What's My Phone Worth? An Honest UK Price Guide for 2026

Let's Be Honest About This

We'll be upfront: not every phone is worth a lot. That old iPhone 7 in your kitchen drawer isn't going to fund a holiday. And the cracked Samsung Galaxy A-series from three years ago isn't hidden treasure.

But here's what surprises most people: the majority of phones sitting unused in UK homes are worth more than their owners assume. Not a fortune, but a genuinely useful amount of money — enough for a nice meal out, a contribution towards your new phone, or a few months of a streaming subscription.

The problem isn't that phones have no value. The problem is that most people have no idea what their phone is actually worth, so they never bother checking. They assume it's worthless, or they think finding out requires effort, so the phone sits in a drawer depreciating until it really is worthless.

There's a simple formula behind phone valuation: Model + Storage + Condition = Price. That's it. Four factors, one price. And you can check the exact number in about 30 seconds with an instant quote on TechLoop.

This guide breaks down each factor, gives you realistic price ranges for the most popular models in the UK, and explains exactly when and why phone values change. No inflated numbers, no marketing spin — just honest figures to help you make a decision.

The 4 Factors That Determine Your Phone's Value

1. Model (The Biggest Factor)

The specific model of your phone accounts for roughly 50-60% of its value. Newer models are worth more. Flagship models are worth more than budget models. And some brands hold value better than others.

Apple iPhones consistently retain the highest percentage of their original value compared to any other brand. A two-year-old iPhone will typically be worth 40-55% of its launch price, while a two-year-old Android phone of equivalent original price might sit at 25-40%.

This isn't an Apple advertisement — it's market mechanics. iPhones have a massive second-hand demand globally, Apple supports devices with software updates for 5-6 years (extending their useful life), and the brand's resale ecosystem is deeply established.

Samsung Galaxy S and Z series phones hold value reasonably well, though not quite at iPhone levels. Google Pixel phones have improved their resale value in recent years but still lag behind. Budget and mid-range phones from any brand depreciate the fastest.

2. Storage Capacity

Storage has a disproportionate effect on price. A 256GB phone might have cost only £100 more than the 128GB version when new, but on the second-hand market, it often commands a premium of £30-£70 or more.

This is because second-hand buyers specifically seek out higher storage models. Nobody wants to buy a used phone and immediately run out of space. The 64GB models, where they still exist, take the biggest hit — many buyers actively avoid them.

Note that the premium for storage has diminishing returns. The jump from 128GB to 256GB adds more relative value than the jump from 512GB to 1TB. This is because the buyer pool for 1TB phones is smaller — most people don't need that much storage on a phone.

3. Condition

Condition is where most sellers either over-estimate (and end up disappointed) or under-estimate (and leave money on the table). Being honest and accurate about your phone's condition is the single best thing you can do to avoid surprises during the buyback process.

Most buyback services use a grading scale similar to this:

The gap between grades is significant. On a phone worth £300 in "Like New" condition, dropping to "Good" might cost you £45-£90. That's why it's worth being honest from the start — if you describe your phone as "Excellent" but it arrives with visible scratches, the offer will be revised downward and you'll be disappointed.

TechLoop's grading guide shows you exactly what each condition level looks like with real photos, so you can grade your phone accurately before getting a quote.

Battery health matters more than you think. On iPhones, you can check this in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A phone with 78% battery health is worth meaningfully less than one at 92%. Buyers know that a low battery health means a £70-£100 battery replacement is coming, and that's reflected in what they'll pay.

4. Market Demand (The Invisible Factor)

This is the factor you can't control, but understanding it helps you make smarter timing decisions.

Phone values aren't static — they fluctuate based on supply and demand in the second-hand market. Several things drive these fluctuations:

New model releases. When Apple announces the iPhone 17 (expected September 2026), the value of every older iPhone drops. The iPhone 16 range takes the biggest hit — typically 10-20% within the first week of a new announcement. Older models feel the effect too, just to a lesser degree.

Seasonal patterns. January and September are the busiest months for phone trade-ins — January because people sell Christmas upgrades, and September because of iPhone launch season. Higher supply means slightly lower prices. The best time to sell for top value is typically May to July, when supply is lower and demand from refurbishers remains steady.

Regional demand. UK buyback prices are influenced by global demand. iPhones have strong resale markets in Africa, Asia, and South America, which props up UK buyback prices. Samsung and Pixel phones have more variable international demand.

Software support cutoffs. When a phone stops receiving software updates, its resale value drops sharply. Buyers don't want a phone that won't receive security patches. Apple's long support window (5-6 years) is one reason iPhones hold value so well.

Price Ranges by Brand and Model (2026)

These are approximate buyback price ranges for devices in "Good" condition (Grade B) with the most common storage capacity. Actual prices vary by service and change frequently. For the exact current value of your specific device, get an instant quote on TechLoop.

iPhone Price Ranges (Good Condition)

Samsung Price Ranges (Good Condition)

Google Pixel Price Ranges (Good Condition)

A note on these tables: These ranges reflect typical UK buyback prices at the time of writing. They'll shift over time — generally downward as phones age and newer models arrive. The ranges also vary between buyback services; some services consistently sit at the top of these ranges while others sit at the bottom. That's exactly why comparing is worth the two minutes it takes.

If you want the exact, current price for your specific phone — not an approximate range — get a free instant quote on TechLoop. It takes 30 seconds, accounts for your exact model, storage, and condition, and the price is locked for 21 days.

How Condition Affects Price: Real Numbers

To make the condition grading tangible, here's how the price of a specific phone changes across condition grades.

Example: iPhone 15 Pro, 256GB

The drop from "Like New" to "Excellent" is small — maybe a few light scratches that most people wouldn't even notice. But the drop from "Good" to "Fair" is steep, because "Fair" typically means visible damage that affects the phone's appearance.

The critical insight here: even a broken phone has value. An iPhone 15 Pro with a completely cracked screen is still worth £150 or more. That's not nothing. And it's certainly better than the £0 you get from leaving it in a drawer for another two years until it's truly obsolete.

When Phone Values Drop (And When to Sell)

Understanding the depreciation cycle helps you decide whether to sell now or wait.

The Annual Depreciation Curve

Phones lose value on a curve, not a straight line. The steepest drops happen at specific moments:

Month 0-1 after launch: The phone is new. Resale value is highest (typically 75-90% of retail price for a mint-condition unit).

Months 1-6: Gradual decline. Roughly 2-4% per month.

Months 6-12 (first anniversary): The phone has typically lost 25-40% of its original value.

Month 12-18: Slower decline, roughly 1-3% per month — the new model buzz has faded.

New model announcement (typically month 12): Sharp drop of 10-20% within a week. This is the single biggest value event in a phone's lifecycle.

Months 18-24: Continued gradual decline. The phone has typically lost 45-60% of its original value.

Year 3+: The phone is now firmly in the "budget second-hand" category. Depreciation slows because the price is already low, but the phone is approaching end-of-life for software support.

The Best Time to Sell

The ideal window is 2-3 months before the next model announcement. For iPhones, Apple typically announces in September, so selling by June or July gets you the best price. For Samsung Galaxy S series, announcements are usually in January or February, so selling by October or November is optimal.

If you've already missed that window, the second-best time is right now. Every week you wait, the phone loses a few more pounds. There's never a "good time" to sell if you're waiting for the price to go up — it won't. Phone values only go in one direction.

Seasonal Price Patterns

How to Check Your Phone's Value Instantly

You don't need to guess, calculate, or ring anyone. Here's the fastest way to find out exactly what your phone is worth.

1. Go to TechLoop's selling page
2. Select your device type (iPhone, Samsung, etc.)
3. Select your exact model
4. Select your storage capacity
5. Select your device's condition (be honest — it saves everyone time)
6. See your instant quote

The whole process takes about 30 seconds. The price you see is the price you'll be paid, assuming the device matches the condition you described. TechLoop locks your quote for 21 days, giving you time to prepare your device and post it without worrying about the price changing.

If you're not sure about your phone's storage capacity, check in your phone's settings:

• iPhone: Settings > General > About > look for "Total Capacity"
• Samsung: Settings > About Phone > Storage
• Pixel: Settings > Storage

If you're not sure about the exact model, the same settings screens will tell you.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Phone's Value

These are avoidable errors that cost sellers real money.

Waiting Too Long

This is the most expensive mistake by far, and the most common. People know they should sell their old phone. They fully intend to. But weeks turn into months, and months turn into years, and the phone that was worth £300 is now worth £90.

The maths is unforgiving. A phone depreciating at 2-3% per month loses £6-£9 in value every single month on a £300 starting point. Wait six months and you've passively lost £36-£54. Wait a year and you've lost £72-£108.

If you have an old phone you're not using, check its value now. Even if you don't sell today, knowing the number creates urgency.

Over-Estimating Condition

Describing your phone as "Excellent" when it really has visible scratches and 76% battery health means the buyback service will reassess it on arrival. The revised offer will be lower, and you'll feel cheated — even though the new price is the accurate one.

Be brutally honest. Check your screen under bright light at different angles. Check the edges and corners for chips. Check your battery health in settings. Then grade accordingly. A realistic "Good" grade that matches on arrival is far better than an optimistic "Excellent" that gets downgraded.

Not Comparing Services

We covered this in detail in our comparison guide, but it bears repeating: prices vary by up to 45% between services for the same phone. Checking two or three services takes five minutes and can be worth £50-£150.

Ignoring Broken Phones

A cracked screen doesn't mean your phone is worthless. Even a phone that doesn't turn on has value — for parts, for component recovery, or because the damage is fixable. Don't assume broken means zero. Get a quote and let the number speak for itself.

Selling at the Wrong Time

Selling your old iPhone the week after Apple announces the new one is the worst possible timing. If you know you're going to upgrade, sell the old phone before the announcement, not after. The 10-20% drop that happens at announcement time is money directly out of your pocket.

Forgetting to Factory Reset

This doesn't directly reduce your phone's value, but it can slow down processing and, with some services, result in complications. A phone that arrives reset and free from Activation Lock gets processed and paid faster. Check our step-by-step reset guide before you send your device.

What About Devices Other Than Phones?

Everything in this guide applies in principle to tablets, laptops, consoles, and smartwatches too. The same four factors — model, storage/specs, condition, and market demand — determine the value of any device.

Here are some rough ranges for popular non-phone devices in good condition:

You can check the value of any of these on TechLoop: tablets, MacBooks, consoles, and watches are all covered.

The Honest Bottom Line

Your phone is a depreciating asset. Every day you're not using it, it's losing value. The question isn't whether to sell it — it's when.

If you've read this far, you now know more about phone valuation than 95% of people in the UK. You know the four factors that set the price, you know when values drop hardest, and you know the mistakes that cost sellers money.

The only thing left is to actually check the number. Go to TechLoop, enter your phone details, and see what it's worth. It takes 30 seconds, it's completely free, and there's no commitment. If the number surprises you — and it usually does — you can lock that price in for 21 days and sell whenever you're ready.

That phone in your drawer isn't getting more valuable. But right now, today, it's worth more than it will be tomorrow.