How to Estimate the Value of Your Tech
Thinking about trading in your old phone, tablet or wearable? Before you do, it’s helpful to know roughly how much your tech might be worth. Whether it’s still in perfect condition or has seen better days, most devices hold more value than you’d expect — especially on the refurbished market.
Here’s a simple guide to help you estimate the worth of your device before you trade it in. Once you’ve got a number in mind, you can compare it instantly using Envirofone’s trade-in tool.
1. Check the Model & Storage Capacity
The biggest factors affecting your device’s value are its model and storage size. Newer models naturally sell for more, and storage options like 256GB or 512GB tend to fetch higher prices than base models.
For example:
- An iPhone 14 Pro (256GB) will be worth more than an iPhone 14 (128GB)
- A Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will outprice a Samsung S21
- Top-end Google Pixel variants often retain value longer
If you’re not sure which model you have, head to:
- iPhone: Settings → General → About
- Android: Settings → About phone / Device info
2. Assess Your Device’s Physical Condition
Condition plays a major role in value. Take a moment to check your device honestly:
- Mint / Excellent: No scratches, dents or marks
- Good: Light, normal wear
- Used / Fair: Several marks, but fully working
- Faulty / Broken: Cracked screen, battery issues, or not powering on
Good news: Envirofone accepts broken phones too. Even cracked devices still earn money, as parts can be reused or refurbished.
3. Battery Health Matters
Batteries naturally degrade over time. On iPhones, a battery health percentage under 80% can lower trade-in value. On Androids, ageing batteries may be noticeable through:
- slower charging
- unexpected shutdowns
- rapid battery drain
Our Battery Health guide can help you work out whether this applies to your device.
4. Check the Market Value of Similar Devices
To get a realistic estimate, search for your exact model on:
- refurbished phone retailers
- second-hand marketplaces
- tech forums
Refurbished retailers usually list prices by condition, which is extremely helpful for estimating your device’s trade-in value.
Don’t forget: trade-in prices are usually slightly lower than resale prices because your device still needs to be processed, tested and refurbished.
5. Consider the Accessories & Original Packaging
Most buyers and trade-in sites don’t require accessories, but:
- original boxes
- charging cables
- unused cases
- official add-ons (e.g., Samsung S Pen, Apple Pencil)
…can sometimes bump up the value when selling privately.
For Envirofone trade-ins, you only need the device — nothing else.
6. Check for Trade-In Promotions
Throughout the year, prices can fluctuate based on:
- new iPhone and Samsung launches
- Black Friday or Christmas demand
- bonus trade-in promotions
January and upgrade season often bring the highest trade-in values, as covered in our January trade-in guide.
7. Get an Instant Online Quote
Once you’ve estimated the value based on model, condition and market pricing, check how your estimate compares by using Envirofone’s instant valuation tool. It gives you a guaranteed price in seconds — and you can decide whether to sell or keep your device.
If you do choose to upgrade, you’ll find great options in our refurbished phone range, each fully tested through a 90-point check. A refurbished upgrade is a smart way to save money and extend the life cycle of tech.
