You Won't Believe How Much iPhones Are Worth After 5 Years—The Shocking Truth!

A new report sheds light on a trend that many smartphone users have long suspected: iPhones consistently retain their value better than Android devices over the long term. According to a comprehensive five-year depreciation study published by MakeUseOf, Apple smartphones maintain strong resale prices years after their release—often double or triple that of comparable Android models. This finding is particularly relevant for consumers, especially parents looking for reliable devices for their children or anyone seeking dependable tech solutions.

The value of a smartphone doesn’t solely depend on cutting-edge features; it also hinges on factors like ongoing security updates and resale potential. For many buyers, the ability to sell a phone at a fair price later on has become a crucial consideration. Notably, devices released between 2020 and 2021 show that certain iPhone models can still retain over 25% of their original value, turning what might seem like an outdated gadget into a small financial asset.

Apple Leads the Resale Market

The findings highlight Apple’s dominance in the long-term resale rankings. On average, iPhones lose around 70% of their value after five years—a figure that might seem steep but is considerably better than Samsung and other Android brands, which typically see over 80% depreciation. For instance, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, launched in 2020, can still command around $275 on the resale market, representing about 25% of its original price. In contrast, similarly aged Samsung or Google phones lag significantly in value retention.

The Google Pixel 5 retains a similar resale percentage due to its lower initial retail price, but in terms of overall performance, ecosystem integration, and software support, the iPhone 12 Pro Max clearly outshines it, making it a smarter long-term investment.

Apple’s 2021 lineup continues this trend. The iPhone 13 Pro Max still holds approximately 32% of its original value five years after its release—more than any competing phone in the same time frame. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra have both suffered steep losses, with over 80% of their value gone, leaving owners with less hope for a profitable resale.

A key reason behind this disparity lies in Android manufacturers’ shorter software support cycles. Historically, many Android devices have received fewer years of software updates, leading to faster obsolescence. Until recently, Apple has been known for its longevity in this area; the iPhone 12 is projected to receive updates until at least 2027, a full seven years post-launch. In comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy S20 only received three Android version upgrades and five years of security patches, with support ending in 2025.

Even though Samsung and Google have pledged to improve their software support for newer flagship models—offering up to seven years of updates—Apple still retains a significant edge in long-term trust and resale confidence among consumers. Data from Compare & Recycle shows that while there have been modest improvements in Samsung’s depreciation rates, the Galaxy S22 lost 60% of its value in the first year, followed by 59% for the S23 and 58% for the S24. These figures still fall short of Apple's performance.

For consumers keen on making a financially sound choice, particularly those who wish to upgrade or resell their devices in the future, the evidence is clear: the iPhone remains the top option. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, understanding the long-term value of a smartphone is more crucial than ever. Many households may find themselves sitting on hundreds of dollars in value simply by holding onto an old but functional phone.