iPhone Depreciation Rates Increasing, Samsung Galaxy S Series Holding Steady

For years, iPhones have been known for holding their resale value better than Android phones. But this trend seems 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 happening faster than Samsung Galaxy S series phones.

iPhone Depreciation Rates:

According to a survey by SellCell, a US marketplace for trading used phones, the average depreciation rate for older iPhone models compared to newer ones is steadily increasing. This means that the prices of new iPhone generations are dropping faster than before.

For example, the average depreciation for the iPhone 15 six months after its release was 36.5%. This is higher than the 37.4% depreciation for the iPhone 14 and the 28.4% depreciation for the iPhone 13.

Samsung Galaxy S Series Depreciation:

This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy S Series, which has seen its average depreciation rate decrease. This suggests that the prices of Galaxy S phones are becoming more stable.

For example, the average depreciation for the Samsung S24 series six months after its release was 50.4%. This is lower than the 54.1% depreciation for the Samsung S23 series and the 54.4% depreciation for the Samsung S22 series.

SellCell gathered this data by analyzing trade-in prices for iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series to the iPhone 16 series from over 40 trusted vendors.

iPhone 16 Depreciation Rates:

The iPhone 16 series is depreciating faster than both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14, especially in the first two weeks after release.

During this period, the iPhone 16 saw an average depreciation of around 41% from its initial price. This translates to an average price drop of $467.46 for all models.

This figure is lower than the average depreciation for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 series, which both dropped around 33% during the same period.

The iPhone 15 series saw an average price drop of $389, while the iPhone 14 series experienced a $369.93 drop from its initial price.

iPhone Depreciation Trend:

SellCell has also observed a trend of increasing depreciation since the release of the iPhone 12 in 2020. Every new iPhone model since then has seen an increase in depreciation, especially after a year of being released.

For instance, the iPhone 15 experienced a 48% depreciation after 12 months, compared to its original price. This is a 0.5% increase compared to the iPhone 14.

The iPhone 13, on the other hand, saw an average resale value drop of 46% after 12 months, a 2.4% increase compared to the iPhone 12.

In short, the price drop for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 is greater than that of their predecessors.

Samsung Galaxy S Series Depreciation:

In contrast, the depreciation rates for the Samsung Galaxy S Series, specifically the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 series, have been more stable.

SellCell's survey suggests that each Galaxy S model experiences a gentler depreciation curve compared to iPhones.

While the Galaxy S22 experienced a high depreciation rate of 68% after 12 months, the Galaxy S23 managed to correct this trend with a 61.1% average depreciation rate.

The Galaxy S24, being less than nine months old, does not yet have data for a similar period. However, SellCell observed that the depreciation rate of this latest flagship from the Galaxy S line is quite impressive.

After six months, the Galaxy S24 series has an average depreciation of 50%. This is better than the 54.1% depreciation for the Galaxy S23 and the 54.4% depreciation for the Galaxy S22 over the same period.

SellCell projects that the Galaxy S24 series will experience a better depreciation rate than its predecessors after 12 months.

What is the main factor that contributes to the decreasing resale value of iPhones?

Phone Arena suggests that the lack of compelling new features in recent iPhone generations is a contributing factor to the increasing iPhone depreciation rates.

How much did the average price of an iPhone 16 decrease in the first two weeks after its release?

The iPhone 16 saw an average depreciation of around 41% from its initial price, which translates to an average price drop of $467.46 for all models.

What is the difference in average depreciation between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 after one year of release?

The iPhone 15 experienced a 48% depreciation after 12 months, compared to its original price. This is a 0.5% increase compared to the iPhone 14.

What is the overall trend of depreciation for the Samsung Galaxy S series?

The depreciation rates for the Samsung Galaxy S Series, specifically the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 series, have been more stable, with each Galaxy S model experiencing a gentler depreciation curve compared to iPhones.

What is the average depreciation rate for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series six months after its release?

The average depreciation for the Samsung S24 series six months after its release was 50.4%.

The Changing Landscape of Smartphone Depreciation

Although 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.

Phone Arena suggests that the lack of compelling new features in recent iPhone generations may be a reason behind the increasing iPhone depreciation rates. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S series has consistently delivered impressive features, and Samsung's long-term software update support contributes to the stability of its device prices.

While SellCell did not specify the reasons for the increasing iPhone depreciation, it is clear that the market is changing, and the days of iPhones holding their value indefinitely may be coming to an end.

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.