The increase in sales of previously used smartphones is outpacing the growth in sales of new phones. Last year, used handsets saw a 6% growth in sales compared to 4% for new units according to CCS Insight. Earlier this year, IDC forecast the continuation of that trend this year with 2025 previously owned phone sales growing at a 3.2% pace, triple their predicted growth rate for new smartphones in 2025.
Apple iPhone models tend to retain more value than other smartphones
Previously used smartphones generated revenue of $7.6 billion in U.S. sales and a whopping $13.2 billion in the Asia-Pacific market. Leo Gebbie, CCS Insight’s principal analyst and director for the Americas, said, "Refurbished smartphones, which are often up to 50% cheaper than new devices, now also come with warranties, flexible financing options, and reliable after-sales service, increasing consumer trust."
IDC expects the trend to continue with used smartphone sales expected to increase 5.8% in 2026 before dropping to 4.9% growth by 2029. Another trend that has continued is that previously used iPhone models continue to retain a large percentage of their original value. According to B-Stock, the largest B2B marketplace for liquidation and overstock inventory, cellular carriers are already looking to auction off "large quantities" of the iPhone 17. Through the bidding on these phones, B-Stock says that these iPhone 17 units are being sold for 94% of their retail price.
If you're not happy with your iPhone Air, taking a quick loss could be your best bet
B-Stock also reports that the iPhone 16 is retaining 72% of its retail value. Interestingly, the three most sold phones on the company's B2B site are the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. If you have a recently purchased iPhone collecting dust in a drawer, now might be the time to consider selling it. The demand for these phones is certainly there, leading to higher prices.
Wow! I can retire by selling my Pixel 6 Pro via ecoATM. | Image credit-PhoneArena
And if you haven't been truly happy with the iPhone Air, cutting your losses quickly might be a prudent step. While B-Stock is a B2B auction site, SellCell is a platform where consumers can sell their phones. The unlocked 512GB model in mint condition has a top price of $862. The launch price for this model was $1,199. The 256GB model in mint condition will fetch $782 compared to a $999 launch price.
Apple expects 2025 to be a record-breaking year for iPhone sales
The strong market for second-hand iPhone models won't hurt new iPhone sales this year. In fact, Apple itself sees record breaking iPhone volume this year thanks to exceptionally strong performance in China where the iPhone had a 20% market share in October and November. Analysts had expected a 3% share for Apple's smartphones in the world's largest smartphone market.
How do you get rid of your old phones?
I keep them.
100%
I throw them out.
0%
I sell them via a personally negotiated transaction.
0%
I use a web site like Gazelle or SellCell.
0%
I use ecoATM.
0%
Apple is projected to sell 247.4 million iPhone units in 2025. This would top the current record of 242 million iPhones rung up in 2021. Should Apple sell 247.4 million iPhones this year, it would be a 6.1% year-over-year increase.
When it comes to converting your older phones into cash, your best bet will always be to negotiate a private transaction. However, this is also the hardest way to get your phone sold. These days, you can even get rid of phone through a vending machine. There are more than 7,000 ecoATM kiosks throughout the U.S. at your local grocery store, shopping malls and other locations.
What ecoATM, Gazelle, and SellCell say I can get for my Pixel 6 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
First, you check the website or app to see the price you will receive. If you agree to the price, remove personal data. Find a kiosk and convert your older phone into cash. Considering that the app said that it would pay me up to $4 for my 512GB Pixel 6 Pro with a pristine display, I think I'll pass. My iPhone 15 Pro Max, which also has a pristine display, can be sold for more than $200. My recommendation is to stay clear of what seems to me to be a scam.
Offering higher prices than ecoATM is website Gazelle. The latter says I can fetch $104 for my Pixel even though it is capable enough to be my daily driver at the moment, My iPhone 15 Pro Max will return $431 to me via the website. You will receive your payment within seven business days
You probably believe that your phone is worth a heck of a lot more money than the bids you're likely to receive. If time is of the essence and you need cash in a few days, you might consider SellCell. The latter is more of an aggregator showing you the best prices for your device from various sites. The top price for my Pixel 6 Pro was $129 and $358 for my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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