Why Your Android Phone Is Worth Less Than You Think

Here's a painful truth Android users don't want to hear: a $1,000 Samsung Galaxy and a $1,000 iPhone don't hold value the same way. Not even close.

After two years, that iPhone is still worth $400-450. The Galaxy? Maybe $250-300.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let's compare flagship phones at the same starting price ($999):

Time Period	iPhone Pro	Samsung Galaxy S	Google Pixel Pro
6 months	$800 (80%)	$650 (65%)	$600 (60%)
1 year	$650 (65%)	$500 (50%)	$450 (45%)
2 years	$450 (45%)	$300 (30%)	$280 (28%)
3 years	$300 (30%)	$180 (18%)	$150 (15%)

That's a $150-200 difference at every milestone. Over a phone's lifetime, iPhone users effectively "lose" $200-400 less than Android users on depreciation alone.

Why the Gap Exists

It's not because iPhones are "better." It's market dynamics:

1. Software Support Longevity

Apple supports iPhones for 5-6 years with iOS updates. A 3-year-old iPhone still runs the latest iOS.

Android phones? Most get 2-3 years of major updates, with Samsung recently extending to 4 years for flagships. But historically, Android phones were "outdated" much faster.

This affects resale because buyers care about future updates.

2. Brand Fragmentation

There's one iPhone maker. There are dozens of Android manufacturers.

When you buy a used iPhone, you know what you're getting. When you buy a used Android, you're choosing between Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and countless others. This fragmentation dilutes demand for any single model.

3. Trade-in Program Strength

Apple's trade-in program is massive and consistent. They actively want your old iPhone because they can refurbish and resell it globally.

Android manufacturers have weaker trade-in ecosystems. Samsung's program is solid but doesn't match Apple's scale. Google's is smaller still.

4. Perceived Premium Status

Like it or not, iPhones carry social cachet in many markets. This drives demand for used iPhones — people want the brand, even if they can't afford new.

The Hidden Cost of Android

Let's do the real math over 4 years:

iPhone User (upgrading every 2 years):

• Year 0: Buy for $1,000
• Year 2: Trade in for $450, buy new for $1,000 (net: $550)
• Year 4: Trade in for $450, buy new for $1,000 (net: $550)
• 4-year cost: $1,100

Android User (upgrading every 2 years):

• Year 0: Buy for $1,000
• Year 2: Trade in for $300, buy new for $1,000 (net: $700)
• Year 4: Trade in for $300, buy new for $1,000 (net: $700)
• 4-year cost: $1,400

That's $300 more for the Android user over 4 years, just in depreciation.

Check your phone's current value: Phone Trade-in Calculator

When Android Makes Sense

This isn't an "Apple good, Android bad" argument. Android can still be the right choice:

If you keep phones 3+ years: The depreciation gap matters less if you're not trading in.

If you buy mid-range: A $400 Android that depreciates to $100 is a $300 loss. A $1,000 iPhone that depreciates to $450 is a $550 loss. Absolute dollars favor cheaper phones.

If you value specific features: Android offers things iPhones don't — customization, sideloading, better file management, more hardware variety.

The Budget Android Trap

Here's where it gets rough: budget Android phones depreciate to near-zero.

A $200 Android phone is worth maybe $30-50 after one year. That's 75-85% depreciation. The market is flooded with cheap used Androids, so supply is endless and prices are rock-bottom.

If you're buying budget Android, don't plan on trade-in value. Plan on using it until it dies.

What Should You Do?

1. Factor depreciation into purchase price. A $999 iPhone that retains $450 has a "true cost" of $549. A $999 Android that retains $300 has a "true cost" of $699.
2. Sell earlier on Android. The depreciation curve is steeper. If you're going to trade in, do it at 12 months, not 24.
3. Consider the Samsung exception. Galaxy S and Z series hold value better than other Androids — closer to 35-40% at 2 years. They're the best Android choice for resale.
4. Don't buy Android for trade-in value. Buy it for the features you want, and treat the resale as a bonus.

See exactly what your phone is worth: Phone Trade-in Calculator