Depreciation and Residual Value

Depreciation is the value a phone loses while you own it; residual value is what remains when you sell or trade it in. This section helps you estimate both without pretending that a future price can be guaranteed.

Use the right guide

Depreciation is not a fixed percentage

Brand, storage, support life, condition, repair history, demand and the timing of a replacement launch can all matter. A percentage copied from another model is a scenario, not evidence.

Use a conservative net figure

For ownership calculations, deduct selling fees, postage, packaging and likely condition deductions. A high asking price that has not resulted in a sale is not residual value.

Guides connected to Depreciation and Residual Value

• Smartphone Cost of Ownership Guide
• Trade-In vs Private Sale

Evidence and official references: Depreciation and Residual Value

• CMA: clear and accurate price information

Using the Depreciation and Residual Value guides

Treat this area as a handover process: value the handset, choose a route, document condition, protect accounts and data, confirm payment or collection, and keep enough evidence afterwards.

• How Phone Depreciation Works — Use this guide when that narrower question is the one blocking the decision.
• Phones That Hold Their Value Best — Use this guide when that narrower question is the one blocking the decision.
• Phones That Lose Value Fastest — Use this guide when that narrower question is the one blocking the decision.