iPhones held more value in 2023 than Galaxy S23: Why is that?

Typically, when we buy the latest gadgets, we are well aware that the second we open the box and press the power button, their resale value plummets. Not long ago, we revealed that Apple's smartphones typically eclipse Android flagships in retaining their value, and the iPhone 15 is no exception. Three months after launch, the iPhone15 lost only 27.9% of its value, which is 27.1% less than its Android counterparts. On the Android side, despite a 43.5% drop in value in the first two months, the Galaxy S23 series managed to retain its value better than other Android flagships. So, this made us wonder what's the problem? Why iPhones were more valuable in 2023 than Galaxy S23? Let's get into the thick of it. First on the list is brand loyalty. According to Statistics, Apple enjoys a very strong brand reputation for quality and innovation, fostering a deep sense of loyalty among its customers. This results in high demand for used iPhones, driving up their resale prices.

This brings us to the second factor: the strength of the resale market. There is a massive and well-established market for iPhone resale, with countless online and offline retailers offering used Apple devices. This allows people to get a good price for their old iPhones.

Then there's Apple's commitment to software support. The company supports its iPhones much longer than the majority of Android phones, including the Galaxy S23. Samsung has promised four years of Android operating system and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23 series.

In contrast, Apple has committed to releasing iOS updates for iPhones up to seven years after release. It means that iPhone15launched in 2023, is expected to receive iOS updates until 2029. Keeping a phone up to date with the latest updates and security features for longer makes it more desirable to buyers.

With the new Galaxy S24 series (packed with tons of AI features that could really attract fans), Samsung also promised a seven-year lifespan for OS and security updates. Time will tell if this helps keep its resale value skyrocketing.

Does Apple's ecosystem make iPhones more desirable?

Alright, let's look at other factors that could influence the statistics in favor of iPhones retaining a higher value than Galaxy smartphones. One potential influencing factor is the seamless integration of iPhones with Apple's vast ecosystem, including MacBooks, iPads, AirPods and Apple Watch.

This tight-knit ecosystem ensures a seamless user experience, encouraging users to stay in the Apple universe and giving their iPhones an additional boost in resale value.

What else? iPhones generally have sturdy build quality and are known for their durability. This reputation for longevity contributes to their resale value, as buyers are confident that used iPhones will continue to perform well for an extended period of time.

Buying a new smartphone, especially a flagship, is a financial decision that requires careful consideration. Shelling out over a thousand dollars for a smartphone isn't something most of us can do on a whim, so it's essential to understand how its value holds up over time.

As I said earlier, as soon as we unbox our brand new gadget, its value decreases. But hey, that's the whole problem, right? To please ourselves and actually use the damn thing. Not everyone has the patience to store away their brand new smartphone for years, hoping to strike it rich when they finally decide to sell it, like the recent sale of the original iPhone 4 for the sum a staggering $158,000. Talk about holding value!

Of course, there are other factors at play, so please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on why used iPhones consistently have a higher value than new ones. Galaxy S series smartphones.