The Resale Reality
If you've ever wondered whether you should buy iPhone or Android partly based on future resale value, this post is for you. The data is pretty clear — and it consistently favors iPhone.
Resale Value at 1 Year
| Phone | Original Price | Cash Value After 1 Year | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $1,199 | ~$750 | ~63% |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299 | ~$600 | ~46% |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | $999 | ~$380 | ~38% |
| OnePlus 12 | $699 | ~$200 | ~29% |
Why iPhones Hold Value Better
1. Software support. Apple supports iPhones for 5–6 years. Android flagships often get 3–4 years of updates. Longer support = longer relevance = higher resale value.
2. Ecosystem lock-in. iPhone buyers are often loyal to iOS. There's always a buyer for a used iPhone because the potential buyer pool is huge.
3. Brand trust. Apple has built a reputation for reliability that premium Android brands haven't fully matched in the used market. Buyers pay a premium for that perceived reliability.
Samsung Is Catching Up
Samsung Galaxy S-series phones now get 7 years of Android updates, which is pushing their resale value up. The S25 Ultra is holding value better than previous Samsung flagships. If you're Android, Samsung is your best bet for future resale.
Bottom Line
If maximizing the cash you can get in 1–2 years matters to you, iPhone is the safer bet. But both iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones have real cash value at CashForPhonesAZ — and we'll make you an offer on both.
Use our calculator to see exactly what your phone is worth today.