If many models become almost unsaleable, a device still has a high rating on the second-hand market.
Buying a smartphone has never been so complicated. Models follow one another, marketing promises are similar and prices rise, while the real lifespan of the devices remains unclear. For many homes, especially when it comes to equipping teenagers, the question is no longer about having the latest model, but a reliable, secure phone that does not lose all its value in a few years. This is precisely where some old smartphones stand out.
When we look at the devices released around 2020 and 2021, one observation emerges: they are still widely usable today. Good quality screens, sufficient performance for daily use, compatibility with recent applications… On paper, many models still do the job. However, their resale value tells a different story. After five years, the majority of Android smartphones have lost more than 80% of their launch price. Some high-end models cost a few dozen euros, despite features that were among the best of their time. This rapid depreciation is linked to a set of well-known factors: abundance on the market, aggressive renewal of ranges and, above all, often shorter software monitoring.
Faced with them, another ecosystem resists better. Smartphones designed by Apple have long maintained a high rating, even after several years. Where some competitors drop more than four-fifths of their initial value, these models limit damage to around 65 to 70%. On the second-hand market, this translates into differences of several hundred euros for the same age. This phenomenon is partly explained by the relative rarity of certain models, a premium product image maintained over time and, above all, a policy of long and regular updates. Buying an old smartphone then becomes less risky, because the device continues to receive security patches and sometimes even new features. In this context, a model released at the end of 2020 clearly stands out from all the others. Indeed, more than five years after its launch, the iPhone 12 remains one of the best valued smartphones on the second-hand market.
Whether it is its classic, pro or even Pro max version, it only costs a little and is currently the best investment on the market. On specialized platforms like Back Market or Cdiscount, we see reconditioned standard models between 220 and 280 euros depending on the condition and storage capacity. The Pro versions or those with more capacity can reach 390 euros.
