Apple products have long been known for retaining their value, but recent data from SellCell suggests this may be changing.
SellCell’s report indicates that while iPhones still hold their value better than other devices, they depreciate faster with each new release. On the other hand, Samsung’s flagship models are beginning to hold their value for longer periods. For example, the iPhone 16 has experienced a value drop of 41.2% within two weeks of release, compared to 33.2% for the iPhone 15. Similarly, the iPhone 11 depreciated by 43.8% in its first year, while the iPhone 15 saw a 48.2% decrease.
In contrast, Samsung’s depreciation rate is slowing down. The Galaxy S22 lost 66.7% of its value in the year after launch, while the Galaxy S23 only lost 61.7%. This trend continues with the Galaxy S24, which has seen a 50.4% decrease in value within the first six months.
The reason for the decline in value is not due to a decrease in quality but rather increased competition. Samsung is consistently improving its devices with enhanced features, functionality, and build quality. As Android continues to evolve, it becomes more appealing to Apple users, attracting new customers to the Samsung side.
This shift in the market is surprising given Apple’s reputation for retaining resale value. It suggests that Samsung is making significant strides with each new phone release, providing more value to consumers. While the iPhone 16 is a remarkable device, so is the Samsung Galaxy S24.
As the differences between Apple and Samsung devices narrow, consumer choices may be more about personal style preferences than brand loyalty.
