Technology
Your old phone may hold more value than you expect, even if its screen is broken or its battery efficiency has declined. Amidst the growth of the used and refurbished phone market and the rising prices of new devices globally, buying and selling dynamics are shifting. Recent data indicates that the smartphone market is undergoing transformations; IDC expects new phone shipments globally to decrease by 16.7% during 2026, coinciding with an increase in the average selling price of a phone to $581. In contrast, the global organization GSMA, representing telecommunications companies and mobile operators, anticipates growth in the used and refurbished phone market in the coming years. Approximately half of consumers worldwide have expressed willingness to consider buying a refurbished phone as their next device. "The Whiz Cells," an American company specializing in buying, selling, and refurbishing used phones and electronic devices, highlights several fundamental reasons that encourage selling an old phone rather than keeping it unused: **1. The Boom in the Used Phone Market:** With the increase in new phone prices, purchasing a used or refurbished device has become a preferred option for users seeking good specifications at a lower cost. GSMA data confirms this trend, anticipating an 8% annual growth in the used and refurbished phone market, while new phone sales are expected to decline in 2026. The 2026 Phone Resale Index, published by GSMA, also showed that the average resale price of a phone in Europe reached 189 euros, an increase exceeding 10% compared to 170 euros in 2025. Older models such as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 remain among the most traded phones in the resale market, affirming their continued value. **2. A Broken Screen Does Not Mean Loss of Value:** Even a phone with a broken screen retains value, as some of its internal components may still be usable or resalable. "The Whiz Cells" indicates the possibility of selling some damaged devices. Recent data from "Swappa," a platform specializing in selling used and refurbished devices, clarifies that the value of a broken phone largely depends on the model and the condition of the intact components. Valuable components include the motherboard, cameras, battery, and some undamaged screen parts. Recent data also suggests that rising prices of some phone components have prompted refurbishment and recycling companies to utilize damaged devices previously considered scrap. **3. Phone Value Declines Over Time:** The resale value of a phone naturally decreases after its launch, but the rate of decline varies sharply between models. According to "Swappa" data for 2026, an iPhone typically loses about 28% to 33% of its value during the first year, while some flagship Samsung Galaxy S phones experience a value drop between 47% and 66%, and some Google Pixel phones see a decline between 60% and 72%. Therefore, keeping a phone for a long time as a backup device does not necessarily preserve its value, especially with new generations being constantly launched. **4. Selling for Cash Versus Trade-in:** When trading in a phone with a telecommunications company or manufacturer, the user might receive its value as a discount or credit for purchasing a new phone, rather than direct cash. However, selling the phone to a specialized buyer of used devices allows obtaining its value in cash according to the specified price and the phone's condition. Resale market data shows that phones continue to generate tangible returns; the average resale price in the "Recommerce" index for 2026 was about 189 euros in Europe. **5. Even a Non-Functional Phone May Have Value:** It is not required for a phone to be fully functional to have value. Non-working devices can sometimes be sold for their components, depending on the model and the damage. "Swappa" explains that the value of a phone designated for parts comes from the components that survived the damage, noting that modern devices with high-value components can fetch significant sums, while some older phones might only be worth a few dollars. Furthermore, reusing and refurbishing phones extends device lifespans and reduces the need for manufacturing new ones; GSMA indicates that extending a phone's life through reuse, repair, and refurbishment contributes to lowering emissions associated with device manufacturing. In conclusion, an old or broken phone is not necessarily valueless. Before discarding it, it is advisable to check its resale price based on its model and condition, especially given the continuous rise in new phone prices and the growing market for used and refurbished devices.
