Trade-In vs Sell: Getting the Most Value From Your Old Device
Whether you're upgrading to a new phone or just clearing out a drawer of old ones, it's worth thinking about how to get the most out of a device you're no longer using — rather than letting it sit in a drawer losing value every month.
Trading in: simple and fast
Trading in means bringing the device to us and getting an instant valuation based on its condition, model, and storage size. It's the quickest route — no listing to write, no photos to take, no waiting for a buyer, and no risk of a stranger messaging you at odd hours or trying to haggle the price down after you've already agreed it. Our trade-in estimator gives you an instant online estimate before you even bring it in, so you know roughly what to expect.
Selling privately: potentially more money, more effort
Selling directly to another person can sometimes get you a higher price than a trade-in, because you're cutting out the middle step. But it comes with real trade-offs: you need to take good photos, write an honest description, field messages (including the inevitable time-wasters), agree a safe way to meet or ship it, and take on the small risk of a payment dispute or a buyer claiming a fault after the fact.
What genuinely affects the value either way
- Condition — screen scratches, dents, and battery health all affect value, whichever route you choose.
- Storage size — higher-capacity models hold value better than base storage.
- Included accessories — original box, cable, and any unused accessories can make a small but real difference.
- Being genuinely unlocked and not tied to a specific network.
- Timing — device values drop the moment a manufacturer announces a new model, so a device sitting unsold for months loses value on its own, regardless of condition.
Before you hand it over, whichever route you pick
- Back up everything you want to keep.
- Sign out of iCloud, Google, or any other accounts tied to the device.
- Remove your SIM card and any memory card.
- Do a full factory reset so no personal data remains on the device.
- Turn off Find My iPhone / Find My Device — a device that's still locked to a previous owner's account has no resale value at all.
Not sure which makes sense for you?
If speed, certainty and no hassle matter more to you than squeezing out every last pound, trade-in is almost always the better choice. Try our trade-in estimator for an instant valuation, or bring the device in and we'll give you a straight assessment in person.