iPhones and Android smartphones have a lot in common, especially since iOS 18 introduced a lot of customization. But one big area where the two still differ is resale value, and a new report says Apple phones continue to be better long-term investments than their Android counterparts.
A new study from CIRP (Consumer Intelligence Research Partners) asked new mobile phone buyers what they did with their previous phone. A striking statistic is that 41% of iPhone owners turned their old phone into cash by selling or trading it in, while only 17% of Android smartphone owners did the same.
As CIRP points out, this statistic is influenced by the fact that iPhone owners are more likely to sell their iPhones because they have invested more on average in more expensive phones. Very likely. But other data reveals that discontinued iPhones are typically older than discontinued Android smartphones. Other reports also support the conclusion that iPhones typically hold their value better than their rivals.
For example, 2024 data from resale aggregator SellCell recently revealed that the iPhone 15 series’ price decline is much slower than competing 2023 flagship models from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and more . One notable example is that the iPhone 15 saw an average price drop of 27.4% in the first three months, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 series dropped 43.5% in the first few months.
Of course, not all iPhones are immune to price drops. Another report from SellCell in March revealed that the iPhone SE’s price decline was much higher than other iPhone models. For example, the iPhone SE 3 series appears to have lost about 65% of its value in the first 18 months after release. Surprisingly for SE fans, its value actually decreased by 42.6% in the first month of release.
The flip side of this is that the SE series, and many Android smartphones, can be great value second-hand if you’re willing to wait a little bit. But if you’re buying a new phone and want to get the latest model, the iPhone still appears to be a strong long-term investment. When it’s time to upgrade, you’ll have more options.
Why does the iPhone maintain its value?
There are several different possible explanations for the resilience of used iPhone prices compared to Android. One is that, with the exception of the SE series, iPhones are generally high-end devices compared to the entire Android ecosystem, and that premium feel is reflected in their sale prices.
A related factor is the sheer number of Android models compared to the iPhone. Compared to Apple’s tightly controlled lineup, which currently consists of only five models, the diversity of Android models may dilute its appeal. iPhone discounts are also relatively rare, even during Black Friday, which could also help slow price declines.
But other resale realities also come into play. Resale websites often buy used phones in bulk, and the availability of replacement parts such as screens and batteries, as well as knowledge of how to repair them, is simply broader for iPhones, making them more attractive and affordable on the used market. will rise again. This is especially true for the iPhone Pro series.
Still, resale value isn’t everything. And if you, like the growing number of cell phone buyers, plan to keep your phone for several years, resale value is only a small factor in which phone you buy. And with refurbished phones becoming more popular than ever, bargains on cell phones, whether iOS or Android, are easier to come by than ever.
