If you’re deciding whether to sell an iPad or an Android tablet — or trying to figure out which one to buy knowing you’ll eventually resell it — resale value is one of the most important factors most buyers overlook. The difference between the two categories is significant and consistent.
The Short Answer
iPads consistently sell for more cash than Android tablets of equivalent original retail price. The gap narrows at the high end (Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs iPad Pro) but remains meaningful at every price tier. If you’re selling, an iPad will almost always return more. If you’re buying with resale in mind, Apple holds its value better over time.
Why iPads Hold Value Better
Three reasons drive iPad resale dominance:
Software support longevity. Apple supports iPads with iPadOS updates for six to seven years after release. An iPad Air from 2019 still receives current software, which means it remains functional and secure for buyers. Android tablet support varies widely — some manufacturers offer two to three years of updates, others less.
Brand trust and demand. The used iPad market is deep and liquid. Buyers know what they’re getting with an iPad — the ecosystem, the App Store, compatibility with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Android tablet buyers are more fragmented, which means lower consistent demand.
Build quality perception. iPads are associated with premium build quality regardless of tier. Even an entry-level iPad retains buyer confidence in a way that most Android tablets don’t.
What Tablets Are Worth in 2026
According to Statista’s consumer electronics resale data, tablets depreciate at an average of 20–30% per year, with Apple retaining value at the lower end of that range and Android at the higher end.
Current benchmarks:
- iPad Pro M4 12.9″ (excellent condition): $700–$900
- iPad Air M2 (excellent condition): $400–$520
- iPad 10th Gen (good condition): $220–$300
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (excellent condition): $550–$720
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (good condition): $150–$220
- Lenovo Tab P12 (good condition): $100–$160
When Android Tablets Win on Resale
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series is the exception in the Android world. Samsung’s flagship tablets hold value better than any other Android manufacturer because of brand recognition, DeX mode for productivity buyers, and strong S Pen integration. If you’re selling a Galaxy Tab S9 or S9 Ultra, you’re in relatively strong territory.
Mid-range and budget Android tablets — Lenovo, TCL, Amazon Fire — depreciate quickly and return very little on resale. If you have one of these, sell sooner rather than later.
How to Get the Best Payout for Either Device
Regardless of which tablet you’re selling, these steps maximize your cash:
- Factory reset and sign out of all accounts before shipping
- Clean the screen and remove any case or screen protector
- Be precise about condition — screen scratches, charging port wear, and battery health all affect the offer
- Include accessories if you have them — Apple Pencil and keyboard covers add value for iPad buyers
Gizmogo buys iPads and Android tablets in all conditions — including cracked screens and older models. Get an instant quote, ship free, and receive payment within one business day of inspection.
Bottom Line
If you’re selling a tablet and want the most cash, an iPad will almost always outperform an Android equivalent. If you’re selling a Samsung Galaxy Tab S-series device, you’re in decent shape. For anything else in the Android category, sell quickly before value drops further.