On this page
- The quick verdict
- Phone value after 12 months at a glance
- The 12-Month Resale League Table
- Why iPhones Dominate Resale Value
- Android Still Holds Strong - But Timing Matters
- What Impacts Your Phone’s Resale Value
- Upgrade Smarter with Envirofone
- The Real Winning Strategy
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Which Phones Hold Their Value Best After 12 Months
Not all smartphones are created equal - especially when it comes to resale value. Some hold their price incredibly well, while others drop sharply within the first year.
The quick verdict
iPhones hold their value best after 12 months, with the iPhone 15 Pro keeping around 65% and the iPhone 15 around 62% based on typical UK resale trends. Android flagships depreciate faster but still keep solid value in the first year. To get the most back, choose a phone with strong resale value, sell within 12 to 24 months and time your sale before the next model launches.
Phone value after 12 months at a glance
| Phone | Launch price | Value after 12 months | Value retained |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro | £999 | ~£650 | 65% |
| iPhone 15 | £799 | ~£500 | 62% |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | £1,249 | ~£700 | 56% |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | £999 | ~£520 | 52% |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | £799 | ~£400 | 50% |
| Google Pixel 8 | £699 | ~£330 | 47% |
Figures are based on typical UK resale trends and are approximate.
If you’re planning your next upgrade, understanding resale value can save you hundreds. A quick sell my phone comparison can show you exactly where your current device stands today.
You can check your phone’s value instantly here and see how it compares.
The 12-Month Resale League Table
Here’s how some of the biggest smartphones perform after 12 months, based on typical UK resale trends:
| Rank | Phone | Launch Price | Value After 12 Months | Value Retained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 15 Pro | £999 | ~£650 | 65% |
| 2 | iPhone 15 | £799 | ~£500 | 62% |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | £1,249 | ~£700 | 56% |
| 4 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | £999 | ~£520 | 52% |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | £799 | ~£400 | 50% |
| 6 | Google Pixel 8 | £699 | ~£330 | 47% |
Why iPhones Dominate Resale Value
Year after year, iPhones consistently top the resale charts. There are a few key reasons:
- Strong brand demand in the second-hand market
- Longer software support
- Premium build quality that lasts
If you’re planning ahead, choosing a device with strong resale value can make a big difference when you come to sell your iPhone.
Android Still Holds Strong - But Timing Matters
While Android devices tend to depreciate faster, flagship models still retain solid value - especially in the first 12 months.
The key is timing. Selling before the next model launches can significantly increase your return.
You can sell your Samsung phone at the right moment to maximise value.
What Impacts Your Phone’s Resale Value
Beyond the model itself, several factors influence how much you’ll get:
- Condition (scratches, cracks, battery health)
- Storage size
- Network status (unlocked vs locked)
- Market demand at the time of sale
This is why using a sell my phone comparison is so important - it ensures you’re getting the best available price.
Upgrade Smarter with Envirofone
The smartest upgrade strategy isn’t just about what you buy - it’s about how you sell.
At Envirofone, you can compare offers and sell your phone quickly, safely, and for a competitive price.
Then, instead of paying full price for your next device, you can browse our refurbished phones and upgrade for less.
Many customers choose to buy refurbished Apple devices or Samsung models - combining strong performance with better value.
The Real Winning Strategy
If you want to get the most out of your phone financially, follow this simple approach:
- Choose a device with strong resale value
- Sell within 12-24 months
- Use a sell my phone comparison to maximise return
- Upgrade using refurbished options
This approach can save you hundreds over time.
Final Thoughts
Resale value is one of the most overlooked parts of buying a phone - but it makes a huge difference.
By choosing the right device and using Envirofone to sell my phone, you can turn your current handset into real value and make your next upgrade far more affordable.
Frequently asked questions
Which phone holds its value best after one year?
Based on typical UK resale trends, the iPhone 15 Pro holds its value best after 12 months, keeping around 65% of its £999 launch price. The iPhone 15 is next at around 62%.
Why do iPhones hold their value better than Android phones?
iPhones consistently top the resale charts because of strong brand demand in the second-hand market, longer software support and premium build quality that lasts.
How much value does a Samsung Galaxy S24 lose in a year?
Based on typical UK resale trends, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is worth around £400 after 12 months against a £799 launch price, retaining about 50%. The Galaxy S24 Ultra retains about 56%.
What affects how much I get when I sell my phone?
Beyond the model itself, your phone's resale value depends on its condition, including scratches, cracks and battery health, its storage size, whether it is unlocked or locked, and market demand at the time of sale.
When should I sell my phone to get the most money?
To get the most money for your phone, sell within 12 to 24 months and ideally before the next model launches, using a sell my phone comparison to find the best available price.
