There is no permanent UK winner across every Android model. Residual value changes by series, storage, launch discount, condition, support period and local demand. Use current completed-sale evidence for the exact phone rather than a brand ranking copied from another year.
Measure depreciation from the price actually paid
A phone launched at £900 but routinely sold at £650 should not be judged only from the launch price. Record your actual purchase price and compare realistic net sale proceeds after marketplace fees, delivery and condition deductions.
| Factor | Possible effect on value |
|---|---|
| Remaining security support | More useful ownership time for the next buyer |
| Battery and repair history | Can reduce uncertainty or create concern |
| Storage and common colour | May widen demand, but not always enough to recover the upgrade cost |
| Heavy launch discounts | Can lower the used-market reference price quickly |
| Foldable or specialist design | Smaller buyer pool and potentially higher repair uncertainty |
Use three current quotations
- Find recent completed private-sale evidence for the same variant and condition.
- Obtain firm trade-in quotations using an honest condition description.
- Compare refurbished retail prices, remembering that they include business margin and protection.
Repeat the exercise shortly before selling. A historical brand reputation is not a substitute for current evidence.
Buy for net cost, not resale prestige
A phone that loses a lower percentage can still lose more pounds. Choose the model that performs the required work, remains supported and has an acceptable net ownership cost.
Compare model tiers within the same brand
A flagship, mid-range model and budget series can behave very differently in the used market. Support policy, launch discount and repair cost often vary by tier. Do not apply the resale performance of one flagship to the manufacturer’s whole range.
Condition can dominate brand
A clean supported phone with documented battery and repairs may sell more easily than a damaged prestige model. Before buying, check case availability and the cost of the damage most likely in your use. Protecting condition can influence resale more than choosing between two similar brands.
Use conservative resale in the budget
Plan the purchase so it remains affordable if resale is lower than expected. Treat the current lowest firm trade-in quote as a conservative reference and private-sale evidence as a possible higher outcome, not guaranteed recovery.
Related guidance: This check sits within Buying a Phone. The Complete Phone Buying Guide covers the broader decision from start to finish.
Sources checked
Information checked on 26 July 2026. Retailer, provider and manufacturer terms can change, so confirm the current wording before acting.
