In today's fast-paced tech landscape, the value of smartphones depreciates rapidly—much like how a new car loses value the moment it leaves the lot. The Annual Phone Depreciation Report 2023 sheds light on how well popular smartphones from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Huawei retain their value over a three-year period. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for consumers looking to make informed decisions about their next device purchase or trade-in.
Apple iPhones continue to lead the market when it comes to holding their value. According to MusicMagpie’s trade-in data, Apple iPhones lose an average of 46% of their value within the first 12 months after launch. By the end of a standard 24-month contract, this figure increases to 64%. While these numbers might seem significant, they highlight that Apple iPhones are a relatively solid investment, particularly for those who plan to trade in their devices regularly.
For those looking to grow their reselling business, understanding how iPhones retain their value can be a crucial part of your strategy. Explore more about how to expand your business in our blog post on Levels: How to Grow Your Reselling Business.
In contrast, Samsung phones experience more significant depreciation. Within 12 months of release, Samsung devices lose around 68% of their value, climbing to 77% after two years. OnePlus and Google phones fare even worse, with depreciation rates of 77% and 82%, respectively, over a 24-month period. Huawei phones, unfortunately, perform the worst, losing a staggering 88% of their value within the same timeframe.
Interestingly, higher-priced smartphones tend to retain their value better than cheaper models. For instance, Apple iPhones priced over $700 generally perform better in the resale market. The Apple iPhone 12 Pro, for example, lost just 32% of its value within the first six months—a stark contrast to the OnePlus 7, which lost 60% in the same period. However, not all premium devices are immune to steep depreciation. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, despite its high price tag, lost 73% of its value within just six months, underscoring that even expensive phones can rapidly decline in value.
Learn more about delivering and managing high-value phones in our guide on Logistics: How to Deliver Wholesale Phones.
Apple iPhones dominate the list of best-performing phones in terms of value retention. The iPhone 11 holds the top spot, losing only 38% of its value in the first year. Close behind are the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7, which lost 41% and 43% of their value, respectively. Among non-Apple phones, the OnePlus 7T and Samsung Galaxy Note 10 5G+ performed the best, with depreciation rates of 54% and 55% in the first year.
On the other end of the spectrum, Samsung’s Flip and Fold series fared poorly. The Galaxy Z Flip 5G was the worst performer, losing 84% of its value within the first year. Google’s Pixel 3a XL and the original Galaxy Z Flip were also among the worst, losing 81% and 83% of their value, respectively.
To maximize the value of a device, timing is crucial. The launch of new models—especially Apple iPhones—often leads to a sharp decline in the value of older models. For instance, the Apple iPhone XS saw a 19% drop in value within a month of the iPhone 11’s release, culminating in a total loss of 30% after three months. Trading in a phone as soon as possible after its release generally yields a higher return, although this is not typical behavior for most customers.
At R3UP, we emphasize the importance of timing when trading in your device to ensure you get the most value. Our platform is designed to help users stay informed about market trends, allowing them to make strategic decisions about when to trade in their phones. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, staying ahead of depreciation trends can make a significant difference in the return on your investment. Join us today to explore how R3UP can help you maximize your trade-in value.
Additionally, our article on The Mission: How to Combat E-Waste with R3UP provides insight into how trading in your phone can contribute to a sustainable future.
Which brand holds its value the best according to the report?
Apple iPhones hold their value the best, with an average depreciation of 46% within the first year.
How do Samsung phones compare in terms of value retention?
Samsung phones depreciate more quickly, losing around 68% of their value within the first 12 months.
Why is timing important for trading in a phone?
The value of smartphones often drops significantly following the release of newer models, so trading in a phone soon after its release can maximize the return.
Where can I learn more about reselling strategies?
For detailed strategies on reselling phones and building a sustainable business, check out The Play: How to Strategize and Fulfill Your Contracts to Build a Sustainable Business.
How can I get started with R3UP?
You can sign up for R3UP to begin maximizing your trade-in values and contributing to a sustainable future.
