What's My Phone Worth? An Honest UK Guide to Its Value

Ever found yourself wondering, "what's my phone actually worth?" That old device gathering dust in a drawer isn't just forgotten tech – it's a little pot of cash waiting to be unlocked.

A phone's resale value really boils down to a few key things: its model, overall condition, storage size, and whether it’s locked to a network. It’s no surprise that a newer iPhone in mint condition will fetch more than an older, scuffed-up Android, but you might be surprised to learn that even damaged phones have value for their parts.

Unlocking the Cash in Your Old Phone

Are you holding onto an old smartphone, not quite sure what to do with it? You're definitely not alone. So many of us have a device or two tucked away, but very few realise they could be sitting on a tidy sum of money. Getting a fair price all starts with understanding what makes one phone more valuable than another. This guide will cut through the noise and show you exactly what determines your phone's price tag.

This is about more than just a good declutter; it's smart financial sense. The UK market has shifted massively, with more people than ever buying refurbished and second-hand devices to navigate the rising cost of living. In fact, an impressive 20.3% of UK consumers are now actively trading in their old tech to make a bit of extra cash. It’s clear proof that your old phone is a valuable asset. If you're interested in the numbers, you can read the full research about phone depreciation.

What Determines Your Phone's Value?

Several key factors will influence the final quote you'll receive for your phone. It's a bit like selling a car—the make, model, and mileage all play a huge part. The logic for phones is pretty much the same:

• Model and Age: A newer, popular model like a recent iPhone is naturally going to be worth more than a device that's five years old. Tech moves fast, and newer models simply have more to offer.
• Physical Condition: Take a close look. Is the screen pristine or does it have a crack? Are there little scuffs and scratches on the body? An honest assessment here is the key to getting an accurate price.
• Storage Capacity: More storage means more value. A phone with 256GB of space will always command a higher price than the exact same model with only 64GB.
• Network Status: Is your phone unlocked? Phones that can be used on any network are much more sought after, which bumps up their value.

To make it even clearer, here’s a quick summary of what to look for.

Quick Phone Value Checklist

This table breaks down the main things that recyclers and buyers look at when they price your phone.

Essentially, the closer your phone is to the "Higher Value" column, the more money you can expect to get for it.

Get a Quick and Fair Quote Today

Whether you’re in Redhill, just over from Merstham, or live in nearby Reigate, turning that old device into cash is much easier than you might think. We've created a really straightforward process to help you find out what it's worth, with no guesswork or hassle involved. Our goal is to give you a fair, transparent price based on these simple factors.

The most important step is always the first one—just finding out what you could get. We find that most people are genuinely surprised by the value locked away in gadgets they no longer use.

Ready to see what your phone is worth? You can get a free, no-obligation quote right now by visiting our simple sales form.

The 5 Factors That Decide Your Phone's Price

Ever wondered why two phones that look almost identical can have wildly different price tags on the second-hand market? When you find yourself asking, "what's my phone worth?", the answer lies in a handful of key details. It's a bit like selling a car – the make, model, and mileage are everything. For phones, it boils down to five specific things.

Getting to grips with these helps you understand exactly how we calculate your quote, making sure you get a fair and transparent price every time. Whether you're just down the road in Redhill or popping over from Merstham, knowing what we look for makes the whole process crystal clear.

This quick visual breaks down the most important elements that shape your phone's final value.

As you can see, the core value is built on its model, condition, and storage. These three are the biggest drivers of its resale price.

1. Model and Age

First and foremost, the biggest factor is your phone's model and how old it is. It’s no surprise that a shiny new iPhone 15 Pro will fetch a much higher price than an old iPhone 8. Technology moves incredibly fast, and newer models simply pack in more power with faster processors, better cameras, and longer-lasting batteries, which makes them far more desirable.

But that doesn't mean older phones are worthless! Far from it. Plenty of older models are still in high demand, but their value is naturally lower because the tech inside is a bit dated. Think of it this way: the newer the model, the higher the starting point for its valuation.

2. Physical Condition

Next up is its physical condition. This is where you have a huge influence on the final offer you’ll receive. We grade phones from ‘New’ and ‘Good’ all the way down to ‘Fair’ and even ‘Broken’. A device that’s been tucked away in a case with a screen protector and looks pristine will be worth a lot more than one covered in deep scratches, scuffs, or a cracked screen.

Even small cosmetic issues can knock the price down a bit. However, don't just assume a broken phone has zero value. We regularly buy devices with cracked screens, dodgy batteries, and other faults because the internal parts can often be salvaged and reused.

Your phone’s condition tells a story. A device in pristine condition suggests it has been well cared for, which often means its internal components are in equally good shape, boosting its overall value.

Just as a phone's battery health has a big impact on its resale value, knowing about common issues and typical laptop battery replacement costs can offer a similar perspective on what makes a device valuable.

3. Storage Capacity

Storage space is another huge piece of the puzzle. When a new phone model comes out, it usually offers a few different storage tiers, like 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The rule here is simple: the more storage, the higher the value.

A phone with 512GB of space will always be worth more than the exact same model with only 128GB. People’s lives are on their phones, and they need more and more space for photos, 4K videos, and apps, making the larger-capacity models much more practical and sought-after.

4. Network Status

Is your phone locked to a specific network like O2 or Vodafone, or is it unlocked? This little detail matters. An unlocked phone generally has a higher resale value. That’s because it’s more flexible – anyone can pop in a SIM card from any network and use it straight away, giving it a much wider audience of potential buyers.

If your phone is locked, its value is a little lower because its use is restricted. It’s often pretty straightforward to get your phone unlocked by contacting your network provider, which could give your final price a nice little boost.

5. Market Demand

Finally, good old supply and demand plays a part. Some brands and models simply hold their value better than others because they're more popular. Apple iPhones, for instance, are famous for their strong resale value, thanks to their massive demand and long-term software support from Apple.

Certain Android models, especially the flagship phones from Samsung and Google, also hold their value well, but this can vary more. We’re constantly analysing the market to make sure our offers reflect the real-time demand for every single device.

Ready to see how these factors add up for your phone? Get a free, instant quote by filling out our simple sales form.

Why Some Phones Lose Value Faster Than Others

Ever wondered why some phones seem to cling onto their value, while others feel almost worthless just a few months after you bought them? That drop in price has a name: depreciation. It's the single biggest factor dictating what your old phone is worth, and the difference between brands can be staggering.

Think of it like cars. Everyone knows certain models hold their value for years because they’re seen as reliable and desirable. Others lose a huge chunk of their sticker price the second you drive them off the forecourt. Phones are no different, and getting your head around this will help you figure out what you can realistically expect to get for yours.

The Great Depreciation Divide

The gap between the phones that hold their value best and those that plummet is wider than you might think. We often see that really innovative devices, like the first few generations of foldable phones, get hit the hardest. They're incredible bits of kit, but their high launch price and early questions about durability can make the second-hand market a little hesitant.

At the other end of the scale, you have brands like Apple. They've spent years building a rock-solid reputation for quality and supporting their devices for the long haul. This translates directly into better resale prices because an iPhone is seen as a safe bet for a pre-owned buyer, keeping demand high and depreciation low.

When you ask, "what's my phone worth?", a huge part of the answer lies in how well its manufacturer has fought off depreciation. A phone that cost £1,000 last year could be worth £600 or £300 today, purely because of the badge on the back.

Here at our base in Redhill, serving customers from Merstham and beyond, we see this play out every single day. iPhones consistently fetch a higher percentage of their original price compared to many Android rivals, even flagship models from big names like Samsung and Google.

Why iPhones Often Hold Their Value Better

So, what’s Apple’s secret sauce? It’s not one single thing, but a combination of factors that create a powerful ecosystem people trust.

• Premium Build Quality: iPhones are built like tanks, using high-end materials that just feel durable. That perception of quality gives second-hand buyers confidence that the device will last.
• Long-Term Software Support: This is a big one. Apple rolls out software updates for its phones for years – often five or six years after launch. It means an older iPhone can still run the latest, most secure version of iOS, so it doesn't feel obsolete.
• A Powerhouse Brand: The Apple brand is one of the strongest in the world. This creates massive, consistent demand in the used market, which naturally props up resale prices.
• The 'Sticky' Ecosystem: iPhones work seamlessly with MacBooks, Apple Watches, and iPads. This creates a powerful pull for people already in the ecosystem to buy a used iPhone for a family member or as a spare.

The Reality of Android Depreciation

Now, this isn't to say flagship phones from Samsung or Google aren't brilliant – they absolutely are. But they often face a steeper drop in value. It's less about their quality and more about the Android market itself. There is just so much choice, with dozens of manufacturers releasing new models all the time, which can make older phones feel dated much faster.

UK data on phone depreciation tells a clear story. Research based on reams of trade-in data shows that some of the most exciting tech, like foldable phones, can shed around 70% of their retail price in just one year. This really underlines how much your specific make and model matter when you come to sell. For a deeper dive into the numbers, you can learn more about phone value retention findings.

Knowing these trends helps you pick the best time to sell and spot a fair offer when you see one. Ready to find out exactly what your phone is worth? Fill out our quick form for a free, no-obligation quote today at our simple sales form.

Understanding Our Simple Phone Grading System

When you ask, "what's my phone worth?", a huge part of the answer comes down to what sort of nick it's in. To keep things simple and transparent, we use a straightforward grading system. This way, you know exactly what to expect from our quote, with no nasty surprises when you bring your phone to our Redhill shop.

We've boiled it down to four clear categories: New, Good, Fair, and Broken. Each grade reflects the phone's cosmetic condition and how well it works, which directly influences the price we can offer.

Let’s run through what each grade actually means, so you can get a good idea of where your device fits before you even start.

New: A Pristine Device

This one's easy. A 'New' phone is exactly that—brand new, untouched, and still in its original, factory-sealed box. Maybe you received it as an unwanted gift or it was an upgrade you never got around to opening. If that sounds familiar, this is your category. Unsurprisingly, these phones fetch the highest prices.

Good: Lightly Used and Fully Functional

Think of a phone that's lived its life in a protective case. That's what we call 'Good'. It's in perfect working order and only has the lightest signs of being used. You might spot a few tiny, barely-visible marks here and there, but the screen is clean and everything works like a charm. This is the most common grade we see for well-looked-after phones.

Fair: Noticeable Wear but Works Perfectly

A phone in 'Fair' condition is 100% functional but has definitely seen a bit of life. It’ll have noticeable signs of wear and tear, like scuffs, little dents, or scratches on the screen or body. All the buttons, cameras, and features work exactly as they should, but it won’t pass for a new device. Plenty of phones fall into this category, and they still hold good value.

Broken: Still Worth Something

Hold on before you bin that broken phone! The 'Broken' category is for devices with serious problems, but they're often still worth something. This covers a whole range of issues:

• A cracked or completely smashed screen
• A dodgy battery that dies in minutes
• Buttons that have given up the ghost
• A camera that refuses to focus
• Even phones that won't turn on at all

Even with major faults like these, many of the internal parts can be recycled or salvaged. It’s always worth getting a quote. We regularly help customers across Redhill, Merstham, and the surrounding areas turn their broken tech into cash.

The most important thing is just to be honest. Describing your phone's condition accurately means the quote you get online is the price you'll get paid. We're all about making it a fast, fair, and surprise-free process.

To give you a clearer picture of how these grades impact the price, take a look at the table below.

Phone Condition Grades and Price Examples

We’ve put together a quick example to show you how the condition can affect the value of a popular model. The prices are just estimates, but they give you a solid idea of the difference a few scratches can make.

As you can see, even a broken phone has value, so it's always worth checking before assuming it's worthless.

Ready to see which category your phone falls into? Get a free, no-obligation quote in minutes by filling out our simple sales form.

How to Get the Most Cash for Your Phone

So, you’ve got a quote and you're thinking about selling. Great! Before you head over to our shop in Redhill or book a collection, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly and you walk away with the best possible price.

Think of it like prepping a car before you sell it. A little bit of effort now can genuinely boost your final payout. These steps aren't just about adding value; they're also about protecting your personal data, which is our absolute top priority. We'll run through a quick, straightforward checklist to get your phone ready for its new home.

Give It a Good Clean

First impressions really do count. Take a minute to give your phone a gentle but thorough clean using a soft microfibre cloth. Wipe away all the fingerprints, dust, and general grime from the screen and body.

Don't forget to pay special attention to the nooks and crannies like the charging port and speaker grilles, where fluff and dirt love to hide. A clean, well-presented phone instantly looks like it’s been cared for, which helps us confirm its condition.

Gather the Originals

Remember that box your phone came in? What about the original charging cable and any other bits and pieces that were included, like earphones or adaptors? Digging these out can add a surprising amount to your final offer.

A phone that comes with its original packaging and accessories is always more appealing to the next owner. It’s a clear signal that the device has been looked after properly.

The Essential Data Wipe Checklist

This is easily the most important part of the whole process. Before you hand over any device, you have to be 100% sure all your personal information has been wiped clean. This is non-negotiable for protecting your privacy, and it’s a requirement before we can buy your phone.

Just follow these three simple steps to get it done right:

1. Back-Up Your Data: You don’t want to lose all those precious photos, contacts, and messages. Use iCloud, Google Photos, or just plug it into your computer to create a full backup of everything. Always double-check that the backup has finished completely before you move on.
2. Sign Out of Your Accounts: This step is absolutely crucial. You must sign out of your iCloud account (for iPhones) or your Google account (for Androids). Doing this removes the activation lock, which otherwise stops anyone else from using the phone. We simply cannot purchase a phone that is still locked to a personal account.
3. Perform a Factory Reset: Once you're backed up and signed out, head into your phone’s settings and perform a factory reset. This wipes the device completely clean, deleting all your apps, settings, and personal files, returning it to the state it was in when it first came out of the box.

By completing these steps, you not only keep your personal information safe but also make the phone ready for us to process quickly. This guarantees a smooth transaction, allowing us to test the device and get you paid without any delays.

Following this simple checklist ensures you’ve done everything you can to get the maximum cash for your phone. If you have any questions about the process or get stuck on a step, we’re always here to help.

Ready to take the next step? It all starts with our quick and easy online form. You can get a free, no-obligation quote today by filling out our simple sales form.

Why Selling Locally is Smarter Than Using Online Marketplaces

So, you’ve decided it’s time to sell your old phone. The big question is, where? Listing it on a huge online marketplace like eBay or Facebook might seem like the obvious first step, but it often comes with a whole host of unexpected headaches. Think flaky buyers, endless back-and-forth messages, and the faff of securely packing and posting it. It's rarely as simple as it looks.

That's precisely why we've created a better, more personal way to sell your tech, especially for our neighbours right here in Redhill, Merstham, and the surrounding areas. We've stripped out all the stress, making sure you get a fantastic price without any of the usual hassle. Our whole aim is to make the experience fast, safe, and genuinely rewarding for you.

The Trouble with Selling Online Yourself

Selling your phone privately can feel empowering at first, but the reality is often very different. You'll likely find yourself fending off silly lowball offers, dealing with people who agree to buy and then vanish, or worse, navigating the genuine risk of online scams.

On top of that, the responsibility falls on you for everything: taking flattering photos, writing a persuasive description, and handling the logistics of postage and potential returns if something goes wrong. It’s a lot of your time and effort for what can be a very uncertain payoff.

Your Simple, Secure Local Options

We’ve designed three incredibly straightforward ways to turn your old phone into cash, built to fit neatly into your day. No waiting, no wondering, no hassle.

• Convenient Home Collection: If you're local, we'll come directly to your door. We can test your phone and pay you with an instant bank transfer right then and there.
• Instant In-Store Drop-Off: Just pop into our shop in Redhill for an on-the-spot valuation. You can literally walk in with your old phone and walk out with money in your bank minutes later.
• Secure Postal Service: Live a bit further away? No problem. Our insured postal service is a completely safe and reliable option. We process your payment the very same day we receive your device.

It's interesting to note that in the UK's mobile market, premium flagship phones hold their value far better than budget models. Knowing this helps you set realistic expectations and spot a fair offer when you see one. You can learn more about these mobile market trends to see for yourself.

Choosing a trusted, local buyer means you get a competitive price without compromising on safety or convenience. It’s the smart way to answer the question, "what's my phone worth?" by getting a guaranteed, instant payout.

We consistently offer great prices that beat what you’ll find on the high street. By cutting out the middlemen and the hassle, we provide a faster, safer, and more profitable alternative to selling on big online marketplaces.

Ready to see how easy it can be? Get a fast, free, no-obligation quote today by filling out our simple sales form.

Got Questions About Selling Your Phone? We've Got Answers

Selling your phone can bring up a lot of questions, especially when you're trying to figure out its value and how to do it safely. We get it, and we believe in being completely upfront about how everything works.

Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from our customers. If there's anything else on your mind, just give us a shout.

What Happens to All My Personal Data?

This is a big one, and rightly so. Your privacy is our number one priority. Before you even hand your phone over, we'll walk you through the simple steps to back up everything important and then perform a factory reset. The most crucial step is signing out of your iCloud or Google account – we can't actually buy a phone that's still locked to you.

Once the phone is with us, we don't just rely on the factory reset. We carry out a certified data wipe to make absolutely certain that every last trace of your personal information is gone for good. You can hand over your device with total peace of mind.

Do You Really Buy Broken Phones?

Yes, we absolutely do! In fact, we specialise in giving new life to phones with all sorts of problems. A cracked screen, a battery that dies in an hour, a dodgy charging port, or even a jammed button – it still has value to us.

Even if your phone is completely dead and won't switch on, it’s packed with components that can be salvaged and recycled. The easiest way to see what your broken phone is worth is to get a free quote. Just make sure you're honest about the fault when you fill out our online form.

It's amazing how many people think their broken phone is worthless. You'd be surprised what you can get for it, so it's always worth checking before you just throw it in a drawer or recycle it for nothing.

Why Do I Need to Show ID to Sell My Phone?

We ask for a valid photo ID simply to confirm you are who you say you are and that you own the phone you're selling. This is a standard, responsible practice that helps prevent the sale of lost or stolen devices.

Think of it as a safety check that protects everyone involved – you, us, and the wider community. It ensures every transaction we handle is legitimate and transparent from the get-go.

How Quickly Do I Get My Money?

We know you don't want to hang around waiting for your cash, so we’ve made our payment process as fast as possible.

• Home collection or drop-off: We'll do a few quick checks on your device, and then you'll get paid on the spot via an instant bank transfer.
• Postal service: As soon as your phone lands with us and passes its checks, we process your payment that very same day.

For most people, the money will be in their account before they know it. It’s that simple.

Ready to turn that old phone into cash without the hassle? At EXE, we make selling simple, fast, and secure. Get your free, no-obligation quote now by visiting us at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form.