The holidays are fast approaching. As the holiday season approaches, it’s not just the lights, decorations and holiday cheer that get us excited. For many of us, it’s also the prospect of closing fantastic deals and taking home the perfect gifts for our loved ones.

Smartphones are currently among the most sought-after items, with retailers offering numerous promotions to attract buyers. Although it’s easy to be swayed by the immediate appeal of a shiny object new phoneThere is one crucial aspect that is often overlooked amid the festive frenzy: resale value.

When you buy a high-quality phone, you’re not just paying for its functionality and looks. AI Featuresyou are also investing in its future value. A phone with a high resale value allows you to recoup a significant portion of your initial cost when it’s time to upgrade. This can make your next gadget more cost-effective and even help you justify higher upfront spending on a quality device.

Whether you’re a frequent upgrader, high-end shopper, or simply looking for the best holiday giftUnderstanding the value of your phone will help you get the most out of your purchase.

Learn more: Nearly 70% of US smartphone owners never sold their old phone: here’s why

Maximize resale value during the holidays

You can usually get the most money for your old phone as soon as a new model comes out. Carriers and third-party retailers tend to offer the highest discounts on their new phones if you trade in your current device. So if you have an iPhone, this peak time would be in September or October. If you’re on Team Samsung, new Galaxy S models typically launch in January or February. But often, you’ll receive account credits for your phone service bill rather than cold hard cash. And that’s why the holiday season can be a good time to buy or sell a phone. As people upgrade their devices or buy gifts, the demand for new and used phones increases.

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You can also sell your old phone to a resale site rather than simply exchanging it with a carrier. Sometimes you’ll get as much or more than third-party carriers and retailers will credit you for an exchange. If you go this route, you can use the money you got from selling your phone to buy a new one – it’s all just not going to happen in one neat transaction. Companies like Apple even have a exchange page this shows how much you will earn if you sell your phone to them.

Of course, you can only get for your phone what it’s worth. A new iPhone 16 Pro Or Galaxy S24 Ultra will likely have a higher resale value in two or three years than a budget model like a iPhone SE Or Galaxy A35. So when you’re buying a phone, it’s helpful to keep its value in mind, just like a car or a house would.

When does it make sense to consider resale value?

For many people, considering retention value can be a wise financial decision, especially if you tend to upgrade frequently or want to maximize ROI. If you’re considering reselling or trading in your phone, here are some considerations and motivations to keep in mind.

Frequent upgrades: A high resale value can significantly reduce the cost of new purchases, making frequent upgrades more financially viable.

Premium buyers: When purchasing high-end phones, resale value becomes more critical. These devices often come with a hefty price tag, so being able to recoup some of that cost by selling your old device can make a big difference.

Gift givers: A device that retains its value well will be appreciated not only for its immediate use but also for its longevity.

What factors influence resale value?

Brand and model: Apple And Samsung tend to hold their original price better than their competitors. Within a specific brand, some models may retain their value better than others. For example, the SellCell report showed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max (which originally sold for $1,199 and up) has held its value better in the year since its launch than the base iPhone 15 models (which initially sold at $799 and up).

Condition and care: Well-maintained phones, with minimal wear and tear, tend to fetch a higher price years after release. Make sure your phone is in good condition by repairing minor issues, cleaning it thoroughly, and keeping the original accessories and packaging if possible. Preserve the condition of your phone by obtaining a case and a screen protector. Take care of the battery by charging it when the battery is almost completely exhausted and monitoring its health in your phone’s settings app.

Age: Newer models generally have a higher resale value than older models.

Timing is key: Selling your phone before a new model launches may cost more, as buyers may be looking to get a good deal on the current model or manufacturers and carriers are offering better deals. Conversely, selling during major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday can also be beneficial, as demand for gifts like phones tends to increase.

Sell ​​to independents: While trading in to Apple, for example, can be a convenient way to get a significant portion of your money back, the price will often be lower than if you resell to a private buyer or through a resale website.

When can resale value matter less?

When it comes to buying a new phone, many factors come into play. A November survey by CNET found that more than three in four U.S. smartphone owners (77%) say the resale value is n didn’t influence their decision or that they didn’t pay any attention to it.

Considering resale value when purchasing a new phone is generally considered a smart decision, but it may not be right for everyone. It’s about finding a balance between your current needs and your future benefits. Here are some scenarios where this might not be as important.

Budget constraints: If you’re on a tight budget right now, getting a phone that retains its value over the years probably isn’t as important as what you pay today. A mid-range phone tends to depreciate more quickly and the initial savings often exceed the potential resale value.

Long-term use: If you plan to keep your phone for several years, the resale value becomes less relevant. When buying a phone for years of use, focus on durability, processor performance, and software support. Companies like Samsung and Google support new models for seven years with security and software upgrades.

Secondary or emergency telephones: For secondary phones or those intended for emergency use, resale value is not a priority. Practicality and reliability take precedence over potential future sales.

When browsing holiday deals, remember that a phone’s resale value can play a crucial role in your decision. By considering factors like brand reputation, device condition, and timing, you can make a smart investment that will pay off in the long run.