iPhone Resale Value Declines Faster Than Samsung Galaxy S Series: Is the Trend Shifting?

For years, iPhones have been known for holding their resale value better than Android phones. However, this trend appears to be shifting, particularly since the release of the iPhone 12. While iPhones still retain their value better than Android devices overall, recent surveys suggest that iPhone depreciation is occurring at a faster rate than Samsung Galaxy S series phones. This shift in depreciation rates could have significant implications for consumers and the smartphone market as a whole.

Why is iPhone Depreciation Increasing?

The increasing depreciation rates for iPhones can be attributed to several factors. One contributing factor is the lack of compelling new features in recent iPhone generations. Phone Arena suggests that users may not perceive enough significant upgrades to justify the high price tags of newer iPhones, leading to reduced demand and consequently, lower resale values. Another factor is the increasing competition in the smartphone market. Samsung has consistently released Galaxy S series phones with impressive features, including long-term software update support, which contributes to the stability of their device prices.

How is Samsung Galaxy S Series Depreciation Trending?

In contrast to the increasing depreciation rates for iPhones, the depreciation rates for the Samsung Galaxy S Series have shown a trend of stability. SellCell's survey suggests that each Galaxy S model experiences a gentler depreciation curve compared to iPhones, indicating a more consistent price retention over time. This stability can be attributed to Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates, which keeps Galaxy S devices relevant and functional for longer periods. Furthermore, the consistent introduction of innovative features in the Galaxy S series has contributed to its sustained demand and resale value.

Data and Insights from SellCell's Survey

SellCell's survey provides concrete data on the depreciation rates of both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S series phones. The survey analyzed trade-in prices from over 40 trusted vendors, covering iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series to the iPhone 16 series. The survey revealed that the average depreciation rate for older iPhone models compared to newer ones is steadily increasing. For example, the average depreciation for the iPhone 15 six months after its release was 36.5%, which is higher than the 37.4% depreciation for the iPhone 14 and the 28.4% depreciation for the iPhone 13.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S Series has seen its average depreciation rate decrease. The average depreciation for the Samsung S24 series six months after its release was 50.4%, which is lower than the 54.1% depreciation for the Samsung S23 series and the 54.4% depreciation for the Samsung S22 series. This suggests that the prices of Galaxy S phones are becoming more stable over time.

The Future of Smartphone Depreciation

While Apple still has lower average depreciation rates overall, Samsung's depreciation rates are decreasing. If this trend continues, the gap between iPhone and Samsung phone depreciation will narrow, potentially becoming equal over time. It remains to be seen whether Samsung can fully close the gap in resale value with Apple, but the latest trends suggest that the future of smartphone depreciation might favor Samsung in the long run.

The changing landscape of smartphone depreciation highlights the importance of considering resale value when purchasing a new device. As the market evolves, consumers may find it increasingly advantageous to consider Samsung Galaxy S series phones, which offer a combination of strong performance, innovative features, and a more stable resale value. Ultimately, the future of smartphone depreciation will likely be shaped by factors such as innovation, software support, and market competition.