Discover which features—like battery, screen, and storage—most impact your phone's resale value when selling to Gizmogo.
When you’re ready to sell your phone, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much is it worth?
At Gizmogo, we provide instant quotes based on the make, model, and condition of your device. But if you’ve ever wondered what actually affects your phone’s resale value — beyond just being new or old — this guide will walk you through the details.
Whether you’re selling a gently used phone or one with a few battle scars, understanding how each part contributes to the final price can help you maximize your return.
1. The Display: First Impressions Matter
The screen is the first thing a buyer sees — and any issues here are major red flags.
High resale value:
Scratch-free glass
No cracks or chips
No dead pixels or discoloration
Bright, evenly lit display
Lower resale value:
Cracks (even minor ones)
Deep scratches
Unresponsive touch areas
Burn-in on OLED screens
Even if the phone works perfectly, a damaged screen can drop its value significantly. At Gizmogo, phones with cracked displays are typically categorized as Fair or Damaged — which can reduce the payout by 20% to 50% or more.
2. Battery Health and Charging Port
A phone is only as useful as its battery. Over time, all lithium-ion batteries lose capacity. If your phone doesn’t hold a charge well or shuts down unexpectedly, it impacts usability — and value.
High resale value:
Battery health above 85%
Charges normally
No overheating or swelling
Lower resale value:
Quick drain
Battery warning messages
Faulty or loose charging port
Many buyers will avoid phones that require immediate battery replacement. At Gizmogo, these devices may receive a lower offer or be classified as Damaged depending on performance during testing.
3. Housing, Frame, and Back Glass
Cosmetic condition plays a big role in resale — even if the phone works fine. Dents, cracks, or scratches on the outer casing reduce visual appeal and affect how the phone is classified.
High resale value:
Smooth, scratch-free body
No dents or bends
Back glass intact
Lower resale value:
Deep scratches or scuff marks
Chipped corners
Cracked or missing back glass
Aesthetic damage doesn’t always affect function, but it influences how buyers perceive value. Devices with visible wear may be downgraded to Fair condition.
4. Camera Functionality
With most users relying on their phones for everyday photography, the camera is a major feature.
High resale value:
Camera launches and works quickly
Autofocus and zoom function properly
No fogging, dust, or broken lens
Lower resale value:
Blurry images or non-working shutter
Damaged camera glass
Malfunctioning flash or focus
Even minor issues with the camera can drop a device’s resale tier. Gizmogo tests both front and rear cameras during evaluation.
5. Buttons, Speakers, and Ports
Small features like buttons and audio ports may not seem important — until they stop working. Gizmogo evaluates all hardware functionality before finalizing your quote.
High resale value:
All buttons click smoothly
Volume and power respond instantly
Speaker and mic are clear
Charging port connects securely
Lower resale value:
Stuck or unresponsive buttons
Broken headphone jack or lightning port
Muffled speaker or microphone
If a device is fully functional but has minor wear in these areas, it may still be rated Good. However, noticeable issues will often trigger a downgrade.
6. Internal Storage and Model Variant
Storage size is one of the few internal specs that directly affects your payout. More storage = higher resale value.
For example:
iPhone 13 128GB vs. iPhone 13 256GB — the latter will receive a noticeably higher quote
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 512GB vs. 128GB — same model, big price difference
Buyers are willing to pay more for additional space, especially in flagship devices. Gizmogo always confirms storage during evaluation — so make sure to choose the correct option during your quote.
7. Carrier and Unlock Status
Carrier-locked phones can only be used with certain networks, while unlocked phones are compatible with most. Unlocked devices have a higher resale value due to wider appeal.
High resale value:
Fully unlocked (factory or carrier unlocked)
Compatible with multiple carriers
Lower resale value:
Locked to a specific network
Older models with restricted compatibility
If you’re unsure whether your device is unlocked, you can check in your phone’s settings or contact your carrier. Unlocking a device before sale is often worth the effort.
8. Activation Locks and Account Status
Security features like Find My iPhone (Apple) or Google FRP must be disabled before a device can be resold. If your phone is still linked to your personal accounts, it cannot be processed.
A locked device:
Cannot be evaluated or sold
May be returned to you
Could be reclassified as unusable
Before shipping your device to Gizmogo:
Sign out of all accounts
Remove all security locks
Factory reset the phone
Related: How to Prepare Your Phone for Sale
9. Use of Non-OEM or Replaced Parts
If your device has been repaired using third-party parts, this can affect its resale value — even if the phone functions well. Screens, batteries, or home buttons replaced with non-OEM components may reduce trust or longevity.
Gizmogo uses diagnostic software to detect:
Aftermarket displays
Replaced batteries
Missing or swapped internal components
This doesn’t mean we won’t buy your phone — but we’ll offer a price that reflects the modification.
10. Age and Demand in the Market
While not a “part” of the phone, the age of the model and current market demand influence resale value more than many realize.
For example:
iPhone 11 will still fetch a solid price
iPhone 7 or earlier may be considered outdated and priced lower
Newer phones with minor defects may be worth more than older phones in perfect condition
Market demand fluctuates with time, new releases, and technology cycles. The best time to sell is often before a major product launch or as soon as you upgrade.
Conclusion
The resale value of your phone depends on more than just the brand or release year. From screen condition to camera quality, battery health to internal parts — each component plays a role in determining how much your device is worth.
At Gizmogo, we evaluate your phone holistically and provide quotes that reflect both condition and market value. By understanding what matters most, you can better prepare your phone, select the right condition category, and secure the highest possible payout.
Ready to check your phone’s value?