Don’t throw away your old Android phone

Discover the Worth of Your Old Android Devices

In general, most Android phones tend to lose approximately half of their original value after a year of use, provided they are in perfect condition. If you engage in buying and selling through platforms like Wallapop, you’ve likely observed the substantial depreciation of smartphones, particularly affecting mid-range and low-end devices. In many cases, it becomes more worthwhile to give away these phones with a new purchase rather than attempting to sell them second-hand.

Androids experience significant devaluation right from the outset, even for those with distinctive features. Nevertheless, there will always be models that remain challenging to obtain and command higher prices than usual. As a collector, I’ve witnessed the second-hand value rise for certain models, even years after they became obsolete. Examples include the Motorola Milestone, especially the first version, the BlackBerry Priv, and the Nexus One—considered an Android gem. If you still possess Google’s first smartphone in good condition, you might have a valuable item on your hands.

Models that marked a significant revolution in the market tend to garner greater interest among collectors. Based on my experience in buying and selling, here’s a general overview of the devaluation timeline for most Android phones:

• Six months after purchase: Typically experiences a 30-40% devaluation, influenced by factors like the phone’s range (preferably high-end), brand popularity (brands like Xiaomi or Samsung have more appeal), and overall condition.
• One year after purchase: In perfect condition, you may expect to sell it for 40-50% of the original price. Premium range phones like those from Xiaomi or the Galaxy S series may even reach up to 60%.
• Two years after purchase: It becomes challenging to exceed 20-30% unless the mobile is a high-end and well-known model. It’s often more practical to offer it as compensation for a new purchase.
• Beyond five/six years: Some particular models may retain value, especially if they were groundbreaking in the market. While it’s not common, certain devices can be considered valuable.

Saving the first mobiles from each brand, as well as historical ones and Android phones with distinctive features, is advisable. This principle extends beyond Android to classic phones, including iPhones, which can command significant value among collectors.