How the resale value of a used phone is decided
Second hand phone prices in India are set by what buyers can get elsewhere. Every new launch pushes older models down, so the age of the model matters as much as the age of your handset. After that, buyers look at brand (iPhones and flagship Samsung, Pixel and OnePlus phones hold value better), storage, battery health and whether the phone still gets software updates.
What raises the price
- Original box, charger and GST bill — the bill proves the phone is not stolen and shows any warranty left.
- A clean body and screen, kept in a case with a screen guard.
- Higher storage and a battery that still lasts a full day.
What lowers it
- Cracked glass, dead pixels, a local screen or battery replacement.
- Faulty Face ID, fingerprint, camera, speaker or charging port.
- No bill, or an iCloud / Google account still signed in.
Checking an old phone before you buy
Meet in a public place and test calls on your own SIM, both cameras, speakers, charging and Wi-Fi. Match the IMEI on the box, the bill and the phone's settings, and make sure the seller has signed out of their account. Compare the asking price with used mobile phones listed now or phones under ₹10,000. Never pay an advance or token online, never share an OTP, and never scan a QR code to “receive” money — see our safety tips. For iPhones, read how to price a used iPhone.
Selling your old phone
Back up and wipe your data, then post a free ad with clear photos and the storage in the title. Our guide to selling phones covers the rest.
