Samsung Galaxy resale value UK: how much is your phone worth in 2026?

Samsung is the world's largest smartphone maker by volume, yet Galaxy phones generally lose value faster than iPhones. That's not a knock on the hardware. It reflects market dynamics: Android resale demand is more fragmented, and Samsung releases new flagship lines every January or February at Unpacked, which immediately softens prices on the generation before. If you're trying to work out how much your Samsung is worth, or deciding when to sell, this guide covers what you need to know.

Do Samsung phones hold their value?

Honestly, less so than Apple. A mid-range iPhone typically retains around 50% of its original retail price after 12 months. A comparable Samsung Galaxy often sits closer to 35-45% over the same period, depending on the model. That gap widens further at the two-year mark.

That said, "Samsung" covers a wide range of phones, and value retention varies considerably by line. The S Ultra and S flagship tier outperform the rest of the Samsung range. Foldables (Z Fold and Z Flip) depreciate faster than you might expect given their price tags, partly because the folding form factor still carries a perception of fragility and the buyer pool is narrower.

For context on how Android compares to Apple more broadly, see our breakdown of iPhone vs Samsung resale value.

What drives Samsung Galaxy resale value?

Model and line tier

The S series flagship and S Ultra hold the most value. The A series (A55, A35 and so on) depreciates faster because original retail prices are lower and the buyer pool is price-sensitive. Z Fold devices start expensive but their resale floor is less predictable.

Storage capacity

Higher storage variants command meaningfully better resale prices. A 512 GB Galaxy S25 Ultra will recover more of its cost than a 256 GB equivalent when you sell. If you bought the higher-storage model, that investment partly pays back at resale time.

Condition and grade

Condition is one of the biggest variables in any buyback quote. A Galaxy S24 with a cracked screen might fetch 40-50% less than a pristine one. Minor cosmetic wear (light scratches on the back or frame) typically results in a lower grade and a corresponding drop in offer price. Some buyback services, including Cash My Tech, will increase your offer if your device arrives in better condition than you described.

Network lock status

Unlocked phones consistently sell for more than network-locked ones. If your Galaxy is still locked to EE, O2, or Vodafone, the resale value drops because the buyer pool shrinks. Many carriers unlock phones after the contract ends, worth checking before you sell.

Galaxy AI and software support

Samsung's 7-year OS update commitment (introduced with the S24 series and continuing through recent flagships) has had a modest positive effect on resale value for those models. Buyers are more willing to pay for a phone that will receive security patches and Android upgrades for years. Samsung's Galaxy AI features, available on S24 and later devices, also help keep recent flagships relevant for longer.

Timing

Samsung announces new S-series phones at Unpacked every January or February. Prices on the outgoing generation drop sharply in the weeks before and after the event. If you want maximum value for an S-series Galaxy, sell before the announcement or at least before reviews of the new model land. Selling a Galaxy S23 in January 2025, the week before S25 was revealed, would have returned noticeably more than selling it in March of the same year.

Estimated value retention by age

The figures below are estimates based on general market patterns. Actual resale prices vary by model, condition, storage, and demand at the time of sale. Use these as a rough guide only.

• 6 months old: S Ultra / S flagship typically retains around 60-70% of retail. Mid-range A series, 45-55%.
• 12 months old: S flagship around 40-55%. A series, 30-40%. Z Fold / Z Flip, 35-50% (wide range due to condition concerns).
• 24 months old: S flagship, 25-38%. A series, 15-25%. Older Z Fold models, 20-35%.
• 36+ months old: Most models below 20% of original retail, though S Ultra models from the S21 and S22 era still attract reasonable demand for their specs.

For more on the mechanics behind these curves, our article on phone depreciation and how fast phones lose value goes deeper into what drives the numbers.

Which Samsung Galaxy models hold value best?

Galaxy S series Ultra

The S Ultra (S21 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, S25 Ultra) consistently holds value better than any other Samsung line. The built-in S Pen, large camera sensor, and positioning as a pro-tier device mean demand stays higher and prices fall more slowly. If you own an S Ultra in good condition, you are in the best position of any Samsung seller.

Galaxy S flagship (non-Ultra)

The standard S25, S24, S23 and their Plus variants hold reasonable value, particularly if unlocked and in excellent condition. They depreciate faster than Ultra models but outperform the A series significantly.

Galaxy A series

Mid-range models like the A55, A54, A35 lose value more quickly. They sell for less to begin with and the resale market is competitive with near-new A-series devices at similar prices. Worth selling promptly rather than holding.

Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip

Despite high original prices, foldables depreciate faster than you might expect. Early-generation Z Folds (Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4) now fetch a fraction of their launch prices. Condition worries around hinges and inner screens suppress buyer confidence. Sell sooner rather than later if you own one.

How to get the most when you sell your Samsung

1. Sell before Unpacked. The January or February Samsung announcement is the single biggest value-killer for current Galaxy phones. Time your sale before the event.
2. Keep the original box and accessories. Some buyback services don't require them, but having original packaging can help if you choose to sell privately.
3. Describe condition accurately. Underselling condition means you set a low anchor. At Cash My Tech, if your device arrives in better shape than described, the offer goes up automatically.
4. Check network lock status. Unlock your phone via your carrier if possible before getting quotes. It makes a real difference to offers.
5. Get an instant quote. Prices move with the market, so a quote today is more accurate than one you looked up last month.

How Cash My Tech works for Samsung sellers

Cash My Tech is a UK postal buyback service. There is no walk-in shop. The process is: get an instant quote on the site, and the price is locked for five days so you have time to decide. If you accept, a free prepaid Royal Mail label is sent to you. Post your Galaxy, and if it arrives before 2pm on a working day, you get a same-day bank transfer once inspection is complete.

Every device goes through a certified data wipe in line with UK GDPR and the WEEE Regulations 2013, so you don't need to worry about personal data. Cash My Tech buys Samsung Galaxy phones in any condition, alongside Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and other brands. The service is rated 4.8/5 from over 1,250 reviews.

To find out what your Samsung is worth right now, head to the sell Samsung Galaxy page for an instant quote, or browse all buyback prices to see what else you could sell.