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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 16 is down about 35.4% at five months—better than Android flagships early on, but pace is faster than older iPhones.
- Galaxy S25 dropped 46.6% at five months, improving over S24 thanks to AI tools that buyers notice.
- Pixel 9 faces the steepest slide at 56.9% in five months, though AI upgrades are slowing the drop versus past models.
- AI features are reshaping resale value—Samsung and Google are closing the gap with iPhone as on-device AI expands.
- Timing matters: sell before big announcements, lock quotes early, and avoid the late-February/March listing flood.
Fast February snapshot—where values stand now
Here’s the honest look, five months in. These drops reflect real U.S. buyback quotes across major sites.
iPhone 16 depreciation rate: down about 35.4% at five months. That’s a faster slide than older iPhones at nine months (like iPhone 12 and iPhone 15), and it’s tied to slower AI rollout on iOS. Still, it’s holding better than Android flagships early on. Also covered by PhoneArena’s analysis of early‑2026 resale data.
Galaxy S25 resale value: down about 46.6% at five months. That’s a small improvement over the S24 at the same stage and better than older S‑series. AI tools are helping here, and buyers are noticing. Also echoed in PhoneArena’s early‑year pricing wrap.
Pixel 9 depreciation curve: down about 56.9% at five months. It’s still the steepest early drop of the three. The good news: AI upgrades are slowing the pace compared to recent Pixel models. PhoneArena has similar findings.
Storage and trim matter. Pro and Ultra variants, and models with 512GB or more, hold better across all brands. If your phone is higher‑end and pristine, you have pricing power. Source: 2026 Depreciation Tracker.
Foldable phone depreciation 2026: foldables lose value the fastest. Think around 60%+ within six months. Budget lines like the Pixel A‑series can drop more than 65% within a year. If you own one, selling sooner helps.
What this means for you today
iPhone 16 owners have a tighter cushion, for now. The early drop is real, but your phone still leads the pack in retention against rival flagships.
Galaxy S25 owners should watch for a small bounce if AI features expand this spring. Samsung’s Galaxy AI momentum is building, and that could steady prices faster than past S‑series cycles.
Pixel 9 owners should move fast if they plan to upgrade before the next Feature Drop. That steep early slide means hesitation costs you more each week.
Pro/Ultra models and high storage can make a real difference. Clean, unlocked, and well‑documented devices pull the best offers—every time.
AI impact on phone resale value—what’s really changing
AI isn’t just hype. It’s shaping used prices. Why? Because on‑device AI saves time and feels useful every day. Phones that run the best live AI features hold up better with buyers.
Samsung and Google are catching up fast. Analysis shows Samsung’s AI phones may close the long‑standing resale gap with iPhone by mid‑2026. That’s a big shift from past years.
At the same time, current numbers still show iPhone 16 with a smaller early drop than S25 and Pixel 9. That’s the “now” view. But as more Galaxy AI and Gemini tools land, mid‑cycle Android prices could steady faster than usual.
Here’s the key: buyers want AI that works offline, on‑device, and across daily tasks. As those features expand this spring, S25 and Pixel 9 may hold a bit stronger. So, timing your sale around AI rollouts matters.
February–April 2026 phone sell windows (U.S.)
Spring is a tricky time. Why? Tax refunds, new carrier promos, and the first big wave of upgrades all hit. Listings surge. Prices can soften. Act ahead of the crowd.
Lock quotes early. Late February and March can flood the market with used phones. If you lock a good buyback price before the wave, you can dodge a dip. Source: 2026 Depreciation Tracker: U.S. sell windows and action plan.
Avoid post‑event drops. Big launches and AI feature announcements reset values. Selling right before a known event tends to beat selling right after. Source: 2026 Depreciation Tracker: Q1–Q4 timing guide.
Private sale vs buyback timing. Private listings often pop 1–3 weeks after major updates or launches, when demand is hot. Buyback quotes move less, but they bring speed and certainty. If you need cash now and less risk, go buyback. If your phone is pristine and you can wait, try a private sale peak. Source: 2026 Depreciation Tracker: Q1–Q4 timing guide.
Use live tools. Set alerts and watch real‑time drifts by model, storage, and condition. Condition hits are real. A scuffed camera or weak battery can shave more off than you think. Source: US sell‑window map and calculators overview.
“Sell before the announcement. Prices reset fast.”
Model‑by‑model playbook
iPhone 16: best time to sell iPhone 2026
Right now, iPhone 16 is down about 35.4% at five months. That’s better than Android flagships early on, but the pace has sped up compared to older iPhones. If you won’t upgrade right away, consider selling before any big June announcements.
Watch the calendar. WWDC and AI‑heavy iOS news can push buyers to wait. Quotes may slip in the weeks before and after.
Aim for 30–45 days before major events if you want top value. That gives you time to list, negotiate, and ship.
If you have a Pro model or higher storage (256GB/512GB+), show it. Buyers pay more for top trims.
When to trade in Galaxy S25
S25 is down about 46.6% at five months, but that’s a touch better than past S‑series at this stage. AI features are the reason. Watch for a late‑Q1 or early‑Q2 bump if Samsung expands Galaxy AI to more tools or devices.
Push for higher quotes on Ultra and 256GB+ units. They hold better.
Pristine condition matters more here. Clean glass, strong battery, all original parts—these boost your ask.
If a big Galaxy AI update drops, list fast. Private sale demand can spike for a week or two. Baseline data: 2026 Depreciation Tracker and early‑year coverage.
Pixel 9: move with intent
Pixel 9’s early slide is the steepest, around 56.9% at five months. That’s better than the Pixel 8’s pace at ten months, but it still means “speed over wait” if you’re switching soon.
Sell before major Pixel Feature Drops if your model lacks those AI tools. New features can make buyers wait.
Private sale is fine only if your phone is mint, unlocked, and complete with box and extras. If not, take a strong buyback offer for speed.
Remember: A‑series and experimental lines fall faster. Don’t try to time the very top.
Channel decision framework—private sale, buyback, or carrier trade‑in
Each channel has a job. Pick the one that fits your goal.
Private sale
Best for: pristine phones with higher storage or Pro/Ultra labels. You’ll often get the highest cash.
Needs: great photos, fast replies, clear proof your phone is unlocked and clean, and safe meetups or trusted platforms.
Tip: show battery health, IMEI status, and full accessory set. That proof can earn you that extra 5–10%.
Buyback (like GizmoGrind)
Best for: speed, certainty, and privacy. Quotes are instant. Shipping is easy. Payout is fast.
Good to know: lock quotes before big events so your price doesn’t slip. We do not accept iCloud‑locked, blacklisted, lost/stolen, or water‑damaged devices. This keeps the process safe for everyone.
If you want stress‑free and done‑right, this is the lane.
Carrier trade‑in
Best for: stacking an upgrade promo on a new line or plan. Sometimes the “effective value” beats cash.
Watch for: bill credits and lock‑in terms. Make sure the math works for you.
A simple 14‑day prep sprint (privacy‑first)
Clean prep boosts price. It also protects your data. Here’s an easy, short plan.
Days 1–3: Back up and clear
- Back up your phone.
- Sign out of your accounts.
- Remove activation locks and passcodes.
- Check if your phone is carrier unlocked.
- Take screenshots of battery health and storage.
Days 4–7: Prove condition
- Wipe the phone. Clean the ports. Use a soft cloth.
- Take bright, sharp photos of all sides. Show tiny marks honestly.
- Gather the box, charger, and any extras.
- Note each function works: buttons, cameras, speakers, Face ID/Touch ID.
Days 8–14: List or lock
For private sale: write a clear, simple listing. Add your proof shots. Set a fair price and be ready to close fast.
For buyback: lock your quote and finish the steps. Ship quickly for best pricing.
Add a short privacy affidavit or note explaining you wiped the phone and removed locks. It builds trust and speeds payouts. Privacy tips and affidavit guide: GizmoGrind privacy‑first prep.
Tools and workflows to stay on the peak
Use data, not guesswork. These tools help you plan.
Phone resale value tracker US: Follow early‑year drops, pre‑event dips, and mid‑year plateaus for iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel. The 2026 depreciation tracker posts timing cues and “sell now vs wait” advice.
Smartphone depreciation calculator 2026: Check live moves by model, storage, and condition. Set alerts so you can act when you hit your target.
U.S. sell‑window map and Q1–Q2 action plan: See how tax season, promos, and launch cycles shape prices in your region and channel. Source: 2026 depreciation tracker: US sell‑window map & Q1–Q2 action plan.
The bigger picture—2026 to 2028
Here’s the forecast. Expect about 40–50% first‑year drops across the industry. Experimentals fall even faster. But the gap between iPhone and top Android flagships is set to shrink as AI lands on more devices and gets better on‑device.
Multiple data reads point to a pivotal mid‑2026: Galaxy S‑series may match or beat iPhone retention in certain windows if Samsung’s AI execution keeps climbing. SellCell’s analysis backs it.
Plan your sale with that in mind—especially if you own a Galaxy S25 or will jump to an S26 later in the year.
What to do with that forecast?
If you own an iPhone 16: consider selling before big software events if you won’t upgrade immediately.
If you own a Galaxy S25: watch for AI feature expansions. Those can boost your window.
If you own a Pixel 9: move sooner rather than later unless you’re waiting for a big AI drop that your phone gets too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hurts my price the most?
Condition and locks. Cracked glass, a weak battery, or any account lock can slash quotes. Keep it clean, factory reset, and fully unlocked. Use proof. Live calculators also show how small scuffs shave value.
Is now a good time to sell a foldable?
Yes, if you want more. Foldables tend to drop the fastest—about 60%+ within six months. Selling sooner usually wins.
Does storage really help?
Yes. 256GB, 512GB, and higher storage hold value better. Pro and Ultra trims also help.
What if my phone is blacklisted or iCloud‑locked?
You should fix status issues before you try to sell. At GizmoGrind, we don’t accept iCloud‑locked, blacklisted, lost/stolen, or water‑damaged devices. That protects sellers and buyers.
Private sale or buyback—which nets more?
Private sale can earn more for pristine phones with great photos and extras. But it takes time and care. Buyback gives you fast cash and less risk. Compare both, then pick your lane.
Your quick‑win wrap
Move early in Q1 if you can. Lock quotes before carrier promos and big AI announcements hit. Avoid post‑event dips. Use a 14‑day prep sprint to clean, document, and prove your device. If your phone is top trim and mint, you can push a private sale. If you need speed and certainty, a buyback quote gets it done.
GizmoGrind helps you do this the smart way. We built the 2026 depreciation tracker so you can watch iPhone vs Samsung depreciation in 2026, track the Pixel 9 value curve, and spot the best 2026 phone sell windows without guesswork. You get an instant quote, safe shipping, and fast payout. Easy.
Ready to time it right? Check the 2026 depreciation tracker, set your target, and make your move while the spring window is open.
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