If you’re wondering what your old phone is worth right now, the answer depends on four things: the model, storage capacity, condition, and whether it’s carrier locked or unlocked. Prices shift constantly as new models launch and supply changes — but the good news is you can get an accurate number in under two minutes without committing to anything.
What Determines Your Phone's Current Value
Phone resale value is driven by demand, and demand tracks closely with how recently the model was released and how well it competes with current flagship specs. An iPhone 14 Pro will still fetch strong offers in 2026 because its camera system and chip remain competitive. An iPhone 11, however, has dropped significantly as buyers move on to newer options.
The four factors that most affect your payout:
Model and year. Flagship phones from Apple and Samsung hold value best. Mid-range Android devices depreciate faster because newer budget options quickly match their specs.
Storage tier. Higher storage commands a higher offer. A 256GB iPhone typically sells for $30–$80 more than a 128GB version of the same model, depending on the buyer.
Condition. Cracked screens, worn charging ports, and battery health below 80% all reduce your payout. Minor cosmetic scratches on the back or frame rarely impact the offer significantly.
Carrier status. Unlocked phones sell for more because they work with any carrier worldwide. A carrier-locked device limits the buyer pool, which means lower offers from buyback sites. If your phone is still locked, learn how to get your iPhone carrier unlocked before selling to maximize what you receive.
What Phones Are Worth Right Now
As a general benchmark in 2026:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB (excellent condition, unlocked): $600–$750
- iPhone 14 128GB (good condition): $300–$380
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (excellent condition): $550–$700
- Google Pixel 8 Pro (good condition): $280–$380
- iPhone 12 (fair condition, locked): $100–$160
These figures shift weekly. According to GSMArena’s phone price tracker, flagship models typically lose 15–25% of their value in the first six months after a new generation launches. If you’re holding onto a phone while waiting for the “right time,” you’re likely losing money.
Where to Sell Your Phone
You have three main options: peer-to-peer marketplaces, local buyback shops, and online buyback platforms.
Peer-to-peer platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Swappa allow you to set your own price and sell directly to a buyer. Payouts can be higher, but you manage the listing, handle communication, absorb the risk of scams, and wait for a buyer to show up. Sales can sit for days or weeks with no movement.
Local buyback shops offer in-person cash the same day, but their offers are consistently lower than online platforms because they need to resell at a margin.
Online buyback platforms like Gizmogo offer the best balance of speed, simplicity, and competitive payouts. You get an instant quote, ship free with a prepaid label, and receive payment within one business day of inspection. There’s no negotiating, no waiting for a buyer, and no risk of a sale falling through at the last minute.
How Gizmogo Determines Your Offer
Gizmogo’s instant quote system walks you through your device model, storage, carrier status, and condition — including specific questions about screen damage, battery health, and functionality. The quote locks in for 15 days, giving you time to ship without losing your rate if market prices dip.
Once your phone arrives, the inspection team verifies the condition you described. If everything matches, payment goes out fast via direct deposit, PayPal, check, e-check, or Amazon gift card. If there’s a discrepancy in condition, you receive a revised offer and can accept or decline — if you decline, your phone is returned.
Tips to Maximize Your Payout Before You Ship
- Factory reset your phone and sign out of all accounts before shipping
- Charge it to at least 50% so inspectors can test it fully
- Include the original box and charger if you have them — some buyback sites offer slightly more
- Be accurate about condition — overstating it means a revised (lower) offer after inspection
Should You Wait or Sell Now?
If you’re holding an older flagship waiting for the “right moment,” the math rarely works in your favor. Most phones lose 3–5% of their resale value every month they sit. The best time to sell is immediately after you’ve decided you no longer need the device — not six months later when the next generation has dropped and your model is even less in demand.
Get an instant cash quote for your phone on Gizmogo — no account required, no commitment until you ship.