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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Timing is everything. Early-months depreciation is accelerating on new flagships—sell 4–8 weeks before launches and promo waves to maximize value.
- The used phone market is booming. North America holds ~40% of the global refurbished market, and demand for quality refurbs is driving prices higher.
- iPhone still holds value best, but the gap is closing. Galaxy’s AI features and long support are improving resale curves, narrowing the iPhone advantage.
- Price bands matter. The $200–$500 range dominates U.S. sales, while premium devices over $500 are the fastest-growing segment.
- The Dec–Feb window is golden. List during holiday demand, navigate post-holiday supply, and exit before tax-season promo floods hit your phone’s value.
Introduction: Sell Phone Price Trends 2025, in Plain English
If you plan to sell your phone soon, this is your moment. Sell Phone Price Trends 2025 point to one big truth: timing is everything. Prices move fast. New models and AI features move them faster. But demand for used phones is hot, too. So how do you win?
We built a simple, U.S.-focused playbook for the next eight weeks. It shows when to sell your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel to get the most money. It lines up with holiday shopping, tax season, and launch rumors. It uses the latest resale data and market trends. And it’s easy to follow.
Here’s the quick pulse: iPhone still holds value best, but it’s slipping. Early price drops are getting bigger each year. Galaxy is catching up. AI features and long support are helping resale value. The used and refurbished market is booming—buyers will pay more for good refurbs, and even “as-is” phones are moving.
Why 2025 Feels Different: What’s Pulling Prices Up—and Down
Two forces are tugging the market in opposite ways.
First, demand for used and refurbished phones is now mainstream. The global refurbished and used phone market is projected to reach about USD 42.3B in 2025 and more than USD 85B by 2034. North America, led by the U.S., holds around 40% of the share. That means more buyers, stronger prices, and faster sales if your device is clean and unlocked.
Second, depreciation on new flagships is speeding up. iPhone models have seen a bigger drop at five months after launch—moving from about 24.7% on iPhone 13 to about 35.4% on iPhone 16. That’s a big jump over four generations and shows how fast early value can slip if you wait too long.
There’s more:
Refurbished phone sales grew roughly 3% year over year in the first half of 2025. Average selling prices in the refurb market are climbing closer to new phone prices. Even the “as-is” segment (ungraded used phones) grew about 10% year over year. Demand is broad and strong. The wider used smartphone market could grow from around USD 53.6B in 2025 to well over USD 200B by 2035 in some forecasts. This gives sellers a strong tailwind as more buyers choose pre-owned to save money and help the planet.
Other industry trackers say the used and refurbished smartphone market is gaining share across regions as buyers shift to value and sustainability. In North America alone, the used-phone market is expected to hit about USD 12.5B by 2031, with steady growth powered by trade-ins and strong refurb channels.
What this means for you: 2025 is weird but good. More buyers and higher refurb prices lift your phone’s dollar value. But newer models lose value faster right after launch. Timing—when you list—does the heavy lifting.
Brand-by-Brand: What the Numbers Say in 2025
iPhone Resale Value 2025: Still the Benchmark, but a Shorter Peak Window
iPhone is still the value king. But the crown is slipping a bit. The 5-month depreciation trend got worse from around 24.7% (iPhone 13) to around 35.4% (iPhone 16). Longer-view data shows 9-month depreciation rising across recent years, too. If this keeps up, iPhones could lose around 46% of value at the 5-month mark by 2027. The core drivers: small year-over-year upgrades, strong carrier promos that anchor buyers to lower prices, and the rise of certified refurbs from Apple and carriers.
Translation for the best time to sell iPhone 2025: Aim to list 4–8 weeks before the next launch wave or big promo season. Don’t wait for pre-orders on the new model. Your value can drop fast.
Samsung Galaxy Resale Value 2025: AI Is Closing the Gap
Galaxy S devices are improving on resale. At 5 months post-launch, the S25 is modeled to lose about 46.6% of value, better than the S22 at about 51.9%. Over time, that’s a notable gain, and some models even point to parity with iPhone as soon as mid-2026 at the 5-month mark (conservative views say closer to 2028). Why? Galaxy AI marketing, long security support, and stronger demand for premium Android refurbs—all help the second-hand case for Samsung.
Translation for the best time to sell Samsung Galaxy 2025: Sell Galaxy before new model launch windows. For S series, that means December–January. For Fold/Flip, sell right before the next Unpacked event to dodge the dip.
Google Pixel Resale Value 2025: Value Flagship, Promo Sensitive
Pixels sit in the premium refurb lane but at smaller volume. Buyers like the cameras and clean software. Yet big Google Store and carrier promos can undercut used prices fast. The broader refurb market shows rising demand for premium refurbs, but Pixels live in a promo-heavy world. Timing matters more here than with iPhone.
Translation for the best time to sell Google Pixel 2025: List in August–September before Google’s fall event. Avoid the weeks after heavy Google Store sales and BOGO deals.
AI and Software Support: The New Resale Anchors
This is the big shift. Buyers now ask: how long will this phone get updates? Does it have on-device AI? These signals shape resale value more than small spec bumps. Samsung’s AI push is one reason its resale curve is improving vs. Apple, according to recent resale models. Expect this theme to grow through 2025 and 2026.
“Timing the Market” in the U.S.: The 8-Week Window That Works
In 2025, the sweet spot to list is often 4–8 weeks before big launches and seasonal promo waves. In the U.S., regional differences have more to do with carrier promos and tax season than hardware stock. That’s why this Holiday-to-Tax-Season window can be gold. It lines up with holiday demand for gifts and upgrades, early January promo cycles that can flood the market, and February tax refunds that lift budget and mid-range sales.
Here’s your simple calendar map for Dec 8 to Feb 2.
Weeks 1–2: Catch Holiday Demand (Now Through Late December)
What to do: List clean, unlocked devices. Price firm if your phone is >$500, since premium refurbs are the smallest but fastest-growing segment. For sub-$200 devices, price to move and ship fast.
Why now: Buyers want like-new gifts. Refurbished ASPs are rising, and even “as-is” phones have healthy demand, so your listing can land well before the New Year wave hits.
Key tip: iPhone sellers—this is your safer peak. Don’t wait for pre-order rumor season to heat up. Waiting can cost an extra 5–10 percentage points on newer gens.
Weeks 3–4: Post-Holiday Price Squeeze (Late Dec–Early Jan)
What to do: Expect more listings and harder price checks. Tighten your price spread. Include all accessories and detailed photos. Consider locking a buyback quote as a hedge.
Why now: More supply hits after the holidays. But demand stays decent for work phones and school returns. In the U.S., this is a good time to sell Galaxy S before Unpacked promos change the math.
Weeks 5–6: Rumor Season and Trade-In Promos (Mid- to Late January)
What to do: If you have last-gen iPhone or Galaxy, this is your “don’t miss” window. Price to sell. Move quickly when good offers land.
Why now: Trade-in promos start to build. Used prices can slide before pre-orders open. The data shows the iPhone’s early-months drop is getting steeper across generations.
Weeks 7–8: Last Call Before the Launch Dip (Late Jan–Early Feb)
What to do: Final chance to exit before supply spikes and carrier promos set lower anchors. Use alerts. Accept strong offers fast.
Why now: Tax refund checks start to hit in February, which helps budget and mid-range devices. But flagship prices can get noisy as new models crowd the stage.
Price Bands That Matter in 2025—and How to Play Them
Think in three bands. It helps you price right for speed and value.
Sub-$200
What’s here: Older Androids and very old iPhones. In the U.S., this band is big in volume worldwide, but slower to move fast.
Strategy: List early in the 8-week window. Bundle a case or charger. Don’t chase tiny price bumps. Move quick before new waves push you down the feed.
$200–$500 (the U.S. Sweet Spot)
What’s here: iPhone 13/14, Galaxy S22/S23, and mid-cycle Pixels.
Why it wins: This band dominates North America. Phones here sell fast, and value falls more slowly after one year. It’s the best mix of price and demand.
Over $500 (Premium Refurbs)
What’s here: Recent iPhones and Galaxy flagships.
Why it matters: This is the smallest but fastest-growing segment. Buyers care about warranty, refurb quality, AI features, and long support. Clean devices with full boxes shine.
Regional Patterns in the U.S.: Small Differences, Big Impact
Hardware launches are nationwide. But promotions and wallets shift by region.
Carrier-heavy states (CA, TX, NY, FL): When big promos hit, more people upgrade at once. That means more trade-ins flood the market. Peer-to-peer prices can dip for a short time. National refurb buyers will smooth it out, but be ready to move fast.
Tax-season lift (Feb–April): Refunds help budget buyers. If you sell in the $200–$500 band, this window can shorten your time to sell. In high-income metros, premium refurbs over $500 see more interest, matching the fastest-growing premium trend.
“Why Did My Phone Price Drop?” The Real Drivers in 2025
The used and refurbished market is exploding. More buyers fuel higher ASPs, especially for quality refurbs. That’s good for you. AI and update policies matter. Phones with long support and real AI features hold value longer. Galaxy’s improvement vs. iPhone on resale is one proof point. Early-months dips are bigger for new models. iPhone’s 5-month drop has grown across recent generations. Selling too close to a launch can cost you real money.
“How Much Does Waiting Cost?”
Here’s the simple math. On newer generations, delaying even 3–5 months can stack an extra 5–10 percentage points of value loss. That’s because the 5-month dip has gotten steeper on recent iPhones, and Galaxy is still more sensitive to launch cycles even as it improves. Sell Phone Price Trends 2025 reward early movers.
A Data-Backed 60-Day Plan to Lock Peak Value
Day 1–7: Prep Your Phone
- Back up your data.
- Sign out of accounts; turn off Find My/iCloud and Google FRP; remove SIM and memory card.
- Unlink from carrier if possible; unlock the device if you can.
- Clean the phone. Note battery health and storage.
- Gather the box, cable, and any receipts.
“Industry experts warn that activation lock is the number one deal-breaker for resale.”
Make sure your device is not locked. Buyers will skip it fast.
Day 8–21: List Like a Pro
Take clear photos in daylight. Show any wear. Write a short, honest description. Note support window and AI features if your model has them. Compare options: peer-to-peer vs. buyback. Check a GizmoGrind quote to see today’s cash value. Carriers may offer big credits, but those can tie you to long plans and may not be cash. Set a firm price for one week. Then review.
Day 22–45: Watch the Signals
Track rumor milestones and promo waves. If engagement slows, trim price by 3–5%. For sub-$200 devices, bundle extras (case, charger) to widen your buyer pool. For over-$500 devices, stress condition and support life. Buyers in this band want “worry-free.”
Day 46–60: Execute Your Exit
Accept the best qualified offer. Or lock a buyback quote before new model news hits. Remember: the early-months drop is speeding up on newer iPhones, so timing matters more now than last year.
Case-Study Callouts You Can Use Right Now
Galaxy: Samsung’s AI push is working. The S25’s modeled 5-month drop (~46.6%) beats the S22’s (~51.9%). That’s real progress. Selling before Unpacked is still smart.
Market tailwinds: Refurbished sales rose ~3% YoY in H1 2025. ASPs are climbing. Even “as-is” units are up ~10% YoY. If your device is in good shape, list before the next supply surge.
iPhone vs. Galaxy vs. Pixel: Best Time to Sell in 2025
Best Time to Sell iPhone 2025
Late Q1 to early Q2 (Feb–April) is steady thanks to tax refunds. May–June gives you a strong early summer wave. Avoid listing after the next iPhone pre-orders open. The early-months depreciation trend is getting harsher, and used prices slide fast.
Best Time to Sell Samsung Galaxy 2025
December–January is your window for last-gen S series. Sell Galaxy before new model launch and Unpacked promos. Fold/Flip? Sell right before the next foldable cycle. These models are promo-sensitive.
Best Time to Sell Google Pixel 2025
August–September hits the sweet spot before Google’s fall event. Avoid the weeks after Google Store or carrier BOGO blasts. Those deals drag used prices.
Used Phone Market Trends 2025: Why Your Older Flagship May Be Worth More Than You Think
Refurbs are mainstream. Buyers now trust high-quality refurbs and certified programs. Average selling prices in the secondary market are rising, and even “as-is” phones are moving. North America leads much of that demand. That helps your odds if you sell smart and list at the right time.
Also, remember the long game: forecasts expect the used smartphone market to surge over the next decade. More buyers. More channels. Better refurb tech. All of that supports stronger resale floors.
Practical Tips to Squeeze Out Extra Dollars
- Unlocked sells faster. If you can unlock, do it before listing.
- Battery health matters. If yours is borderline and cheap to replace, consider it for premium band sales.
- Honesty wins. Show nicks and scuffs. It builds trust.
- Clear titles sell. A simple “Unlocked, 128GB, Great Battery, Clean ESN” headline beats a wall of emojis.
- Fast shipping closes deals. Buyers pay more when they can use it next week.
How GizmoGrind Helps You Win the 2025 Resale Window
GizmoGrind makes selling easy, fast, and safe. Get an instant quote, ship free, and get paid fast. We don’t accept iCloud-locked, blacklisted, lost/stolen, or water-damaged devices, so please unlock, sign out, and prep first. Our mission is simple: help you get the most value for your old tech while keeping devices in use and out of landfills.
Your Same-Day Action List
- Get a free GizmoGrind quote to lock today’s value before January promo waves.
- Turn on price alerts for your model.
- Use our prep checklist to remove accounts and clean your phone.
- List within the first half of the 8-week window if you can. Don’t wait for pre-orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to trade in a phone in 2025?
Aim for 4–8 weeks before major launches and promo waves. In the U.S., late December through January works well before supply surges. Tax season also boosts $200–$500 demand.
What’s the best time to sell iPhone 2025?
Don’t wait until after pre-orders start for the next iPhone. Early-months depreciation is steeper on newer gens. Late Q1 and early summer are solid, too.
What’s the best time to sell Samsung Galaxy 2025?
December–January, before the next S series launch and Unpacked trade-in promos. For foldables, sell right before the next Fold/Flip event.
What about Google Pixel?
August–September, before Google’s fall event. Avoid periods right after big Google Store or carrier promos.
How do price bands change my plan?
Sub-$200: list early and bundle. $200–$500: fastest sales in North America. Over $500: highlight warranty, support life, and condition to stand out.
Will the used phone market keep growing?
Yes. Multiple trackers see strong growth through the decade. That supports healthy resale floors, especially for quality refurbs.
The Bottom Line: When to Sell Phone for Most Money 2025
Sell Phone Price Trends 2025 are clear. The market is hot, but early dips are sharper on new models. To win, list 4–8 weeks ahead of launches and promo waves. If you own an iPhone, move before pre-orders open. If you own a Galaxy, sell ahead of Unpacked. For Pixel, list before fall deals land.
Use the Dec–Feb window. Watch tax season. Price by band. And don’t wait too long. Your phone’s value is ready right now.
Ready to Lock In Your Price?
Get your free GizmoGrind quote today. Turn on price alerts. Use our checklist. Then ship it and get paid. It’s fast, safe, and green.
Sources Cited in This Guide
- iPhone vs. Galaxy depreciation, AI effect, crossover projections: https://www.sellcell.com/blog/samsung-ai-phones-close-resale-gap-iphone-2026/
- Refurbished market growth, rising ASPs, “as-is” up 10% YoY: https://secondarymarket.news/blog/refurbished-smartphone-market-2025/
- Global market size, North America share, segment trends: https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/refurbished-used-mobile-phones/
- Used smartphone long-range forecasts: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/used-smartphone-market-24446
- Used and refurbished smartphone market share analysis: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/used-and-refurbished-smartphone-market
- North America used-phone market outlook: https://nsysgroup.com/blog/top-trends-in-the-used-device-market/
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