Iphone 15 Vs Galaxy S24 Which Has Better Resale Value After A Year

When investing in a flagship smartphone, performance and features matter—but so does what the device will be worth a year down the line. For many consumers, resale value isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a critical factor in determining long-term cost of ownership. Between the iPhone 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S24, both represent peak engineering from their respective brands. But when it comes to holding value over time, one tends to pull ahead. This analysis dives into historical trends, consumer behavior, market dynamics, and real-world resale data to answer a practical question: After 12 months, which phone retains more of its original price?

Resale Value Fundamentals: What Drives It?

Smartphone depreciation isn’t random. While all high-end phones lose value over time, the rate varies significantly based on brand perception, software support, build quality, and ecosystem loyalty. Apple has long dominated the resale market, but Samsung has made strides—especially with its recent focus on longer software updates and premium materials.

Several core elements influence how much a phone is worth after a year:

• Brand Loyalty: Apple users are more likely to trade in or resell iPhones within the Apple ecosystem, maintaining consistent demand.
• Software Longevity: Devices that receive longer OS and security updates remain desirable for longer.
• Build Quality & Design: Premium materials like titanium (used in iPhone 15 Pro) and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (on S24) help maintain appeal.
• Market Saturation: The sheer number of Android devices dilutes resale value compared to Apple’s tightly controlled lineup.
• Carrier Policies: Carrier-exclusive models often depreciate faster due to network locking and limited compatibility.

Understanding these forces helps explain why, despite comparable launch prices, two top-tier phones can diverge sharply in secondhand markets just 12 months later.

iPhone 15 Resale Trends: Consistency Over Surprise

Apple’s track record for strong resale value is well-documented. According to data from Glyde, Swappa, and BankMyCell, iPhones typically retain around 60–70% of their value after one year, depending on model, storage, and condition. The iPhone 15 series continues this trend, particularly the base 128GB models, which see the highest demand in the used market.

The iPhone 15 benefits from several structural advantages:

1. Uniform Hardware Ecosystem: Unlike Android, where hundreds of models exist across brands and regions, the iPhone lineup is predictable. Buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
2. Five Years of iOS Updates: Apple guarantees long-term software support, making even older models feel current and secure.
3. Strong Trade-In Programs: Apple, carriers, and retailers offer generous trade-in credits, effectively propping up the resale floor.
4. Global Compatibility: Most iPhone 15 models support a wide range of LTE and 5G bands, increasing international resale potential.

A 2023 study by CIRP found that after one year, the iPhone 14 retained 62% of its value. Given similar innovation pacing, the iPhone 15 is expected to perform at or slightly above that benchmark. Early 2024 resale listings show the iPhone 15 (128GB) selling for $650–$700 a year post-launch—a drop from its $799 starting price, but still strong.

Tip: Keep your iPhone 15 in pristine condition with a case and screen protector—minor scratches can reduce resale offers by $50 or more.

Galaxy S24 Resale Outlook: Progress, But Still Playing Catch-Up

Samsung has improved its resale positioning with the Galaxy S24 series, especially through extended software support. For the first time, Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for the S24, matching Apple’s commitment. This change signals a strategic shift aimed at building long-term trust and improving residual value.

However, resale data suggests the market hasn’t fully priced in this promise yet. Historically, Galaxy flagships retain about 50–58% of their value after one year. The S24, launched at $799 for the base model, was selling for approximately $470–$530 on Swappa and eBay by early 2025—indicating a retention rate closer to 60%, slightly better than previous generations.

Why doesn’t Samsung close the gap entirely? Several factors limit its upside:

• Fragmented Market: Multiple variants (Snapdragon vs. Exynos in some regions), carrier exclusives, and differing feature sets confuse buyers and reduce confidence.
• Shorter Perceived Longevity: Despite seven-year support, consumer belief in Android longevity lags behind iOS.
• Higher Initial Depreciation Curve: Android phones tend to lose value fastest in the first 6 months, especially after new models leak or are announced.
• Less Aggressive Trade-In Incentives: Samsung’s trade-in values are competitive but not as consistently high as Apple’s, especially outside promotional periods.

Still, the S24 represents a turning point. Its use of titanium (in Ultra), brighter displays, and AI-powered features may extend its relevance in the secondary market, particularly among tech-savvy buyers.

“Samsung’s seven-year update pledge is a game-changer—it addresses the biggest reason Android phones lost value quickly. But brand momentum takes time to shift.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Group

Direct Comparison: iPhone 15 vs Galaxy S24 After 12 Months

To make the comparison concrete, here’s a detailed breakdown of expected resale performance based on current market data, historical trends, and expert projections.

Factor	iPhone 15	Galaxy S24
Launch Price (Base Model)	$799	$799
Avg. Resale Price After 1 Year	$650–$700	$470–$530
% Value Retained	60–70%	59–66%
Software Support	5+ years (iOS)	7 years (Android)
Demand in Used Market	Very High	Moderate to High
Global Compatibility	Excellent	Good (varies by model)
Trade-In Program Strength	Industry-leading	Competitive during promotions
Premium Materials	Titanium (Pro), Aluminum (base)	Titanium (Ultra), Aluminum (base)

While the S24 technically promises longer software support, the iPhone 15 currently enjoys stronger market momentum, broader buyer confidence, and higher actual resale payouts. The numbers suggest that, dollar for dollar, the iPhone 15 holds its value better in the first year.

Real-World Example: A Side-by-Side Trade-In Scenario

Consider Sarah, a professional who buys a new flagship every 12–18 months. In February 2024, she purchases both an iPhone 15 and a Galaxy S24 (128GB) for personal and work use. By January 2025, she decides to upgrade and lists both phones for trade-in.

She visits Apple’s trade-in site and receives an instant quote of $680 for her iPhone 15 (in good condition, with minor wear). On Samsung’s trade-in portal, her S24 is valued at $510. She also checks third-party platforms: Swappa offers $660 for the iPhone and $495 for the S24.

Sarah opts to trade in the iPhone through Apple and sell the S24 on Swappa. Her net returns: $680 and $480 respectively. The difference—$200—represents a significant savings toward her next device, especially when compounded over multiple upgrade cycles.

This scenario reflects a common pattern: even with nearly identical usage and care, the iPhone generates higher liquidity in the resale market.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Your Phone’s Resale Value

No matter which phone you choose, how you treat it directly impacts what it’s worth later. Follow this checklist to protect your investment:

1. Use a protective case and tempered glass screen protector from day one.
2. Keep the original box, charger, cables, and documentation.
3. Avoid water exposure—even IP68-rated phones lose value if signs of liquid contact appear.
4. Limit deep discharges; keep battery health above 85% for optimal resale.
5. Wipe data securely and remove any carrier locks before selling.
6. Time your sale strategically—sell before the next model launches to avoid price drops.
7. Choose popular colors and storage sizes (e.g., 128GB black/silver) for faster sales.

Expert Insight: Why Perception Still Matters

Even with technical parity, consumer perception shapes resale outcomes. Apple’s reputation for durability, privacy, and seamless ecosystem integration gives it an edge that raw specs can’t overcome overnight.

“Resale value isn’t just about hardware or software—it’s about trust. People believe an iPhone will still work well in three years. That belief drives demand and supports prices.” — Lena Patel, Senior Editor at MobileEdge Review

Samsung’s seven-year update plan is a bold move, but changing consumer habits takes time. Until Android users routinely hold devices for four or five years—like many iPhone owners do—the resale curve will remain steeper for Galaxy phones.

Step-by-Step: How to Sell for Maximum Return

If you're planning to resell your phone after a year, timing and preparation are key. Follow this timeline:

1. Month 1: Register your device with the manufacturer. Enable Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile. Back up settings.
2. Months 2–11: Maintain battery health by avoiding extreme heat and keeping charge between 20–80%. Clean gently with microfiber cloth.
3. Month 11: Research current resale values on Swappa, eBay, and trade-in sites. Compare offers.
4. Month 12: Factory reset the device. Remove SIM card and accessories. Take clear photos showing condition.
5. Final Step: Choose between trade-in (fast, guaranteed) or private sale (higher return, more effort).

Selling right before the next flagship launch—such as September for iPhone or January/February for Galaxy—can yield the best returns, as demand for the outgoing model surges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does storage size affect resale value?

Yes. Higher storage models (256GB or 512GB) retain more absolute value, but mid-range options like 128GB often have the best resale-to-cost ratio due to broad demand.

Is it better to trade in or sell privately?

Trading in is convenient and immediate, often with bonus credits during promotions. Selling privately usually nets 15–25% more but requires time, negotiation, and shipping.

Will Samsung ever match iPhone resale value?

Possibly—but not immediately. If Samsung maintains its software support promises and streamlines global models, parity could emerge in 3–5 years. For now, Apple leads.

Final Verdict: iPhone 15 Holds Strong Lead in Resale Value

After analyzing market data, user behavior, and long-term trends, the iPhone 15 demonstrates a clear advantage in retaining value over the first year. While the Galaxy S24 makes impressive strides—particularly with its seven-year update policy—it hasn’t yet translated into equivalent resale pricing. Apple’s ecosystem strength, consistent hardware, and aggressive trade-in programs continue to set the standard.

That said, if you prioritize long-term software support and cutting-edge AI features, the S24 is a compelling choice. But if minimizing depreciation and maximizing return on investment rank high, the iPhone 15 remains the smarter pick for resale-minded buyers.

💬 What’s your experience? Have you sold an iPhone or Galaxy recently? Share your resale price and tips in the comments to help others make informed decisions.