What affects your phone's resale value?

The exact device matters

Start with the complete model and storage tier. A Pro Max is a different product from a Pro, and two phones with the same appearance may have different capacities. Higher original purchase cost does not tell you exactly how much a buyer will pay today.

Compare actual offers for your configuration. An up-to figure can describe a different storage tier or a device in better condition. It is a starting point for investigation, not a promise for your phone.

Cosmetic wear and functionality are different

Describe both how the phone looks and how it works. Scratches, dents, cracked glass, liquid damage and intermittent faults are different issues. Test the functions you can safely check rather than relying on the fact that the screen turns on.

Battery health, service warnings and repair history may affect the buyer's grade. Read the specific requirements before selecting Like new or Good. Never assume one site's condition label maps exactly to another site's label.

• Check charging, cameras, speakers, microphones and buttons.
• Note problems with touch, display, biometrics or connectivity.
• Report battery warnings and known repairs.
• Photograph visible wear clearly instead of hiding it with a case.

Resolve eligibility before comparing price

Carrier locking, account locks, financing and organization management can affect whether a buyer accepts a device. They are separate from scratches or age.

A phone that you can unlock with a passcode is not necessarily carrier-unlocked. A reset is not proof that ownership or management restrictions have been removed. Confirm the status with the carrier, account owner or IT administrator.

Compare what you keep

For a private online sale, consider the selling fees, shipping, payment costs and return terms. For buyback, check inspection rules, payment method and quote expiration. For a trade-in promotion, check whether the value is tied to an upgrade or future bills.

Do not pay for a repair solely because a higher-condition quote looks appealing. First compare the repair's full cost with the actual increase a buyer would offer, including whether that buyer accepts the repaired device.

OTTR's estimate uses the device details and condition you report. Use the current quote flow for an amount; this guide deliberately avoids a static price chart that could become outdated.

Common questions