iPhone Resale Value Outperforms Samsung Galaxy in Global Secondhand Market

A new market analysis confirms iPhones hold their value significantly better than Samsung Galaxy phones. Apple devices consistently command higher prices in the resale market. This trend accelerated in the first half of 2025.

According to Counterpoint Research, the secondary smartphone market grew only 3% year-over-year. Yet, Apple’s used phone sales surged ahead, far outpacing its main rival.

Apple Sees Double-Digit Growth in Key Markets

Apple’s global used phone sales jumped 7% in the first half of 2025. The growth was even stronger in developed markets. There, Apple saw a 12% year-over-year increase.

Samsung managed only a 4% global increase during the same period. This performance gap highlights Apple’s enduring brand power. The iPhone 13 and 14 series remain in particularly high demand on the secondhand market.

Apple’s robust trade-in ecosystem in the United States drives this success. One in three iPhone owners trades in or sells their old device when upgrading. This creates a consistent and high-quality supply of used iPhones.

Samsung Struggles with Supply and Value Retention

Samsung faces a dual challenge in the pre-owned segment. The company struggles with both supply consistency and value retention. Despite offering competitive trade-in deals, it hasn’t matched Apple’s ecosystem scale.

Premium Galaxy devices historically lose value faster than comparable iPhones. This price gap persists even for phones from the same release year. The pattern holds true across both developed and emerging markets.

This resale value advantage influences consumer purchasing decisions. Many buyers consider long-term device cost, not just the initial price. Apple’s stronger value retention makes iPhones a more appealing investment for cost-conscious shoppers.

The consistent outperformance of iPhone resale value reinforces Apple’s brand premium and ecosystem strength. This financial advantage continues to shape consumer behavior in the global smartphone market.

Thought you’d like to know

Which iPhone model holds its value the best?

Recent models like the iPhone 13 and 14 series show the strongest value retention. They remain highly sought after in the secondhand market. Their performance and feature set continue to meet user needs effectively.

Do all Samsung phones lose value quickly?

Premium Galaxy S and Z series models depreciate faster than iPhones. However, they still outperform many other Android brands. The value gap is most pronounced in the first two years of ownership.

Why do iPhones retain value better?

Several factors drive this phenomenon. Apple’s strong brand loyalty, longer software support, and robust trade-in program all contribute. The consistent user experience across generations also plays a key role.

How does this affect new phone buyers?

Better resale value lowers the total cost of owning an iPhone. Buyers can recover more money when upgrading to a new device. This makes premium iPhones more affordable over the long term.

Is the resale gap growing or shrinking?

Current data suggests the gap is holding steady. Apple maintains its advantage while Samsung shows modest improvements. The overall dynamic between the two brands remains consistent in secondary markets.