If you’ve accumulated multiple smartphones over the years, chances are they are sitting idle in your drawers. Instead of neglecting them, consider repurposing these devices to unlock their hidden value. Outdated Android phones, even those no longer receiving updates, can serve various purposes, from functioning as a security camera to becoming an Android Auto screen. Moreover, there’s potential to breathe new life into them and even earn some money, especially if they have become sought-after collector’s items.
Unlike iPhones, which generally maintain better resale value, selling second-hand Android devices can be challenging due to their tendency to depreciate significantly over time. However, before dismissing the idea of selling your old Android phone, it’s crucial to be aware that certain models may hold more value than initially apparent.
DISCOVERING THE VALUE OF OLD ANDROID DEVICES
In the realm of Android phones, most devices tend to lose around half of their original value within a year of use, assuming they are in perfect condition. Platforms like Wallapop showcase the substantial depreciation of smartphones, particularly affecting mid-range and low-end devices. In some cases, it may be more practical to give away these phones as part of a new purchase rather than attempting to sell them second-hand.
Despite the overall devaluation, there are exceptions. Some Android models, even years after becoming obsolete, become valuable collector’s items. Examples include the Motorola Milestone, BlackBerry Priv, and the Nexus One – considered an Android gem. If you happen to own Google’s first smartphone, the Nexus One, in good condition, you might possess a valuable item.
Models that marked a significant revolution in the market tend to attract greater interest among collectors. To provide a general overview of devaluation timelines for most Android phones:
- Six months after purchase: Typically experiences a 30-40% devaluation, influenced by factors like the phone’s range, brand popularity, and overall condition.
- One year after purchase: In perfect condition, you may expect to sell it for 40-50% of the original price. Premium range phones may even reach up to 60%.
- Two years after purchase: It becomes challenging to exceed 20-30% unless the mobile is a high-end and well-known model.
- Beyond five/six years: Some particular models may retain value, especially if they were groundbreaking in the market.
PRESERVING VALUE AND IDENTIFYING RARITIES
Saving the first mobiles from each brand, historical ones, and Android phones with distinctive features is advisable. This principle extends beyond Android to classic phones, including iPhones, which can command significant value among collectors. To maximize the value of your Android device, ensure it is in impeccable condition, check the functionality of the battery, and consider finding a replacement if necessary. Having accessories and the original box can further enhance its value for potential buyers or collectors.
While it’s uncommon to sell an Android device for over $300-400, certain elusive models have maintained their value:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Despite being recalled due to explosions, the Galaxy Note 7 is sought after by collectors, with listings on eBay reaching $750.
- LG G5: Appreciated over time, a well-maintained LG G5 with its original box can be valued at more than $200.
- Motorola Moto Z: Motorola’s modular phone, the Moto Z, has retained its value, with a good condition unit priced at $200 or more.
- LG Wing: A unique experiment in smartphone design, the LG Wing easily exceeds $300 in the second-hand market.
- Samsung Galaxy Round: An early example of experimental form factors, the Samsung Galaxy Round, featuring a curved OLED panel, is extremely rare and considered a valuable treasure.
So, before discarding your old Android phones, consider unlocking their hidden potential – whether it’s repurposing them for new functions or discovering their value in the second-hand market.
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