If you have an old iPhone lying in a drawer, or you’re planning to upgrade to a newer model, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question everyone else does:
“How much is my iPhone worth?”
It’s a fair question. Apple has released more than a decade’s worth of iPhone generations, in different sizes, storage capacities and conditions. Some people have a like new iPhone they barely used. Others have a slightly damaged iPhone with a cracked screen or tired battery. All of these devices still have value in the UK market — but that value depends on a mix of different factors.
In this in-depth guide from Zextons Tech Store, we’ll walk through everything you need to know before you sell your old iPhone: what affects your iPhone’s worth, how to check its real value, where to sell it in the UK, and how refurbished iPhones are priced if you’re looking for a replacement. By the end, you’ll be confident about whether to trade in, sell for cash, or keep your Apple iPhone a little longer.
Quick Answer: What Your iPhone Might Be Worth
The value of your iPhone is built from a simple formula: model + storage capacity + device’s condition + demand. A recent iPhone 15 or 16 in very good condition with 256 GB storage will obviously be worth more than an older iPhone 8 with a cracked screen and a weak battery. But that doesn’t mean the older or broken iPhone is worthless; it often still has a respectable trade-in value or a good price as a device for parts.
In the UK, recent flagship iPhones can still be worth hundreds of pounds, even used. Mid-range models such as the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 usually sit in the middle of the price range, while very old devices are bought more cheaply, mainly for budget buyers or spare parts. Exact numbers move constantly, but you can assume there is almost always some value locked inside your old iPhone, especially if it still switches on and functions normally.
To move from guessing to knowing, you need to understand exactly what buyers look at when they estimate how much your iPhone is worth.
The Main Factors That Decide How Much Your iPhone Is Worth
When you ask a company to value your iPhone, you may feel as though they use some mysterious formula. In reality, the evaluation of your old iPhone is quite logical. Let’s walk through each of the key elements.
Model and Generation
The first and most important factor is the model of your Apple iPhone. Newer generations hold more value because they have newer processors, better cameras and longer software support. An iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 will always be worth more than an older iPhone X or iPhone 8, even in similar condition.
Within the same generation, there are differences too. Pro and Pro Max versions tend to be worth more than standard versions, and SE models usually sit lower, aimed at budget-conscious buyers. When you go to sell your old iPhone, always provide the exact model name. Saying “iPhone 13 Pro Max, 256 GB” instead of just “iPhone 13” can make a noticeable difference to the estimate.
Storage Capacity
The next big factor is storage capacity. An iPhone with 64 GB of storage is perfectly fine for many people, but a 256 GB or 512 GB version offers more space for photos, apps and videos. That extra space is reflected in your iPhone’s worth.
Two devices with the same model and the same device’s condition can have different prices simply because one has more storage capacity than the other. This is why most buyers will ask for both the model and storage when you check the value of your Apple iPhone model.
Device’s Condition: Cosmetic State
Condition is where many people underestimate or overestimate their iPhone’s value. Buyers normally grade iPhones on a scale that includes terms like Acceptable, Good, Very Good and Like New. Those four words summarise the visible history of your phone.
A Like New iPhone will look almost identical to a brand new Apple smartphone. There will be no obvious scratches, chips or marks on the screen or body. A Very Good device may have tiny hairline marks if you look very closely, but nothing that stands out. A Good phone will have more noticeable signs of everyday use: small scratches on the body, light marks on the display, perhaps minor scuffs on the corners. An Acceptable iPhone will clearly show its age with heavier wear and cosmetic damage, but it will still function.
Beyond this, a broken iPhone is one that has more serious issues such as a cracked screen, damaged back glass, badly bent frame or other heavy damage. Surprisingly, even a broken iPhone can be worth money. Many professional buyers and refurbishers will pay for slightly damaged iPhones or faulty devices, because they can replace parts and give the phone a second life as a refurbished iPhone or use it for spares.
When you assess your own device, take a moment to look at the display, frame and back. Ask yourself:
Does the phone’s display look intact and free of cracks?
Are there only small, shallow scratches, or are there deep marks and chips?
Is the glass on the back cracked anywhere?
Does the device look bent, as if it has been sat on or heavily dropped?
Your answers here have a direct impact on how much your iPhone is worth.
Does the Phone Function Normally?
Cosmetics are only half the story. A phone can look perfect but still have serious functional issues, and these affect its value just as much as physical damage. When a buyer asks whether the phone functions normally, they want to know if everything important works: screen touch response, cameras, Face ID or Touch ID, speakers and microphone, charging port, buttons, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data.
If the touchscreen has dead areas, if the camera is blurry, if the speakers sound distorted or if the iPhone doesn’t always turn on, then your device will be priced as faulty rather than fully working. That doesn’t mean the device is unsellable; many companies specialise in buying faulty and slightly damaged iPhones, but they will adjust the estimate to cover the cost of repairs.
Battery Health
Battery health is another small but important piece of the puzzle. Over time, every lithium-ion battery loses capacity. Apple gives you an easy way to see this in Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging, where you will see a number next to “Maximum Capacity”.
A very high percentage suggests the battery is still similar to its original state. As the number drops, it signals that the phone will need to be charged more frequently. Buyers look at this to decide whether the iPhone can be sold on as-is or whether they should replace the battery during the refurbishment process. If battery health is low, the offer may be reduced slightly to pay for that replacement.
Locked or Unlocked?
In the UK, some iPhones are sold unlocked from day one, while others are supplied through networks like EE, O2 or Vodafone with a lock to that carrier. An unlocked iPhone can be used with any network. That flexibility makes it more desirable, so unlocked devices often attract better prices.
A network-locked iPhone can still be worth good money, but the buyer knows it will only appeal to users on that specific network or that some work may be required to unlock it. If you’re able to unlock your device before selling, that can slightly increase how much your iPhone is worth.
Age, Supply and Demand
Finally, age and market demand tie everything together. A well-kept iPhone 12 or 13 with good storage and good battery health is a sweet spot for many buyers, so offers are often strong. A very old iPhone 6s or 7 in acceptable condition might only be attractive at a low price, mainly for spare parts or very budget-friendly customers.
Demand also changes around Apple’s launch cycle. Whenever a new generation is announced, lots of people rush to sell their old iPhone at the same time, which pushes prices down. This is why you often get the best price if you sell your old iPhone just before or shortly after you upgrade, rather than letting it sit unused for years.
Step-by-Step: How to Check What Your iPhone Is Worth
Now that you understand what buyers look at, you can follow a simple process to check your iPhone’s value yourself.
1. Identify Your Model and Storage
Start with the basics. On your iPhone, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Here you’ll see the Model Name and the Capacity. Make a note of the exact model (for example, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2022) and the storage capacity (64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, and so on). Without this, no buyer can give a precise estimate.
2. Look Carefully at the Condition
Next, spend a minute really looking at the phone. Check the front screen under a bright light to see whether there are only small scratches or deeper marks. Examine the corners and sides for dents and chips. Turn the phone over and look at the back glass.
Try to place your device roughly into one of the common condition categories: like new, very good, good, acceptable or broken. If the screen or back glass is cracked, or the frame is obviously bent, you should think of it as a broken iPhone even if it still powers on.
3. Test That the Phone Functions Normally
Press the side button and unlock the device. Swipe around the screen to make sure touch is responsive everywhere. Open the camera app, take a few test photos and videos, switch between front and rear cameras and check there are no lines, flickers or focus problems. Play some music or a video to test the speakers, then make a quick call to check the microphone and earpiece.
If Face ID or Touch ID is set up, make sure it unlocks the device correctly. Try Wi-Fi and mobile data to confirm they work. If everything behaves as expected, your device can be classed as fully working. If not, your description to the buyer should mention which features are not working properly.
4. Check Battery Health
Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging and see what your maximum capacity is. You don’t have to be obsessive here, but it’s useful information. A phone at 90% battery health will appeal more to buyers than one at 75%, and that can be reflected in the value.
5. Prepare the Phone for Selling
Before you actually sell your old iPhone, protect your information. Back up your data to iCloud or to a computer. Sign out of iCloud and the App Store, switch off Find My iPhone, and erase all content and settings. Remove your SIM card and any personal case or screen protector you don’t want to include.
This is an important part of the process of selling an old iPhone. It not only keeps your personal data safe, it also makes life easier for the buyer or next owner.
6. Use an Online Valuation or Contact a Buyer
With all of this information in hand, you’re ready to get a concrete estimate. Visit the website of a UK tech shop, buyback service or trade-in programme and look for their Sell iPhone or Sell-page. You’ll usually be asked your iPhone model, storage capacity, whether the phone functions normally and what the overall condition of the device is. Some tools will also ask whether there are scratches on the iPhone’s body and display or any cracks on the device and its glass parts.
Once you answer these simple questions as truthfully as possible, you’ll receive an estimate of your old iPhone’s worth. For many services, this happens in just a few clicks.
7. Compare at Least a Couple of Options
It’s always wise to compare. Check the value of your iPhone with a buyback site, see what your network or Apple would offer in trade-in value, and consider what you might achieve if you sold the phone privately on a marketplace. With those numbers in front of you, you can decide whether to go for maximum price with more effort, or accept a slightly lower amount in exchange for speed and convenience.
Ways to Sell Your iPhone in the UK: Trade-In vs Cash vs Refurb Specialists
Once you know roughly how much your iPhone is worth, the next choice is where to sell it. Each option has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Apple and Network Trade-In
For many people, the first thought is Apple’s own trade-in programme or a mobile network’s upgrade offer. This route is extremely convenient if you’re already planning to buy a new Apple iPhone. You hand over your old device, and its value is used as credit towards the new one.
The drawback is that trade-in prices from manufacturers and networks are often lower than what you might achieve elsewhere, and you’re usually paid in credit, not cash. If you’re happy to stay in the Apple ecosystem or tied to the same network, this can still be a comfortable solution. If you’d rather have cash in your wallet, you may prefer other routes.
Marketplaces and Private Sale
At the other end of the spectrum are platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. Here you list the iPhone yourself, set your own price, upload photos and deal directly with buyers. This method can sometimes achieve the maximum possible sale price, especially for high-demand models in very good or like new condition.
However, it comes with extra work and risk. You have to filter out time-wasters, manage questions and offers, handle shipping and returns, and stay wary of scams. Fees and postage also eat into your final amount. For some people this is worth it; for others, it’s simply too much hassle.
Buyback Websites and Refurbishers
A popular middle option is to use specialist companies that focus purely on buying and selling used and refurbished iPhones. They usually provide an online questionnaire about your phone’s model, storage capacity, phone’s condition and any damage. Based on your answers, they give a quick price estimate. You then send your old iPhone using a free shipping label, they inspect it, and you get paid.
These services are designed to be fast and simple. They often accept slightly damaged iPhones and broken iPhones as well as pristine ones, which is helpful if your device has suffered an accident. The trade-off is that, like any business, they pay an amount that allows them to refurbish the phone and resell it at a reasonable price, so the estimate may be lower than a private sale.
How Selling to a Professional Shop Normally Works
Although each company has its own policies, the core process of selling an old iPhone to a professional shop is similar.
First, you request a valuation by telling them what model and storage capacity you have, whether the phone functions normally, and what you believe the overall condition of the device is. Then, the shop either provides a free shipping label so you can send the iPhone in, or they invite you to bring it to a specific address if they have a physical store.
Once your phone arrives, professional technicians inspect it. They check the display, body and glass parts for scratches and cracks, test all the features, and make sure there are no signs of serious issues such as water damage that you didn’t mention. They also make sure your data has been removed for good. If you haven’t wiped the device properly, they will usually erase everything as part of the process.
If their estimate of your Apple iPhone and its condition matches the information you provided, they confirm the original offer and proceed to payment. If their evaluation does not match, they send a new price offer that reflects the actual condition. At that point, you are free to accept or decline. If you decline, a reputable shop will ship your old iPhone back to you, often at no extra cost.
How Refurbished iPhones Are Priced (and Why They’re Cheaper Than New)
Many people planning to sell their old iPhone are also thinking about buying a refurbished iPhone as a replacement. Understanding how refurbished iPhones are priced will help you judge whether an offer is truly good value.
The price of a refurbished iPhone, just like a used one, depends on the model, storage capacity, and the phone’s condition. A refurbished iPhone 13 in like new condition with large storage will cost more than an acceptable-grade iPhone XR with basic storage. The key difference is that a refurbished smartphone has been professionally inspected, repaired where necessary and sold with a warranty.
Shops often offer the same model in different condition grades so customers can choose a price level that fits their budget. Someone who wants the cheapest possible iPhone may pick an acceptable grade device with visible marks but full functionality. Someone who likes the idea of a brand new iPhone but not its price might choose a like new refurbished device that is almost indistinguishable from new but significantly cheaper.
Refurbished iPhones are always cheaper than brand new Apple smartphones, even when they come with generous warranties and return rights. This is because they are pre-owned devices, even if they have been brought back to a very high standard. For customers, that means they can either save money by choosing a similar model to their current one, or step up to a better iPhone than they could afford brand new.
There is also an environmental benefit. Every time you buy a refurbished smartphone instead of a new one, and every time you sell your old iPhone to be repaired and reused, you are contributing to a greener world with less electronic waste. Instead of a perfectly functional phone sitting forgotten in a drawer, it becomes part of a circular economy.
Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone Value and Selling
How do I check the exact value of my Apple iPhone model?
The most reliable way is to combine your own inspection with a professional valuation. Check your model name and storage capacity in Settings, look at the device’s condition, test that it functions normally, then use an online valuation form or contact a tech shop. They will use those details to estimate how much your iPhone is worth and explain the next steps.
Can I sell a broken iPhone or one that has been in contact with water?
Yes. A broken iPhone with a cracked display, heavy scratches or even signs of water damage can still be valuable for parts or refurbishment. The price will naturally be lower than for a fully working phone in very good condition, but it is usually better than leaving it unused. When answering questions about the device’s condition, always mention if it is bent, cracked or has been in contact with water.
Does a cracked screen or scratched body make a big difference?
Any visible damage influences how buyers grade your device. A small number of light scratches on the body might only move you from like new to very good or good. A cracked screen, deep dents or heavy scratching will push the iPhone into acceptable or broken categories. Because repairing these issues has a cost, the buyer will reduce the price offer accordingly.
How important is battery health when I sell my old iPhone?
Battery health does matter, but it is only one part of the whole picture. If everything else about the phone is excellent, a moderate battery capacity is not a disaster. However, if battery health is very low, some buyers will plan to replace the battery as part of their refurbishment and adjust their estimate to cover that cost.
Is it better to trade in my iPhone or sell it for cash?
If you want simplicity and are happy to be paid in credit towards a new device, trade-in with Apple or your network can be attractive. If you’d rather have cash in your bank account and the flexibility to decide what to do next, selling your iPhone to a tech shop or buyback service makes more sense. Those routes usually pay more than a trade-in but less than a perfect private sale.
When is the best time to sell my iPhone to get the highest value?
The best time to sell is usually when you are ready to upgrade, not years afterwards. Values tend to decline slowly over time and drop more sharply around major new iPhone announcements when many people list their old models at once. Selling your old iPhone while it is still fully working and supported by updates will usually produce a higher estimate.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Old iPhone into Cash or a Greener Upgrade
“How much is my iPhone worth?” is more than just a curiosity; it’s a practical question about how much money you can unlock from a device you already own. By understanding your model, storage capacity, device’s condition and the way buyers think, you can approach the process of selling an old iPhone with confidence.
Whether you choose to sell your iPhone privately, trade it in, or let a professional tech shop handle everything for you, the key is to be honest about its state and to compare a couple of options. From there, you can decide whether to grab quick cash, put the value towards a high-quality refurbished iPhone, or keep your device as a backup.
If you follow the steps in this guide, your old Apple iPhone won’t just be sitting forgotten in a drawer. It will either become cash in your account or a part of a responsible, greener cycle of refurbished iPhones that give other people great devices at a reasonable price.