Samsung and Apple remain direct rivals in the high-end smartphone market, but Samsung devices are losing value noticeably faster than iPhones, according to trends observed on the used-device market over the past months. The Galaxy S26 models, launched in late February 2026, have depreciated more quickly than the iPhone 17 line unveiled in mid-September 2025 — even when compared with the iPhone Air, which performed less well commercially.
Depreciation: does Samsung lose value faster than the iPhone?
Used-market data show a recurring pattern: iPhones retain their value better than comparable high-end Android devices, Samsung included. A buyer who compares net ownership cost — purchase price minus resale value — will, on average, recover more cash by reselling a used iPhone than a Galaxy S with a similar launch price. That effectively lowers the real cost of ownership over a device refresh cycle.
A repeated finding year after year
This is not a new phenomenon. analysts and firms that track the secondary market regularly report stronger value retention for iPhones versus several direct competitors, Samsung among them. The comparison between the Galaxy S26 and the iPhone 17 series is a recent illustration: despite Samsung’s later release, the S26 models have experienced a steeper short-term price drop.
What it means for buyers
For consumers who refresh their phones every one to two years, resale strategy can materially reduce the effective cost of ownership. Selling an iPhone after a year typically recoups a larger share of the initial outlay than doing the same with a comparable Galaxy S. In addition, Apple’s practice of keeping certain one-year-old iPhone models in stock for an extra year helps support resale liquidity on the secondary market.
Resale considerations shape purchasing decisions
Depreciation rate becomes a relevant decision factor at purchase time, especially when flagship launch prices are close. For buyers who are indifferent between iOS and Android and focused on net costs across several refresh cycles, the stronger resale of iPhones can be a decisive advantage.
Bottom line
Samsung offers strong hardware and camera performance, but the faster depreciation of Galaxy S models is a real economic factor for anyone planning frequent upgrades.
