Are you going to buy an expensive phone? Before buying, know which has the highest resale value and age between iPhone or Android?

Nowadays, it has become common to buy premium phones ranging from Rs 50 thousand to Rs 1 lakh. But think – when you have to buy a new phone after 2-3 years, how much will the old phone sell for? And for how many years will the phone run smoothly? This is where the biggest difference between iPhone and Android comes. If you know this before investing money, you can save thousands of rupees.

iPhone ahead in resale value- According to the latest reports of 2026, the iPhone will retain 60-70% of its value even after 2 years. Meaning, if you bought an iPhone worth Rs 80 thousand, you can easily sell it for Rs 48-56 thousand after 2 years. Whereas premium Android phones (like Samsung Galaxy S series) are able to retain only 45-55% value. Google Pixel is even less, around 40-50%.

Even on platforms like Cashify in India, buyback of iPhone 16 Pro Max is available up to Rs 96 thousand, while that of Samsung S25 Ultra is up to Rs 87,500.

Reason? iPhone’s brand value, high demand and long software updates. Android phones depreciate quickly because new models come out rapidly.

iPhone strong even in longevity

iPhones get regular iOS updates and security patches for 5-7 years. Performance, battery health and security last longer. Even a 4-5 year old iPhone runs smoothly.

Premium Android phones (Samsung, Pixel) now promise up to 7 years of updates, but most brands offer 3-4 years of OS updates and 4-5 years of security. After that the speed decreases, app support stops and the battery gets drained quickly. Result? After 3 years the phone starts looking old.

Which one to choose?

Choose iPhone if: Want to own the same phone for a long time, want good resale value and want a simple, smooth experience.

Choose Android if: Want more customization, cheaper options or a foldable phone. But a bit weak on resale and age.

Suggestion
If you are spending more than Rs 50 thousand then do not just look at the camera or display. Check resale value and software support. If kept in good condition, iPhone will keep your money more safe.

Buying a premium phone is an investment, not just a gadget. Even in 2026, iPhone is ahead of Android in resale value and longevity. With the right choice, your phone will be sold at a good price even after 2-3 years and will work without any problems. Before investing money, remember these two things – value and age.