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Which Phone Holds Its Trade-In Value Best in Singapore? iPhone vs Samsung vs Google Pixel
If getting the best phone trade-in value matters to you, choosing a smartphone is not only about cameras, performance or battery life.
It is also worth asking:
Which phone is likely to still be worth more when it is time to upgrade?
Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel are three of the most popular premium smartphone families in Singapore.
But their trade-in values do not always behave in the same way.
In this guide, we compare iPhone vs Samsung vs Google Pixel trade-in value in Singapore, using current MobileRelation quotations and real Singapore launch prices to help explain which phones may hold their value better.
Important:
This is not a controlled depreciation study. Different phones launch at different times, have different retail prices, and may be different ages when compared. Trade-in values also change with condition, storage, demand and market pricing.
This is not a controlled depreciation study. Different phones launch at different times, have different retail prices, and may be different ages when compared. Trade-in values also change with condition, storage, demand and market pricing.
🏆 Which Phone Currently Holds Its Trade-In Value Best?
Looking at one current premium flagship example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is retaining a noticeably larger percentage of its original Singapore launch price than the Galaxy S25 Ultra or Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Using the 256GB versions:
| Model | Singapore Launch RRP | Current Max Trade-In | Approx. RRP Retained |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB | S$1,899 | S$1,260 | ≈ 66% |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB | S$1,828 | S$800 | ≈ 44% |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 256GB | S$1,739 | S$770 | ≈ 44% |
In this snapshot, the iPhone has the strongest percentage retention.
However, there is an important catch: these three phones are not exactly the same age.
📅 Why Phone Age Matters in This Comparison
The Galaxy S25 Ultra reached Singapore earlier than the other two phones in this example.
| Model | Singapore Availability |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | 14 February 2025 |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | 28 August 2025 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 19 September 2025 |
This means the Samsung has had several additional months in the market to experience depreciation.
So while the current numbers favour the iPhone, they should not be interpreted as proof that every iPhone will always lose value more slowly than every Samsung or Pixel.
🍎 Why Can iPhones Hold Strong Trade-In Value?
iPhones often remain highly visible in the used-phone market even after a newer generation arrives.
Factors that can support iPhone resale demand include:
• Strong demand for recent Pro models
• A large second-hand buyer market
• Long software support
• Familiarity with Apple devices
• Demand for older flagship models
• Strong recognition of storage and condition grades
The current MobileRelation quotation for the Used iPhone 17 Pro Max reaches up to S$1,660 for the 2TB model.
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Current Maximum Example |
|---|---|
| 256GB | S$1,260 |
| 512GB | S$1,360 |
| 1TB | S$1,560 |
| 2TB | S$1,660 |
Read our full guide:
How Much Is My Phone Worth in Singapore? →
📱 What About Samsung Galaxy Trade-In Value?
Samsung has a very broad smartphone lineup, from affordable Galaxy A models to Galaxy S Ultra and premium foldables.
This means there is no single “Samsung depreciation rate.”
Flagship Galaxy S models can behave differently from:
• Galaxy A Series
• Galaxy FE devices
• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Fold
The current Used Galaxy S25 Ultra quotation reaches up to S$920.
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | Current Maximum Example |
|---|---|
| 12GB + 256GB | S$800 |
| 12GB + 512GB | S$860 |
| 12GB + 1TB | S$920 |
Samsung’s wide product range also means model selection matters especially strongly.
Read:
What Affects Samsung Galaxy Trade-In Value in Singapore? →
🌈 What About Google Pixel Trade-In Value?
Google Pixel occupies a smaller but increasingly important part of Singapore’s premium Android market.
The current Used Pixel 10 Pro XL quotation reaches up to S$950.
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Current Maximum Example |
|---|---|
| 16GB + 256GB | S$770 |
| 16GB + 512GB | S$850 |
| 16GB + 1TB | S$950 |
Pixel resale value can also be affected by the arrival of newer Pixel generations and changing used-market demand.
Read:
What Affects Google Pixel Trade-In Value in Singapore? →
💎 What Helps a Phone Hold Its Value?
Brand is only one part of the equation.
The phones that hold stronger trade-in value often also benefit from:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Strong Buyer Demand | Popular devices are easier to resell. |
| Good Physical Condition | Less screen and housing damage usually supports a stronger quotation. |
| Fully Working Functions | Display, touchscreen, camera and biometric issues may reduce value. |
| Recent Generation | Newer models often have stronger market demand. |
| Useful Storage Capacity | Higher storage can improve the starting quotation. |
| Good Timing | Market conditions can change after new launches. |
💾 Does More Storage Mean Better Resale Value?
Usually, a higher-storage version can have a higher starting trade-in quotation.
But there is an important distinction:
Higher trade-in value
does not automatically mean
better percentage value retention.
Imagine a 1TB phone cost several hundred dollars more when new.
If the trade-in market only gives back part of that premium, the higher-storage model may still lose more dollars overall.
This is why storage should be considered together with original purchase price.
Read:
Does Storage Capacity Affect iPhone Trade-In Value in Singapore? →
💥 Condition Can Matter More Than Brand
A well-kept Pixel can be worth more than a badly damaged iPhone.
Likewise, a clean Galaxy may receive a much stronger quotation than the same model with:
• Deep scratches
• Cracked glass
• Housing dents
• Display defects
• Touchscreen faults
• Camera problems
This is why “which brand holds value best?” should never be answered without considering condition.
Read:
Can You Trade In a Damaged Phone in Singapore? →
⏰ Timing Matters for All Three Brands
Apple, Samsung and Google all introduce new flagship generations.
Around a major launch:
• More owners may upgrade
• More previous-generation phones may enter the market
• Buyer attention may shift to newer models
• Used-device pricing may change
This does not mean every phone automatically loses a fixed amount on launch day.
But if you already intend to upgrade, checking the current quotation before waiting longer can be useful.
Best Time to Trade In by Brand
When Is the Best Time to Trade In Your iPhone? →
When Is the Best Time to Trade In Your Samsung Galaxy? →
When Is the Best Time to Trade In Your Google Pixel? →
🤔 Which Brand Should You Choose If Resale Value Matters?
Choose iPhone If Resale Value Is a Major Priority
In the current flagship snapshot, the iPhone 17 Pro Max shows the strongest percentage retention against its Singapore launch RRP.
If resale value is one of your biggest buying priorities, recent iPhone Pro models are worth considering.
Choose Samsung If You Prefer More Hardware Choices
Samsung gives buyers a much wider range of form factors and price points.
You can choose between:
Galaxy S, FE, A Series, Flip and Fold devices.
But resale behaviour can vary significantly between those families.
Choose Pixel If You Prefer Google’s Android Experience
Pixel buyers may prioritise:
Google software, cameras, AI features and long software support.
Its current flagship trade-in values can still represent a meaningful amount toward the next upgrade.
⚠️ Don’t Buy a Phone Only for Resale Value
Resale value matters, but it should not be the only reason you choose a smartphone.
Also consider:
• Purchase price
• Camera preferences
• Operating system
• Battery life
• Display size
• Accessories
• Ecosystem
• How long you plan to keep the phone
A phone that loses slightly more resale value may still be the better financial choice if you bought it at a much lower price.
📊 Best Phone Trade-In Value: iPhone vs Samsung vs Pixel Summary
| Brand | Current Snapshot | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | Strongest value retention in our current 256GB flagship example. | Higher purchase prices on premium models. |
| Samsung Galaxy | Wide range of trade-in values across different families. | S, A, FE, Fold and Flip behave differently. |
| Google Pixel | Premium Pixel models can still provide meaningful upgrade value. | Market demand can change around new Pixel launches. |
💰 Already Own One? Check Its Actual Value
Brand averages are useful for understanding trends.
But if you already own a phone, the most useful number is the quotation for your exact:
model, storage and condition.
Check Your Current Phone Trade-In Value
Select your brand, exact model, storage and condition to see the current estimated value.
Check My Phone Value❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone brand holds its value best in Singapore?
In the current MobileRelation premium flagship 256GB example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max retains the highest percentage of its original Singapore launch price. However, phone age, condition, storage and launch timing make direct brand comparisons imperfect.
Do iPhones hold their value better than Samsung phones?
Recent iPhone Pro models can show strong resale demand, but this does not mean every iPhone will always outperform every Samsung Galaxy. The exact model and age of the device matter.
Does Google Pixel hold its resale value?
Google Pixel phones can retain meaningful trade-in value, particularly recent Pro models. The final amount depends on model, storage, condition and current demand.
Does more storage increase trade-in value?
Higher-storage versions often receive higher starting quotations. However, the additional trade-in value may not fully recover the extra amount originally paid for storage.
Does phone condition matter more than brand?
Condition can have a major impact. Screen damage, housing damage and functional faults may reduce the final quotation regardless of brand.
Should I sell my phone before a new model launches?
Not necessarily. If you already plan to upgrade, checking the current value before a new launch can provide a useful reference. Future values cannot be guaranteed.
Are MobileRelation online trade-in prices guaranteed?
No. Online quotations are estimates and may change according to device condition, verification and market pricing.
🏁 Final Thoughts
So, which smartphone holds its trade-in value best in Singapore?
In our current premium flagship snapshot, the iPhone 17 Pro Max retains the strongest percentage of its original Singapore launch price.
But that does not mean Apple automatically wins every resale comparison.
Device age, storage, condition, launch timing, market demand and the original purchase price all affect phone trade-in value.
Instead of choosing a phone based only on brand reputation, compare the exact model and think about how long you intend to keep it.
And if you already own an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, the easiest way to stop guessing is to check its current trade-in value.
Check your current phone trade-in value with MobileRelation →