Phone Depreciation: How Fast Do Phones Lose Value?

Your phone starts losing value the moment you open the box. But how fast does it really depreciate? And does it matter whether you own an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel? At Cash My Tech, we track thousands of phone trade-in values across the UK market, and the data tells a clear story. Here's everything you need to know about phone depreciation in 2026.

The Depreciation Curve: What the Data Shows

Phone depreciation doesn't happen gradually. It follows a predictable curve with steep drops at certain points and plateaus at others. Here's the typical pattern for a flagship smartphone:

Year-by-Year Breakdown

• Day 1 (unboxing): Immediate 10-15% loss. The moment you open the box, your phone becomes "used" and loses a chunk of its value.
• 0-6 months: Total depreciation of 20-30%. The steepest decline happens in the first half-year as the novelty wears off and supply of used units grows.
• 6-12 months: Total depreciation of 35-45%. By the one-year mark, most flagships have lost around 40% of their value. The new model launch (if it falls in this window) accelerates the decline.
• 12-24 months: Total depreciation of 50-65%. Your phone is now "last generation", and the next model has been released. Values drop steadily.
• 24-36 months: Total depreciation of 65-80%. By this point, your phone is two generations behind. It still has functional value but limited resale appeal.
• 36+ months: Total depreciation of 75-90%. Values plateau at a floor price, largely driven by component value rather than market demand.

Brand-by-Brand Comparison

Not all phones depreciate at the same rate. Brand matters enormously.

Apple iPhone

iPhones are the gold standard for value retention in the UK market. Key stats:

• After 1 year: Retains 55-65% of original value
• After 2 years: Retains 35-45% of original value
• After 3 years: Retains 20-30% of original value
• Best performer: iPhone Pro Max models (highest retention across all periods)
• Worst performer: iPhone Mini models (lower demand drives faster depreciation)

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung flagships depreciate faster than iPhones but hold up better than most Android brands:

• After 1 year: Retains 40-50% of original value
• After 2 years: Retains 25-35% of original value
• After 3 years: Retains 15-22% of original value
• Best performer: Galaxy S Ultra models (S Pen and premium build hold value)
• Worst performer: Galaxy A series (budget positioning means lower resale starting point)

Google Pixel

Pixels have the steepest depreciation among the three major brands, though the Pixel Pro models fare better:

• After 1 year: Retains 35-45% of original value
• After 2 years: Retains 20-30% of original value
• After 3 years: Retains 12-20% of original value
• Best performer: Pixel Pro models (camera reputation sustains demand)
• Worst performer: Pixel A series (budget line depreciates most steeply)

What Drives Depreciation?

Several factors accelerate or slow down phone depreciation:

1. New Model Launches

This is the single biggest driver. When Apple announces the next iPhone, every existing iPhone drops in value almost overnight. The same applies to Samsung's Galaxy S series and Google's Pixel line. The closer your phone is to the outgoing model, the bigger the impact.

2. Condition

A phone in pristine condition (no scratches, perfect screen, strong battery health) can be worth 30-50% more than the same model in poor condition. Investing £20 in a good case and screen protector can save you £100+ in resale value.

3. Storage Capacity

Higher storage models depreciate more slowly in percentage terms, though they start at a higher price point. A 256GB model typically retains 3-5% more of its value than a 128GB model after one year.

4. Network Lock Status

Locked phones sell for 10-15% less than unlocked equivalents. Always unlock your phone before selling.

5. Market Supply and Demand

Popular models with high demand (iPhone Pro, Samsung Ultra) hold value better simply because more people want them. Niche or unpopular models suffer from lower demand and faster depreciation.

How to Minimise Depreciation and Maximise Value

1. Sell early: The biggest drops happen in the first year. If you're going to sell, do it sooner rather than later.
2. Sell before launch season: Time your sale 4-8 weeks before the next model is announced. Check our Best Time to Sell guide for specific dates.
3. Protect your phone: Use a case and screen protector from day one. Battery health above 85% commands a premium.
4. Keep the box and accessories: Original packaging adds 5-10% to resale value.
5. Unlock your device: Contact your network to unlock for free if you're out of contract.
6. Choose the right buyback service: Cash My Tech offers transparent pricing, free postage, and quick payment for iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and Google Pixels.

Real-World Example: iPhone 15 Pro Depreciation Timeline

Here's how the iPhone 15 Pro (128GB, unlocked, good condition) has depreciated since launch:

• September 2023 (launch): £999 RRP
• December 2023 (3 months): £780 (22% loss)
• March 2024 (6 months): £680 (32% loss)
• September 2024 (iPhone 16 launch): £520 (48% loss)
• March 2025 (18 months): £420 (58% loss)
• September 2025 (iPhone 17 launch): £310 (69% loss)
• March 2026 (30 months): £250 (75% loss)

The pattern is clear: the two steepest drops coincide with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 launches.

Conclusion: Time is Money

Phone depreciation is inevitable, but it's predictable. iPhones hold their value best, followed by Samsung Galaxy, then Google Pixel. Regardless of brand, the key takeaway is that every month you wait costs you money. If you're thinking about selling, the best time is always now — or just before the next model launches.

Check your phone's current value with a free instant quote from Cash My Tech. No obligation, no hassle — just an honest price for your device.