Most old phones end up in the same place: a drawer, a box, or the bottom of a cupboard with a cable that may or may not still fit. Keeping one spare can be useful. Keeping three usually is not.
If you are deciding whether to sell your old phone or hold onto it, the sensible answer depends on condition, age, storage, battery health and whether you would genuinely use it again. Here is how to think it through before the value drops further.
When keeping an old phone makes sense
A spare phone can be handy if your main phone is being repaired, if you travel and want a backup, or if you need a simple device for work calls, two-factor authentication or family use.
It is also worth keeping if the resale value is very low but the phone still works well enough for a clear purpose. An older device used as a backup is better than a phone sitting unused while the battery slowly gets worse.
When selling is usually the better move
Phones lose value over time, especially once newer models arrive and more used stock enters the market. If your old phone is still in good condition, has decent storage and is not account locked, selling it sooner usually makes more sense than waiting another year.
That is especially true for popular iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, HONOR, Motorola and OPPO models. Even if the device is not the newest model, a clean screen, working buttons, healthy battery and unlocked network status can all help the quote.
If you want a quick starting point, use our phone value comparison page to check what your device may be worth today.
The hidden cost of keeping it
Keeping an old phone feels free, but there is still a cost. Batteries age, software support ends, accessories go missing and demand changes. A phone that could be worth selling now may be worth far less by the time you remember it again.
There is also the practical side. If you are not using the phone, it is not helping you. Selling it can put the value back towards your next upgrade, bill, repair or accessory instead of leaving it unused.
Check these before you decide
- Exact model: small model differences can change the price.
- Storage size: higher storage often holds value better.
- Condition: screen marks, dents and battery issues matter.
- Locks: remove iCloud, Google, Samsung and screen locks before sending.
- Accessories: you usually do not need the original box, but keep the device protected in the post.
For a wider view on timing, read our guide to phone depreciation and which phones hold value best. If you want practical steps before sending, our guide on getting the best price when you sell your phone covers the checks that can affect your final quote.
Postage and insurance
SellMobile provides a prepaid Royal Mail label, which covers up to £150 insurance. If your phone is worth more than £150, we advise using Royal Mail Special Delivery so the full value of the device is covered in transit.
So, should you sell it?
If you have a real use for the phone, keep it. If it is only being kept “just in case”, it is usually better to sell while it still has value.
You can sell your phone online with SellMobile, or head straight to sell my mobile if you are ready to get a quote.
