Android phones might be famed for their exclusive features and more customisable user interface but one area that’s always been a massive letdown is their resale value. When placed alongside iPhones from Apple, Android gadgets always lose out as they are simply worth a lot less once purchased and used for a few months. Apple’s strong trade-in prices have long been a reason to avoid buying an Android phone, but things appear to be changing.
The team at SellCell say that both Samsung Galaxy S devices and Google’s Pixel phones are starting to depreciate less rapidly.
In fact, these Android-powered smartphones are finally closing the gap on Apple’s iPhone. SellCell reckons advancements in AI on Android is having an impact with these devices becoming much more desirable.
The Latest Data from SellCell shows that in 2021, Samsung’s Galaxy lost 51 percent of its value nine months after launch. That was compared to Apple’s iPhone, which only dropped 26.6 percent.
SellCell is now predicting that by 2028, the new iPhone will fall by 44 percent whilst the Galaxy will lose 45 percent.
By 2030, it’s possible that Samsung will actually overtake Apple and have devices that worth more when trading in that those who purchased an iPhone.
HOW THE LATEST SAMSUNG PHONES COMPARE
• Galaxy S22 lost 58.2% of its value in 9 months.
• Galaxy S23 improved to 53.4%.
• Galaxy S24 further improved to 50.7%.
• Galaxy S25 predicted to depreciate by 47.7% at 9 months
“If depreciation trends continue to track in the same way, there is a strong possibility that Samsung’s Galaxy S series could possibly overtake Apple’s resale value — a big shift in second-hand market leadership,” SellCell explained.
Right now, Apple still has the crown when it comes to trading in. According to SellCell, the current iPhone 16 depreciated by 35.4 percent after 5 months. At the same point in their lifecycle, the Galaxy S25 is down 46.6 percent after 5 months, showing that while Apple leads in absolute terms, the margin is shrinking.
“Apple’s iPhone continues to dominate resale value retention, but depreciation has increased with recent models,” SellCell said.
“Samsung’s Galaxy S series and Google’s Pixel phones show encouraging improvements, reflecting growing consumer trust in Android’s AI integration.
“While Samsung is not projected to overtake Apple imminently, the resale value gap is closing, with mid-2026 marking a possible milestone if current trends persist. Future Apple device launches and market developments could influence these patterns.”
It’s worth noting that Apple is about to launch its new iPhone 17 range, which could include a thinner Air model. Rumours also suggest that the US firm may finally join the foldable revolution next year and unveil an iPhone with a bendy screen.