How much is my phone worth?

Are old phones worth selling?

Absolutely! We’re all guilty of hoarding our old technology, whether that’s to save it as a backup ‘just in case’, or simply struggling to let go of the past – but if you’ve got an old unused phone gathering dust in a drawer you could just be missing out on a tidy profit.

A common misconception is that to get anything back for your old phone it has to be in mint condition but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even if your phone is broken, cracked or scuffed, you’ll likely still be able to sell it for something.

At the end of the day, what else are you going to do with it?

Which phones are worth the most?

Naturally, not all old phones hold equal value and you’re likely to make more profit from selling one of the market-leading phones such as an iPhone or a Samsung, as opposed to an old Nokia.

High-end flagship phones from reputable brands typically retain more value over time. Examples include older iPhone models like the iPhone X or iPhone 11, Google Pixel flagships, and Samsung Galaxy S series phones. However, the first-generation or early versions of a popular phone series can also be valuable. For instance, the first iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S1, or Google Nexus One can be sought after.

With the ever-increasing price of smartphones that aren’t too different from their predecessors, you’d probably be surprised at how much your older technology is worth. Take the 3-year-old Samsung S20 for example, there’s a huge market out there for those looking to get similar functionality to the latest S23 without paying the price tag. These types of phones can be refurbished to look as good as new, and snapped up in a flash.

Assessing how much your phone is worth

The amount of money you’ll get for your old phone will depend on various factors, including:

Age and model
- These are two of the most influential factors when it comes to determining your phone’s worth. Newer models tend to fetch higher prices, whilst older ones may have significantly depreciated in value. Those with a larger storage capacity are also typically worth more
Condition
- Of course, the condition of your phone is also crucial – and this covers both the physical and functional condition. A phone that’s in perfect working order and pristine condition with no visible imperfections will be priced higher than a phone with battery problems or glitches with signs of wear and tear. As a general rule of thumb, you can measure its condition against the following criteria:
  - Excellent: Perfect condition with no visible scratches, scuffs, or dents.
  - Good: Minor wear and tear to the exterior but it’s still fully functional.
  - Poor: More significant exterior damage such as a broken screen but no operational issues such as a faulty battery.
  - Broken: Significant damage, such as the phone won’t turn on or some buttons have broken.
Accessories and packaging
- Still having the original packaging and accessories such as headphones and chargers will usually give the phone a higher resale value.
Unlocked vs locked
- Unlocked phones are typically more valuable as they can be used with any network provider, whereas being locked to a specific network reduces their potential market and can reduce the price they’re sold at.

All of the above factors can help you gauge the current state of your old phone and judge your chances of making a good profit. Generally speaking though, if your phone turns on and can perform expected actions such as receiving calls, you could be quids in. If your phone is a bit beaten up and finding a new home for it is unlikely, you could still sell it for parts.

What’s the easiest way to sell my phone?

Undoubtedly, the easiest way to get money for your old phone is to sell it to a company that buys used phones, like PhoneBox. In comparison to going down the private selling route and listing your device on an online marketplace, we do all of the work for you.

Selling your phone online is an increasingly popular choice because it’s quick, easy and most importantly convenient. There’s no need to deal with private buyers, haggle over prices or risk a potentially fraudulent transaction – which are probably some of the many things that have put you off doing it earlier.

As a reseller and recycler of mobile phones, we’re more forgiving when it comes to damaged or broken phones than private buyers are. Even if your phone isn’t in the best condition, we’ll buy it from you and reuse the parts.

PhoneBox is a hassle-free way to ensure you get the money you deserve for your unused tech. We’ve made it quicker and simpler than ever to sell or trade in your device from the comfort of your own home in a few simple steps.

All we ask is that you let us know a few things about your device, and we’ll give you an instant quote that’s yours for the taking. We’ll even provide you with a free sales pack to send your phone to us, so all you have to do is pack it up and post it to us. Once we’ve received and verified your device, you’ll get the money straight in your bank to spend it how you wish.

Sounds simple, right? Try it for yourself and sell your device today.