Your old smartphone is gold in your hands. Because if you resell it, you can still cash in big time.
Are you about to upgrade your smartphone? By selling your old device, you can earn a nice extra. The used smartphone market is thriving like never before, and your old iPhone or Android could still fetch you a surprisingly nice sum.
Before you take a simple snapshot and pop your smartphone on Marketplace, you’ll want to think about a few things. After all, how oe make sure you get the highest trade-in value? It’s all about the right strategy. Don’t worry, we’ll help you get started.
This determines the value of your used smartphone
Here are the key factors to consider to get the most out of your old device.
#1 The brand of your smartphone matters
If you own a phone from Apple or Samsung, you’re in the right place. These brands have been market leaders for years and are known for their quality and reliability. As a result, they remain popular on the used market and often provide a higher trade-in value.
Brands such as Xiaomi, OnePlus and Oppo are on the rise, but have not yet earned the same reputation. As a result, their devices may be worth less even if they are similar in specs.
The Samsung S23 line is beautiful. (Image: Samsung)
#2 The physical state and battery health
Scratches, dents and other damage? These can significantly reduce your selling price. After all, buyers want a smartphone that looks new. Therefore, be sure to clean your phone and remove any cases or screen protectors before taking photos for your listing.
In addition, battery health is important. Smartphones lose battery power over time, and no one is waiting for a device that constantly needs to be on the charger. If your phone still has a good battery, be sure to emphasize that in your sales ad.
#3 Internal storage: more is better
The more storage your phone has, the more attractive it is to buyers. A model with 512GB of storage sells better than one with 128GB, simply because it’s more future-proof. If you have a high-storage model, that can just add a few extra tens.
#4 Repair history of your smartphone
Have you ever had parts of your smartphone replaced? A repair does not have to be a dealbreaker, but be honest about what happened. A device that has never been opened has more value because it gives confidence to the buyer.
However, major repairs, such as a new motherboard or screen replacement, can significantly reduce the value. Minor repairs, such as a replacement charging port, are usually less of a problem.
Big bummer (Image: Unsplash)
#5 Supported software and warranty
Is your smartphone still compatible with the latest software versions? This is an important selling point. For example, an iPhone XR is worth more than an iPhone X because it gets longer software updates.
Do you still have a warranty on your phone? Make that clear in your listing. A phone with warranty gives buyers extra security and can increase your price.
#6 Original packaging and accessories
Do you still have the original box, charger and accessories? Good news: that can net you an extra 10 percent. A complete set gives the impression that you handled your smartphone carefully and saves the buyer the trouble of searching for replacement accessories.
