What Is My Mobile Phone’s Resale Value?

All mobile phones, even the older ones, are worth something and can be traded in for a good price. So, if you’re thinking about selling yours, knowing its resale value matters a great deal. This will help you avoid low-ball offers without overpricing your phone on online marketplaces.

“So, what is my mobile phone’s resale value?”, you may ask. Well, the answer depends on the current market demand and the condition of your device. Prices shift when new models are released or refurbished stock gets saturated. Understanding these factors puts you in a stronger position before you sell, and that’s exactly what we’ll discuss in this blog.

The resale value of a smartphone is the estimated price it can fetch when resold after being used. Generally, electronics start to depreciate the moment they leave the store, and the same applies to mobile phones. That being said, how much of that original cost you can recover by selling or trading in is dictated by many factors, including:

1) Model, Age, and Storage Capacity

Before buyers even look at cosmetic condition or accessories, your mobile phone’s resale value comes down to the basics, like:

• Release Year: On average, an Android phone loses about 40% of its value within 12 months of ownership. In comparison, an iPhone can still command around 70% of its original price. They’ll hit a minimum guaranteed value after approximately 3 years when the price stabilises.

  What this means is that the older your device, the less money you’re likely to get. However, this is also true in reverse. Older, classic models are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. So, if you have one in very good condition, the payout could easily cover the cost of a brand-new flagship device.

• Brand Retention: Apple devices and flagship Android devices (Samsung, Google) retain most of their value. The former even more than the latter. This can be attributed to the premium build, flagship status, and software longevity.

  Buyers are more likely to pick up devices that have 5+ years of software support. That’s why iPhones are such a hit in the refurbished market. The combination of brand awareness, positioning, and user perception makes them attractive to buyers.

• Storage: Higher storage capacity might fetch you better rates. For example, a phone with 512GB storage may have more resale value than a 256GB model. Also, check for expandable memory slots in Android devices, as these will boost storage size. If you already have a memory card installed, the resale value will go up accordingly.

2) Physical and Functional Condition

The physical and functional condition of the device also impacts your mobile phone’s resale value. Buyers generally rely on a grading system to assess wear and tear, screen quality, battery health, and overall performance. They use these details to negotiate a better price when buying.

The grading system is as follows:

• As New: Zero scratches on the screen or body with battery health above 90%.
• Good: Minor wear or light scratches that are invisible when the screen is on. The phone should not have dents or deep gouges.
• Fair: Visible scratches, scuffs on the frame, or minor screen burn-in. The device must still be 100% functional.
• Broken/Faulty: A phone with cracked glass, dead pixels, or non-working buttons will lose a majority of its value. These devices are sold for parts value only, which is quite low compared to the resale price of functional phones.

3) Unlocked vs Carrier-Locked Phones

An unlocked phone is far more valuable than one that’s carrier-locked. It allows the buyer to use any SIM from providers like Telstra, Optus, or MVNOs. The freedom to choose is why unlocked devices fetch much better rates.

In contrast, carrier-locked phones can be unlocked but require a technical process that many buyers wish to avoid. If your phone is carrier-locked, contact the service provider to unlock it before selling. This simple step can increase its value by $30 to $100.

4) How to Check Your Mobile Phone’s Value in Melbourne?

Using an online valuation tool is one of the easiest ways to check your mobile phone’s resale value. Most store-based dealers will provide quotes in real-time based on the details provided by the customers. All you have to do is enter the model name, storage size, and select the phone’s condition/grade honestly.

You can also choose to sell privately or list your phone on second-hand marketplaces. In some cases, private buyers may offer less than quotes from dealerships, which may not justify the extra time and effort involved. Plus, keep in mind that private sales require you to handle the logistics, shipping, or meet-ups.

5) How to Boost Your Phone’s Resale Price?

You can increase your mobile phone’s resale value by presenting a device that is ready for immediate use. Here’s what you can do:

• Prepare Your Phone for Sale: A buyer will pay more for a device they can set up instantly.
• Remove Accounts: You must sign out of iCloud or your Google Account. If “Find My” is active, the phone cannot be sold legally, as it can create misunderstandings later on.
• Perform a Factory Reset: Navigate to Settings > General > Reset to wipe all personal data.
• Clean the Phone: Give the device a good wipe down. A clean phone is more attractive to buyers.
• Include the Original Box and Accessories: Original packaging acts as proof of care. While a missing charger might only drop the price by a few dollars, a missing box might make the phone harder to sell. If you have the original receipt, include it to prove the device isn’t a “grey market” import.

We hope this blog has answered your question, “What is my mobile phone’s resale value?” Now that you know the true worth of your old device, there’s no reason to settle for lower prices. Mobile Guru is a reputable buyer of used phones from all leading brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and more. We’ve made the entire selling process simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Here’s why you should choose us:

• Instant Quotes: You get a quote immediately rather than waiting days for a buyer.
• No Negotiations: The price quoted online is what you get, provided the phone’s condition is described accurately.
• Data Security: We perform a professional data wipe to ensure no fragments of your personal information remain.
• Free Postage: Once you agree to our quotation, we provide a free express shipping label and arrange the pick-up at no extra cost.
• Local Convenience: Trusting an Australian-owned and operated company means faster communication, quicker processing, and support you can rely on.
• All Conditions Accepted: From the latest models to well-used devices, we accept phones in all conditions, including those with cosmetic wear or functional issues.
• Same-day Payment: After your device arrives, we verify its condition based on your description. Once approved, you’ll be paid the same day using your preferred payment method.

Are you ready to see what your mobile phone’s resale value is in Melbourne? Use our online valuation tool to check how much it’s worth. If you have further questions, call us on 1300 362 017 or email us at hello@mobileguru.com.au.