Why Your Old iPhone Could Still Be Worth More Than a New Android

When it comes to resale value, most people assume their phone will lose its worth almost immediately after purchase. Compared with other consumer tech, especially Android smartphones and laptops, iPhones actually retain value much longer.

At Swappie, our own data shows that iPhones keep up to 75% of their value after the first year. That means your device is still worth much more than you might expect, even after months of daily use.

iPhones vs. Android: Who Holds Value Better?

Independent market data supports the same trend over the long term. According to BankMyCell, after four years iPhones still retain about 52.5% of their value, while flagship Androids drop to 21.1%, and budget Androids to just 12.2%.

The takeaway: iPhones hold their value significantly longer than competing devices, giving owners more back when it’s time to resell.

Why depreciation matters

This strong resale performance has two important takeaways:

• For current users: If you’re thinking of upgrading, your iPhone is likely to fetch more than you expected. Selling sooner ensures you capture as much of its value as possible.
  
• For new buyers: Choosing an iPhone is about knowing that your device won’t become worthless after a year. Compared with other devices, iPhones keep their value for much longer.

Why iPhones hold their value for longer

iPhones retain more value than most tech for three main reasons:

• Long software support: iPhones get around 6–8 years of updates, keeping them secure and relevant far longer than most devices (see our update story).
• Durable design: High-quality build and performance mean older models still feel reliable years later.
• Consistent demand: Strong brand perception and active resale markets keep prices higher.

Swappie’s own data confirms it: iPhones retain up to 75% of their value after one year—far better than Androids or laptops.

Check your iPhone’s value on Swappie

1. Get an instant online valuation by answering a few quick questions about your iPhone.
2. Ship your phone for free with a prepaid label.
3. Receive your payment directly in your bank account.

Whether you’re planning an upgrade or simply have an unused phone in a drawer, it’s worth checking how much you can get for it today. Head to our sell page and see what your iPhone is really worth.

Disclaimer

1. Resale values are estimates only and vary by model, storage size, condition, and market.
2. Swappie’s data shows iPhones retain up to 75% of their value after one year (based on our resale and trade-in records).
3. Four-year figures from BankMyCell (global trade-in averages), included for long-term context.
4. Actual results may differ; historical depreciation rates do not guarantee future performance.