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Which Phones Have the Best Resale Value in India? (2026 Guide)
- , by SAARBazaar
- 4 min reading time
Find out which smartphones hold their value best in India in 2026. iPhone, Samsung, OnePlus and more compared — plus tips to maximise your resale price.
Which Phones Have the Best Resale Value in India? (2026 Guide)
When you spend Rs. 20,000 or more on a smartphone, you are not just buying a device — you are making an investment. Some phones hold their value remarkably well; others lose 60% of their price within a year. Understanding which phones have the best resale value in India can save you thousands of rupees, whether you are selling your current device or deciding which phone to buy next.
Why Resale Value Matters More Than the Sticker Price
Most buyers focus entirely on the purchase price. Smart buyers think about total cost of ownership — which is the purchase price minus the resale value. A phone that costs Rs. 80,000 but sells for Rs. 50,000 after two years has a real cost of Rs. 30,000. A phone that costs Rs. 60,000 but sells for Rs. 25,000 after the same period costs you Rs. 35,000 — effectively more expensive despite the lower purchase price. Choosing a phone with strong resale value can subsidise your next upgrade significantly.
Which Brands Hold Value Best in India?
Apple iPhone — The Resale King
iPhone consistently leads every resale value metric in India. An iPhone 13 purchased at Rs. 79,900 in 2021 still commands Rs. 30,000–38,000 in 2026 — retention of 37–47% after 4–5 years. No Android phone at any price point comes close. Key reasons: global demand, long software support (iOS updates for 6+ years), premium perception, and trusted brand in the certified refurbished market.
Samsung Galaxy S-Series
A Galaxy S23 Ultra purchased at Rs. 1,24,999 typically sells for Rs. 55,000–65,000 after two years — about 44–52% retention. Samsung's 7-year update promise for newer models sustains demand. Mid-range Samsung (A-series, M-series) depreciates much faster, losing 60–70% within 18 months.
Google Pixel
A Pixel 7 Pro bought at Rs. 84,999 typically fetches Rs. 35,000–42,000 after two years. Photography enthusiast demand sustains value despite lower sales volumes.
OnePlus Flagships
OnePlus 12/13 series hold value reasonably well, losing 45–55% after two years. Flagship models still command respect in the resale market.
Xiaomi / Redmi / Realme — Rapid Depreciation
A Redmi Note 12 or Realme 10 typically loses 65–75% of its value within 18 months. These phones are excellent value when bought certified refurbished from SAARBazaar — but poor choices if resale value is a priority.
Top Phones by Resale Value Retention (2026)
| Phone | Launch Price | Resale After 2 Yrs | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Rs. 1,59,900 | Rs. 90,000–1,05,000 | 56–66% |
| iPhone 14 | Rs. 79,900 | Rs. 38,000–45,000 | 48–56% |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Rs. 1,29,999 | Rs. 60,000–70,000 | 46–54% |
| OnePlus 13 | Rs. 69,999 | Rs. 30,000–36,000 | 43–51% |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Rs. 29,999 | Rs. 7,000–10,000 | 23–33% |
What Drives Resale Value?
- Software update support: Apple 6+ years, Samsung 7 years for flagships. Most Android brands 2–3 years.
- Build quality: Gorilla Glass Victus, titanium frames, IP68 rating sustain value longer.
- Brand perception: iPhone and Galaxy S are universally trusted in India's second-hand market.
- Original accessories: Keeping original box and charger adds Rs. 500–2,000 to your offer.
How to Maximise Resale Value
- Use a case from day one.
- Apply a screen protector immediately.
- Keep original packaging, earphones, and charger.
- Service officially if needed — get a receipt.
- Sell before the successor launches.
- Use SAARBazaar Buyback for the best price on premium phones.
The Refurbished Angle
A certified refurbished iPhone 13 from SAARBazaar at Rs. 35,000 still holds considerable resale value and has better software support than a new mid-range Android at the same price. The math increasingly favours certified refurbished iPhones and Galaxy S series for buyers who think beyond the purchase price.
Shop Certified Refurbished Phones at SAARBazaar — Grade A quality, 1-year warranty, pan-India delivery.
Sell Your Old Phone — Get the Best Buyback Price
