Galaxy S26 Set to Outshine iPhone 17 in Resale Value Battle

For years, Apple’s iPhone has been the undisputed champion when it comes to holding its value on the resale market. However, recent data from SellCell suggests that Samsung’s Galaxy S series is rapidly closing the gap, potentially signaling a shift in the smartphone resale landscape.

iPhone Depreciation: A Growing Concern

Historically, iPhones have been known for their impressive resale value. However, the trend appears to be changing:

• iPhone 12: Lost 25.2% of its value in nine months.
• iPhone 15: Depreciated by 34.3% in the same timeframe.
• iPhone 16: Already down 34.7% in nine months.

This upward trend in depreciation rates is raising eyebrows among Apple enthusiasts and investors alike.

Samsung’s Galaxy S Series: On the Rise

In contrast, Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series is showing signs of improvement in terms of resale value:

• Galaxy S22: Dropped 51.9% in five months.
• Galaxy S24: Fell 47.3% in the same period.
• Galaxy S25: Only down 46.6%—still high, but moving in the right direction.

While Samsung’s depreciation rates remain higher than Apple’s, the gap is narrowing, and the trend is promising for Galaxy owners.

The Role of AI and Innovation

It’s not just the Galaxy S series benefiting from this trend. Samsung’s foldables and Google’s Pixel 9 are also depreciating more slowly than previous models. Many industry experts believe that enhanced AI features are contributing to this increased long-term value. Apple’s slower adoption of advanced AI may be a factor in the iPhone’s faster depreciation.

What Does the Future Hold?

For now, the iPhone 16 still holds its value better than its Android competitors. However, if current trends continue, the Galaxy S26 could become the first Samsung flagship to surpass the iPhone in resale value. Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 upgrades may help reverse this trend, but Samsung is expected to counter with even deeper AI integration across the Galaxy S26 lineup.

Conclusion

The smartphone resale market is evolving, with Samsung’s Galaxy S series making significant strides in closing the gap with Apple’s iPhone. As AI and innovation continue to drive value, consumers may soon find that investing in a Galaxy device offers not only immediate savings but also better long-term returns.

Stay tuned as we monitor these trends and provide updates on the ever-changing world of smartphone technology.

While the article focuses on smartphones, the rise of AI and innovation in wearable technology, such as smartwatches, also reflects the broader trend of technology holding value through enhanced features and user engagement.

Article source: Galaxy S26 could beat the iPhone 17 in value retention for the first time, https://phandroid.com/2025/08/05/galaxy-s26-could-beat-the-iphone-17-in-value-retention-for-the-first-time/