Which Platform Offers the Best iPhone Trade-In Deals?

Although many have expressed dissatisfaction with the so-called 'innovation' in the iPhone 16 series, labeling it as 'forced creativity' by Apple, Lei Tech's observation on the first day of iPhone 16 sales reveals that while many chose to 'sell to scalpers directly,' quite a few users still opted to transfer their data to their new iPhone at the Apple Store. One of Lei Tech's friends also plans to upgrade from a 15 Plus to a 16 Plus in the near future. To convince himself, this friend even broke down the long-term cost averaging of the 16 Plus under the conditions of canceling AC+ and utilizing the annual upgrade program.

Although Lei Tech isn't particularly interested in such 'actuarial' behavior, how to maximize financial benefits through trade-ins or second-hand recycling platforms has indeed become a primary consideration for many when upgrading their phones in recent years. Unlike a decade ago, when 'letting old phones rot in the drawer' was common, shorter upgrade cycles, higher purchase costs, and a more developed second-hand trading industry have made the topic of trade-ins increasingly prevalent.

Image source: Apple

So, if we do have a need to upgrade to a new iPhone, which platform offers the best trade-in discounts?

The Top Three Recycling Platforms Favor 'Undamaged' Trade-Ins

Taking Lei Tech's colleague's 256GB iPhone 15 Pro as an example, the phone's screen remains in 'perfect' condition due to long-term screen protectors, but there are minor scratches on the frame, the battery health is at 91%, and less than a month remains of the one-year warranty. Lei Tech used a new phone number to access AIHUISHOU, applied all available coupons, and evaluated the phone's value on AIHUISHOU, Zhuanzhuan, and Apple's own trade-in portal.

As one of the most accessible recycling platforms, AIHUISHOU has partnered with multiple e-commerce platforms, including JD.com's recycling service, which is actually provided by AIHUISHOU. As an 'established' recycler, AIHUISHOU's phone valuation process is straightforward, with the main deduction factors being screen scratches, frame and back cover wear, battery degradation, and any faults or repairs. Based on Lei Tech's experience, as long as long-term screen protectors and cases are used, phones are generally categorized as 'undamaged.'

Image source: Lei Tech

However, Lei Tech usually doesn't use a phone case, so there are minor scratches on the frame. Without deductions for other items, AIHUISHOU offered a base recycling price of 4,450 yuan, which increased by 579 yuan after applying coupons, resulting in a final offer of 5,029 yuan and a retention rate of 57%.

Image source: Lei Tech

Under the same conditions, Zhuanzhuan offered a price of 4,570 yuan, which increased to 5,393 yuan after applying an 18% (823 yuan) coupon, resulting in a retention rate of 60%.

For reference, Apple Store's own trade-in evaluation was 4,500 yuan, already including a 100 yuan trade-in discount, essentially adhering to Apple's annual upgrade program's 50% quotation.

But if the phone is 'completely undamaged,' how much can it fetch? Here, Lei Tech tested with a hypothetical 'void iPhone' – an evaluation of a perfect-condition, slightly out-of-warranty iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB.

Image source: Lei Tech

AIHUISHOU's final evaluation was 7,300 yuan (6,700 + 600), with a retention rate of 52%; Zhuanzhuan's final evaluation was 7,299 yuan (6,185 + 1,114), also with a retention rate of 52%.

What about Apple Store's offer? Since Apple Store can only confirm the model by entering the serial number, we couldn't obtain an actual quotation. However, based on the description of 'up to 6,100 yuan' and Apple's annual upgrade program's 50% convention, Lei Tech speculates that 6,100 yuan would be Apple's final offer, with a retention rate of 43%.

Image source: Lei Tech

But if we're recycling an older model like the iPhone 14 Pro, the situation is different. For an original 8,899 yuan iPhone 14 Pro 256GB in perfect condition (slightly out of warranty), AIHUISHOU offered 5,085 yuan (4,500 + 585), Zhuanzhuan offered 4,976 yuan (4,216 + 760), and Apple Store offered 3,600 yuan, with retention rates of 57%, 55%, and 40%, respectively.

Selling on Second-Hand Platforms Often Yields Surprises

It's evident that most people won't be satisfied with retention rates below 70%, which is why many choose to trade their old phones on platforms like Xianyu. However, since second-hand platforms lack a unified pricing evaluation system, Lei Tech can only refer to the transaction prices of similar models.

A 256GB iPhone 15 Pro (with minor scratches) originally priced at 8,999 yuan sold for an average of 5,909 yuan over seven days on Xianyu, with a retention rate of 65%; a nearly brand-new 1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max sold for an average of 9,000 yuan over seven days, with a retention rate of 41%; and a 256GB iPhone 14 Pro (with minor scratches) sold for an average of 4,682 yuan over seven days, with a retention rate of 52%.

Image source: Lei Tech

Of course, the average prices on second-hand platforms serve more as a reference, as the condition of each phone varies. Additionally, transaction prices on second-hand platforms are more susceptible to market trends, supply and demand, and the positioning of new models. Only 'mid-to-high-end' phones with high sales volumes are likely to fetch prices that meet both buyers' and sellers' expectations, enabling 'buyers to spend less and sellers to earn more.'

iPhone Trade-Ins: Go with Zhuanzhuan if You Don't Mind the Hassle; For Maximum Value Retention, Choose Apple

So, if we genuinely need to upgrade to a new iPhone, how should we choose between the top three recycling platforms and second-hand trading websites?

First, if you own a high-end phone like the 1TB Pro Max, second-hand platforms are practically out of the question, as those willing to spend that much on such a phone are unlikely to consider second-hand options. If you're 'not in a hurry,' you could list it at a higher price on Xianyu; but if your new phone has already arrived, simply compare prices on the top three recycling platforms and go with the highest offer.

For mid-to-high-end and flagship phones less than a year old with minimal wear and tear, prices offered by second-hand trading platforms are indeed more attractive, given the significant demand for such phones within a year. However, since second-hand platforms directly connect individual buyers and sellers, this requires strong negotiation skills. Additionally, compared to stable recycling platforms, second-hand trading websites pose more potential risks.

Image source: Lei Tech

For older phones, considering the minimal market demand, opting for multiple trade-ins on second-hand platforms might be a better choice. Additionally, if you've been diligent about using screen protectors and cases from day one, such 'top-condition' phones can fetch considerable prices on recycling platforms.

But what if you, like Lei Tech, don't take particularly good care of your phone? That's where Apple Store's in-store recycling comes in. Note that in-store recycling refers to personally visiting an Apple Store for recycling, excluding mail-in options. Although Apple Store's in-store recycling prices may not be the highest, store staff have minimal requirements for phone condition. As long as the phone isn't visibly broken or tampered with, staff are likely to offer a 'fixed' recycling price.

By now, it's clear that while Android flagships have indeed gained market and consumer recognition in recent years, their rapid iteration cycles and increasing competition at similar price points make it difficult for them to match the retention rates of iPhones. Spending roughly 8,000 yuan on a phone, an iPhone might depreciate by just over 2,000 yuan after a year, while Android flagships typically lose half their value. For tech enthusiasts who frequently upgrade their phones, this is a losing proposition.

Image source: Apple

Ultimately, as electronic consumables, phone depreciation is inevitable, which explains the existence of 'waiting parties.' As for why iPhones retain their value, apart from Apple's brand influence, the crucial factor is its strategy of releasing one phone per year. Before the next-generation iPhone's official launch, Apple rarely proactively reduces prices, something other manufacturers struggle to match.

However, price and retention rate are just two aspects of a phone's competitiveness. Ultimately, phones are meant to be used. In 2024, with iPhone's competitiveness declining, can it still maintain its retention rate myth? The second-hand market will likely provide answers after the year-end Double 11 sales.

Source: Lei Tech