Phone Depreciation Calculator
Select a phone to see its value at each year of ownership.
| Year | Estimated Value | % Remaining | Lost |
|---|
How fast do phones depreciate?
Phones lose value quickly: typically 30-40% in the first year and more each year after. iPhones hold value best, Samsung flagships next, and budget Androids depreciate fastest.
Knowing the depreciation curve helps you time a sale or trade-in for maximum return.
FAQs
How fast do phones depreciate?
On average, a smartphone loses 40-60% of its value in the first year. iPhones retain value best (around 50% after one year), Samsung flagships about 45%, and budget Androids can lose over 60% in year one.
When is the best time to sell a phone for maximum value?
Sell within the first 6-12 months of ownership for the best return. After 18 months, depreciation accelerates. Sell just before or shortly after a new model launch — demand for the previous model remains strong.
Why do some phones depreciate faster than others?
Brand perception (Apple > Samsung > others), release frequency, market saturation and whether the model was a top-seller all affect depreciation. Limited-edition or high-demand phones hold value better.
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What actually drives phone depreciation rates
Depreciation isn't uniform across brands: Apple devices historically hold value better in the first 2 years due to longer software support and stronger resale demand, while most Android flagships lose value faster once a successor launches, with budget Android phones depreciating fastest of all.
The steepest single depreciation event is usually the successor's launch date, not a fixed time interval — a phone can hold its value for 11 months, then drop 15% in the week a new model is announced.
Tips
- Sell or trade in just before a new model launches, not after — that's when value drops fastest.
- iPhones and Pixel flagships tend to depreciate slower than equivalent-priced Android alternatives.
- A phone's depreciation curve flattens after about 2 years — the biggest drops happen early.
- Storage tier affects depreciation less than people expect — condition and battery health matter more.
More questions
Which phones hold their value best?
Apple iPhones and Google Pixel flagships tend to depreciate slower than equivalent Android alternatives, partly due to longer software support commitments.
Does depreciation ever slow down?
Yes — the depreciation curve is steepest in the first year, then flattens considerably after 2 years of ownership.