
Scenario: 2-year ownership, then sell
| Phone | Purchase Price | Resale After 2 Years | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro | $999 | $500 | $499 |
| Samsung S23 Ultra | $1,199 | $400 | $799 |
| Google Pixel 8 | $699 | $280 | $419 |
| OnePlus 12 | $799 | $280 | $519 |
Winner: Google Pixel 8 has the lowest total cost of ownership despite poor resale value percentage.
When to Sell Your Phone for Maximum Value
Timing dramatically affects how much cash you’ll get for your device. Here’s what our data from buying phones in Salt Lake City shows:
Best Times to Sell:
- August-September: Right before new iPhone releases. iPhone values peak as buyers want current models before new releases drop prices.
- January-February: Post-holiday upgrade season. People have cash from holidays and tax refunds.
- Before New Model Announcements: Values drop 10-15% immediately after manufacturer announces new flagship models.
Worst Times to Sell:
- Late September-October: Right after new iPhone releases, older iPhone values drop sharply
- March-April: After Samsung Galaxy S series releases, Android flagship values decline
- November-December: Holiday shopping season means more people buying NEW phones, less demand for used devices
Depreciation Speed by Month:
| Time Period | iPhone Value Loss | Android Value Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1-3 | 10-15% | 20-30% |
| Month 4-6 | 5-8% | 10-15% |
| Month 7-12 | 8-12% | 10-15% |
| Year 2 | 15-20% | 20-30% |
How Phone Condition Affects Resale Value
Condition is the #1 factor that sellers can control. Here’s how condition grades impact what you’ll actually receive:
Condition Impact Comparison:
| Condition | Description | iPhone Value | Android Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Like new, no scratches, perfect screen | 100% of market value | 100% of market value |
| Good | Minor scratches on edges, perfect screen | 85-90% of market value | 75-85% of market value |
| Fair | Visible scratches, minor screen scratches | 65-75% of market value | 50-65% of market value |
| Poor | Cracked screen or back, dents | 40-55% of market value | 25-40% of market value |
Key insight: iPhones tolerate condition issues better than Android phones. A “Fair” condition iPhone retains 65-75% of market value, while the same condition Android phone only retains 50-65%.
Best Android Phones for Resale Value
Not all Android phones depreciate equally. These hold value best:
- Google Pixel (Pro models): 35-45% value retention after 2 years
- Samsung Galaxy S Series (Ultra models): 30-40% value retention
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold/Flip: 25-35% value retention
- OnePlus Pro models: 25-30% value retention
Avoid for resale: Budget Android phones under $400 lose 70-80% of their value in just 1 year.
iPhone Models: Which Hold Value Best?
Within the iPhone lineup, these are your best bets:
- iPhone Pro/Pro Max models: Best resale value (55-65% after 2 years)
- Standard iPhone (non-Pro): Good resale value (45-55% after 2 years)
- iPhone SE: Moderate resale value (35-45% after 2 years)
- iPhone Mini: Lower resale value due to discontinued line (40-50% after 2 years)
Should Resale Value Drive Your Purchase Decision?
Here’s our honest take from buying hundreds of phones in Salt Lake City:
Choose iPhone if:
- You upgrade every 1-2 years and want maximum return
- You buy flagship models ($800+)
- You keep your phone in excellent condition
- You value the Apple ecosystem
Choose Android if:
- You keep your phone 3+ years (depreciation curve flattens)
- You prefer mid-range phones ($400-700)
- You want latest features at lower initial cost
- You prioritize customization and flexibility
When you’re ready to sell, learn how to check your phone’s current trade-in value to get the best price.
Where to Sell: Platform Comparison
Different selling platforms offer varying convenience and payout levels:
Selling Platform Comparison:
- Local Cash Buyers (like us): 85-95% of market value, instant payment, no shipping risk
- Private Sale (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp): 95-100% of market value, but requires time, meeting strangers, and potential scams
- Trade-in Programs (Apple, Samsung): 70-85% of market value, convenient but lower payouts
- Online Buyback Sites (Gazelle, Decluttr): 60-80% of market value, convenient but price drops if condition differs
Selling iPhones vs Android in Salt Lake City
We buy both, but here’s what we see locally:
- iPhones sell faster: Usually within 24-48 hours of listing
- Android phones need more time: 3-7 days on average
- iPhone buyers are less picky: Minor scratches don’t hurt value as much
- Android buyers know their tech: They ask specific questions about specs and condition
FAQ: iPhone vs Android Resale Value
Q: Should I buy an iPhone just for resale value?
A: No. Choose the phone that fits your needs. The “best” financial decision is using a phone you love long enough to maximize value, regardless of brand.
Q: Do carrier-locked iPhones still hold value better than unlocked Android phones?
A: Unlocked iPhones hold value best. Carrier-locked iPhones and unlocked Android flagship phones are roughly comparable in resale value.
Q: What about refurbished iPhones vs new Android phones?
A: A refurbished iPhone that’s 1-2 years old often holds value better than a brand-new mid-range Android phone. The Apple brand carries that much weight.
Q: Why does my Samsung flagship lose value so fast?
A: Samsung releases new flagships twice per year (S series in spring, Fold/Note series in fall), creating constant supply pressure on older models.
Q: Which loses value faster: iPhone Mini or Android flagship?
A: It depends on the Android model, but iPhone Mini (now discontinued) actually holds value quite well compared to most Android flagships, just less than other iPhone models.
Q: Does storage size matter for resale?
A: YES. Higher storage models (256GB+) retain value better on both iPhone and Android because buyers want longevity.
Q: When is the absolute best time to sell my phone?
A: For iPhones: August, right before new releases. For Android: January-February, after holiday season when buyers have cash but before spring flagship releases.
Q: Does AppleCare or Samsung Care affect resale value?
A: Yes, transferable warranties can add 5-10% to resale value, but only if you can transfer them to the buyer.
Ready to Sell Your iPhone or Android?
Whether you’re team iPhone or team Android, we pay competitive cash prices for both. Get your free quote in 60 seconds and we’ll meet you same-day in the Salt Lake Valley.
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