Ranked List
10 Phones with Best Resale Value in India (2026)
Ranked by value retention after 2 years of ownership
Last updated: March 2026
Indians upgrade their phones every 2–3 years on average. The resale value of your current phone directly offsets the cost of your next one. An iPhone that holds 60% of its value after 2 years effectively costs you 40% of its sticker price — while a mid-range Android that holds 30% costs you 70%.
We ranked 10 popular phones by their resale value retention after 2 years in the Indian market, using data from used phone platforms, trade-in services, and real transaction prices. The pattern is clear: iPhones dominate resale, Samsung flagships hold up reasonably well, and most other Android brands depreciate significantly faster.
Quick Comparison: iPhone vs Samsung Resale Value India
| Rank | Phone | Value Retained (2 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 15 Pro Max | 60–65% |
| 2 | iPhone 15 | 55–60% |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 50–55% |
| 4 | iPhone 14 | 50–55% |
| 5 | iPhone SE 3 | 45–50% |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | 45–50% |
| 7 | OnePlus 12 | 40–45% |
| 8 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | 40–45% |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | 35–40% |
| 10 | Nothing Phone 2 | 35–40% |
iPhone 15 Pro Max — 60–65% after 2 years
The Pro Max is Apple's most premium offering and it holds value the best. The titanium build, 5x telephoto camera, and A17 Pro chip make it desirable even two generations later. In India, where iPhone Pro Max models carry extreme aspirational value, used units in good condition sell within hours of listing.
The 256GB variant is the sweet spot for resale — the 1TB model has a higher absolute price but a lower percentage retention because fewer buyers are willing to pay a premium for storage alone. Natural Titanium is the most popular colour in the resale market.
iPhone 15 — 55–60% after 2 years
The standard iPhone 15 brought USB-C and the Dynamic Island to Apple's mainstream lineup, making it a significant upgrade. It retains value extremely well because it is the most popular iPhone model by volume in India — there are always plenty of buyers looking for a "current-gen iPhone" at a discount.
The 128GB base model has the highest resale demand. Budget-conscious iPhone buyers upgrading from older models (iPhone 11, 12) form the primary second-hand buyer pool.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — 50–55% after 2 years
Samsung's best holds value better than any other Android phone in India, thanks to the S Pen, 200MP camera, titanium frame, and 7 years of OS updates. The Galaxy AI features added post-launch have actually helped maintain its perceived value over time.
The S24 Ultra competes directly with the iPhone Pro Max in the used market. Buyers who want Android's flexibility but Apple-level build quality gravitate toward it. The 256GB Titanium Gray is the most liquid variant.
iPhone 14 — 50–55% after 2 years
Even as a "previous generation" model, the iPhone 14 holds solid value. Apple's long software support (iOS updates for 5+ years) means a 2-year-old iPhone 14 still feels current. In India, the iPhone 14 has become the de facto "affordable iPhone" in the used market, sitting at a price point that attracts first-time iPhone buyers.
The Lightning port is the main drawback for resale going forward, as USB-C becomes standard. The Blue and Purple variants are slightly harder to sell than Midnight and Starlight.
iPhone SE 3 — 45–50% after 2 years
The cheapest way into the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone SE 3 holds value well relative to its lower starting price. It appeals to a specific buyer: someone who wants iPhone reliability, iMessage, and iOS without paying flagship prices. The A15 Bionic chip ensures it remains fast for years.
The compact form factor and Touch ID are preferred by some users, especially those upgrading from older iPhones. Its lower absolute resale price makes it highly liquid — it sells fast on platforms like Bids44.
Samsung Galaxy S24 — 45–50% after 2 years
The base Galaxy S24 is Samsung's most popular flagship by volume. It benefits from Galaxy AI, 7 years of updates, and a compact form factor. However, it depreciates faster than the Ultra because Samsung releases so many models that buyers always have newer options at similar price points.
The 256GB variant holds value better than the 128GB. Samsung's frequent Flipkart sales and exchange offers on new models put downward pressure on used S24 prices.
OnePlus 12 — 40–45% after 2 years
OnePlus has a loyal fanbase in India that keeps used demand steady. The OnePlus 12 brought Hasselblad cameras and a beautiful display, but OnePlus's aggressive pricing strategy on new models (frequent sales, trade-in offers) undercuts used prices. A new OnePlus 13 on sale often costs close to a used OnePlus 12.
The brand's shift toward the premium segment has helped resale somewhat. The Silky Black variant is easiest to sell in the second-hand market.
Google Pixel 8 Pro — 40–45% after 2 years
The Pixel 8 Pro is the best camera phone for its price, and Google's 7 years of OS updates are a genuine selling point for resale. However, Pixel has a niche audience in India — most buyers are tech enthusiasts rather than mainstream consumers, which limits the buyer pool.
Google's limited presence in India (no offline retail, limited service centres) hurts resale confidence. Buyers worry about servicing and repairs, which suppresses prices compared to Samsung at the same tier.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 — 35–40% after 2 years
Foldable phones are exciting but depreciate fast. The Z Flip 5 loses value quickly because buyers worry about screen crease durability, hinge wear, and the rapid pace of improvement in foldable technology. Each new generation makes the previous one feel significantly outdated.
The novelty factor that drives initial purchases does not translate to resale — second-hand buyers are more practical and prioritize longevity over form factor.
Nothing Phone 2 — 35–40% after 2 years
Nothing has built a cult following with its unique Glyph Interface design, but it is still a young brand with limited market trust. The Phone 2 holds value better than most mid-range Android phones thanks to its distinctive look and clean OxygenOS-like software, but the small brand means a smaller buyer pool.
If Nothing continues to grow in India, resale values for their phones should improve over time — similar to how OnePlus resale improved as the brand matured.
What Makes a Phone Hold Value in India?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the best resale value in India?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the best resale value, retaining 60–65% after 2 years. iPhones as a brand consistently outperform all Android phones in resale. Among Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra holds value best at 50–55%.
Why do iPhones hold value better than Samsung in India?
Apple releases fewer models per year creating scarcity, provides 5–6 years of iOS updates (vs 3–4 for most Android phones), and rarely discounts new prices. Samsung floods the market with dozens of models and runs frequent sales, which puts downward pressure on used prices.
Is it better to sell a used phone on Bids44 or Cashify?
If you want the highest price and can wait a few days, list on Bids44 where multiple buyers bid competitively. If you want instant cash with zero effort, Cashify offers same-day pickup and payment but typically pays 20–30% less than a direct buyer.
How much does a phone depreciate in the first year?
Most phones lose 25–35% in the first year. iPhones lose around 25%, Samsung flagships 30–35%, and mid-range Android phones 40% or more. Budget phones under Rs 15,000 lose value fastest — often 50% in year one.
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Disclaimer: Resale values are estimates based on market data from used phone platforms, trade-in services, and real transaction prices as of March 2026. Actual resale value depends on condition, storage capacity, colour, and market conditions at time of sale. Bids44 is our product.