5 Smartphones With The Best Resale Value In 2026
Key Points:
- Smartphone prices have risen recently due to a memory and storage crisis, with brands like Apple also increasing costs; buyers in mid-2026 are advised to check resale markets before purchasing new devices.
- Apple's iPhone 17 series models, including the base, Pro, Pro Max, and budget-friendly iPhone 17e, retain their value exceptionally well, maintaining around 92% to 99% of their original retail price on resale platforms like Swappa.
- Samsung's Galaxy S26 base model shows a lower resale value retention at approximately 75% overall, despite its premium specs and price increase over the previous generation.
- The strong resale value of iPhone 17 models is attributed to their advanced hardware, software longevity, and consistent demand, with the Pro Max version notably selling out frequently since its release.
- Buyers looking to upgrade or sell their phones should consider resale value as a factor, as investing in models with higher depreciation resistance, particularly recent iPhones, may offer better long-term value.