It’s exciting planning for a phone upgrade, asking yourself about things like the storage, the chipset, the brand, or maybe even the camera specs, but here’s something you might not be asking: Which phone will give you the best resale value? why phone prices drop so fast.
Resale value is often overlooked when planning for an upgrade, but in fact, it’s a crucial factor that should be considered because it directly affects how much money you’ll get back when you eventually sell or trade in the device.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at two of the biggest smartphone brands, Samsung & Apple iPhones, and see which is higher the Samsung Galaxy resale value or the iPhone resale value in 2025. Sell your old phone online. at SellMyCellPhone
What Is the Resale Value of iPhones in 2025?
iPhones have a long-standing reputation for retaining value better than most smartphones over the years. But how true is this in 2025?
According to SellCell Research, although the iPhone still holds its value better than Samsung, the lead is continually growing smaller. The data revealed that the iPhone 16 Series is losing its value 5.3% faster than the iPhone 15 and 10.7% faster than the iPhone 13, which was just three generations ago, yet another crack in Apple’s walled garden.
Zooming back in, iPhones resale value in 2025 is still strong, retaining more value than Samsung phones. So, iPhone trade-in value still depreciates slower than Samsung's. This is thanks to Apple’s years of reliable long-term iOS support, higher demand, the fact that they only produce premium devices, high customer loyalty, and many more factors.
So if you’re wondering, ‘Is it the right time to sell my iPhone?’ The data suggests Apple devices still bring in higher resale returns.
Curious how much your latest iPhone is worth? Check the current iPhone 16 Pro Max trade-in value and get an instant cash quote.
Do Samsung Phones Hold Their Value as Well as iPhones?
Now, let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy, especially the Galaxy S Series. Samsung phones have loyal fans and are known for innovations like foldable displays and the S Pen.
But the real question is : with iPhones already showing a dip in value retention, how well does the Samsung Galaxy resale value hold up in 2025?
2025 Depreciation Data:
The Galaxy S25 Series depreciated by 46.6% within five months of launch. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 lost 47.3% in the same time frame a 0.7% year-over-year improvement.
Trend Insight:
While Samsung Galaxy phones still depreciate faster overall, they’re reducing the rate of value loss every year. If this trend continues, Samsung could soon rival iPhone resale value.
In short, when it comes to iPhone vs Samsung resale, Apple still leads but Samsung is closing the gap faster than ever, especially with its latest Galaxy S series.
Why Do iPhones Retain Value Better?
iPhones retain resale value better for a number of reasons, but the three major reasons are:
Longer Software Support:
For the longest time, Apple has reliably provided iOS updates for 5–6 years, much longer than most Android brands could offer. This meant that even an older iPhone like the 5-year-old iPhone 12 would still run the latest iOS, boosting its resale and trade-in value. However, Samsung now offers up to 7 years of updates but since this change is recent, its long-term reliability remains to be seen. Apple iOS software updates duration
High Demand and Brand Loyalty
Apple has built a loyal global community of users who prefer buying iPhones secondhand rather than switching brands. This demand creates stronger resale prices compared to Samsung phones, where the secondhand market is smaller.
Premium Positioning
Unlike Samsung, which makes phones across multiple price ranges, Apple only sells premium iPhones. Because there’s no “budget iPhone,” every model maintains high-end status helping stabilize the iPhone resale value in 2025.
Should You Sell Your Current Phone Now?
From the moment you unboxed your phone, it started losing value daily and the longer you wait, the more money you lose. With new releases like the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25, older phones will soon drop in price significantly.
So if you’re planning to upgrade, now is the best time to trade in. For anyone wondering, “Should I sell my Samsung now or wait?” this is your answer: Sell now while your phone still holds value.
Selling Tips to Maximize Resale Value:
Getting the most money for your old device takes more than just posting it online. Here are a few proven ways to boost your payout whether you want to sell your iPhone or Samsung phone: Trading In Your Phone Safely and Smartly A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Sell Before New Models Launch
Prices drop sharply right after the latest iPhone or Galaxy hits shelves. Selling early helps you lock in top value.
Keep It in Top Condition
Use a protective case and screen protector. Even light scratches can reduce your phone’s resale offer.
Unlock Your Phone
Unlocked phones attract more buyers and always sell for higher prices because they work with any carrier.
Include Accessories
The original box, charger, or even a case can help increase trust and bump up your resale offer.
Where Can You Get the Best Trade-In Offers Online?
Ready to upgrade? Skip the guesswork and sell your phone to SellMyCellPhone.com — the trusted U.S. trade-in platform for fast, secure, and high-value payouts.
- No price haggling
- No scam alerts
- No shipping worries
Enjoy a smooth, hassle-free selling experience that pays you the most for your used phone nationwide.
How to Sell Your Phone on SellMyCellPhone?
- Visit sellmycellphone.com/sell
- Search your device brand and model
- Select your phone details: condition, carrier, and storage
- Get an instant quote and click “Get Paid” to accept
- Follow the simple checkout steps to complete your trade-in
Final Words:
When it comes to resale value in 2025, iPhones still hold the lead retaining more of their worth over time thanks to long software support, premium positioning, and massive global demand. But the gap is narrowing. Samsung has been gaining ground with each new Galaxy release, and if the current trend continues, it may not be long before the Samsung Galaxy resale value rivals the iPhone.
The bottom line: If you want the best resale value smartphone, whether it’s an iPhone or Samsung device, sell your phone online in the U.S. through SellMyCellPhone.com where timing and smart selling tips make all the difference. Whether you’re thinking “how to sell my iPhone” or “how to sell my Samsung,” don’t wait until your device loses more value. Get the best trade-in offers instantly at SellMyCellPhone.com today!
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