Phone Resale Value Trends 2025: Market Analysis

Phone resale values matter more than ever in 2025. Some brands hold their value much better than others, and knowing which ones can save you hundreds of pounds when it's time to upgrade. Here's what the data shows about current trends, which brands perform best, and what you can expect when selling your device.

The 2025 Phone Resale Market

Buyback values are now a major factor in phone buying decisions. Here's how different brands and models perform when it's time to sell.

Overall Market Snapshot

The UK phone resale market has grown 12.3% in 2025, reaching an estimated value of £3.5 billion. Several factors drive this growth:

• Increased consumer awareness of device value retention
• Environmental concerns driving circular economy participation
• Rising new phone prices making buyback credits more valuable
• Improved grading standards creating buyer confidence

Brand Performance Rankings

Not all brands maintain resale value equally. Here's how major manufacturers performed in 2025:

1. Apple (iPhone) - Leader

Average Value Retention: 65-70% after 1 year, 45-50% after 2 years

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Retains 68% of original value after 12 months
• iPhone 16 Pro: Retains 66% of original value
• iPhone 16: Retains 62% of original value
• iPhone 15 series: Now at 45-52% of launch price

Why iPhones Hold Value: Long software support (7+ years), brand prestige, strong demand in secondary market, consistent quality

2. Samsung Galaxy - Strong Performer

Average Value Retention: 50-55% after 1 year, 30-35% after 2 years

• S25 Ultra: Retains 54% after 12 months
• S25+: Retains 51% after 12 months
• Z Fold 6: Retains 48% (foldables depreciate faster)
• S24 series: Now at 35-42% of launch price

Key Factors: Premium build quality, flagship features, but faster depreciation than Apple

3. Google Pixel - Improving

Average Value Retention: 45-50% after 1 year, 25-30% after 2 years

• Pixel 9 Pro: Retains 48% after 12 months
• Pixel 9: Retains 44% after 12 months
• Pixel 8 series: Now at 28-35% of launch price

Trend: Value retention improving as brand recognition grows

4. OnePlus - Moderate

Average Value Retention: 35-40% after 1 year, 20-25% after 2 years

• OnePlus 13: Retains 38% after 12 months
• OnePlus Open: Retains 35% (foldable penalty)

5. Other Brands - Lower

Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, Motorola: 30-35% after 1 year, 15-20% after 2 years

Depreciation Curves: The First Year

Phone depreciation doesn't happen evenly. Here's the typical pattern:

1. Month 0-1: 5-10% drop (immediate post-purchase depreciation)
2. Month 1-3: Additional 10-15% drop
3. Month 3-6: 5-10% further decline
4. Month 6-9: 5-8% drop
5. Month 9-12: 5-8% drop (approaching new model launch)

Total First Year Depreciation

• iPhone: 30-35%
• Samsung Flagship: 45-50%
• Google Pixel: 50-55%
• Mid-range Android: 60-65%

Storage Capacity Impact

Higher storage models maintain value better than base models:

iPhone 16 Example (After 1 Year)

• 128GB: Retains 60% of value
• 256GB: Retains 63% of value
• 512GB: Retains 66% of value
• 1TB: Retains 68% of value

Why? Premium buyers prefer higher storage, creating stronger secondary demand

Condition Grading Impact

Physical condition dramatically affects resale value:

• Grade A (Excellent): 100% of market value
• Grade B (Good): 80% of Grade A price
• Grade C (Fair): 60% of Grade A price
• Grade D (Poor): 40% of Grade A price

Example: iPhone 15 Pro 256GB

• Grade A: £720
• Grade B: £575 (80%)
• Grade C: £430 (60%)
• Grade D: £290 (40%)

Color Preferences and Value

Device color affects resale value more than many realize:

Most Valuable Colors

1. Black/Space Grey/Graphite: +0% (baseline)
2. White/Silver: +0%
3. Natural Titanium/Gold: +2-3%
4. Blue: -2% to +1% (depends on shade)

Least Valuable Colors

• Bright/neon colors: -5% to -8%
• Purple/pink: -3% to -5%
• Limited editions: Variable (sometimes +5%, sometimes -10%)

Market Timing Effects

When you sell matters as much as what you sell:

Best Selling Periods (Higher Prices)

• July-August: Pre-iPhone announcement (best for iPhones)
• March-April: Tax refund season
• November-December: Holiday demand

Worst Selling Periods (Lower Prices)

• September-October: Post-iPhone launch (all phones affected)
• January-February: Post-Samsung launch

Impact: Selling in peak vs. trough can mean 15-20% price difference

The "Sweet Spot" for Selling

Based on depreciation curves and market dynamics, here's when to sell:

For iPhones

• Optimal: Month 11-12 (just before new model)
• Good: Month 6-8
• Acceptable: Month 18-20
• Avoid: Month 13-16 (steepest depreciation period)

For Samsung Flagships

• Optimal: Month 10-11
• Good: Month 5-7
• Acceptable: Month 15-18

Emerging Trends for Late 2025

Several trends are reshaping the resale market:

1. AI Feature Premium

Phones with advanced AI capabilities (iPhone 16+, Pixel 9+, Galaxy S24+) maintain 15-20% better value than non-AI predecessors.

2. Battery Health Focus

Buyers increasingly request battery health data. Phones with 85%+ battery health command 10-15% premiums over those with 75-80%.

3. Repairability Scores

Devices with high repair scores (iPhone, Samsung flagships) depreciating 5% slower than sealed devices.

4. 5G Saturation

4G-only devices now essentially unsellable in premium segment. 5G is minimum requirement.

Regional Variations (UK Specific)

UK market shows unique characteristics:

• iPhone dominance: 52% market share in premium resale (higher than EU average of 48%)
• Contract culture impact: 24-month upgrade cycles create predictable supply waves
• Urban vs. rural: London prices 8-12% higher than UK average
• Brexit effects: Import costs making UK devices more valuable domestically

Predictions for 2026

Based on current trends, expect:

1. Continued Apple Dominance: iPhone value retention will remain 15-20% above nearest competitor
2. AI Premium Expansion: Devices with AI features will command 20-25% premiums
3. Foldable Stabilization: Foldable depreciation curves will improve as market matures
4. Mid-Range Squeeze: £400-600 new phones will depreciate faster (60-70% year 1) due to AI flagship pressure
5. Battery Health Mandatory: Expect battery health disclosure to become industry standard

Actionable Insights for Sellers

Maximize your device's value with these strategies:

1. Sell iPhone in July-August for 20-25% more than September
2. Maintain Grade A condition (worth 40% more than Grade C)
3. Choose neutral colors when buying new (better resale)
4. Opt for higher storage (256GB+ holds value better)
5. Sell before your model becomes N-2 (two generations old)
6. Keep original packaging and accessories (5-10% premium)
7. Maintain battery health above 85% (10-15% premium)

Conclusion

The 2025 phone resale market rewards informed sellers. Understanding depreciation curves, timing sales strategically, and maintaining device condition can mean the difference between getting 70% of your phone's original value versus 40%. As phones become increasingly expensive and environmental awareness grows, the resale market will only become more important to the overall ownership experience.

At Cash My Tech, we see these trends daily across thousands of transactions. Our advice: if you're planning to upgrade, start planning your sale 2-3 months in advance for optimal timing and value.