iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Trade-In Value Comparison

### Which is Better for Trade-In: iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24? *Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026* When comparing the trade-in value of the latest smartphones, the iPhone 15 tends to offer better returns than the Samsung Galaxy S24. iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Trade-In Value Comparison This advantage stems from Apple's strong recycling program and consistent high demand among users looking to upgrade regularly. ## Quick Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 15	Samsung Galaxy S24
Current Trade-In Value (Apple)	$300-$600	$250-$500
Value by Condition	Mint: $575, Good: $480, Fair: $390	Mint: $450, Good: $360, Fair: $270
Depreciation Rate (12 Months)	-25%	-30%
Highest Price Location	[Apple Trade In](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/apple-trade-in-and-recycling)	Samsung Store
Recycling Value	$7-$15 per device	$5-$12 per device

### What's the Current Trade-In Value for iPhone 15? The current trade-in value of an iPhone 15 ranges from $300 to $600, depending on its condition and location. Apple's official trade-in program offers competitive prices compared to other platforms like [Decluttr](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/decluttr) or Gazelle, where values might be slightly lower at around $275-$550. *According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.* ### What's the Current Trade-In Value for Samsung Galaxy S24? The current trade-in value of a Samsung Galaxy S24 ranges from $250 to $500. Samsung's own recycling programme offers similar prices, but third-party platforms such as [Back Market](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/back-market-refurbished) might pay less-around $250-$475. ### How Do Values Change by Condition for iPhone 15? For an iPhone 15 in mint condition, the trade-in value is around $575. In good condition, it drops to about $480 and further decreases to $390 if the phone shows signs of wear but still functions well. ### How Do Values Change by Condition for Samsung Galaxy S24? For a Samsung Galaxy S24 in mint condition, the trade-in value is approximately $450. In good condition, it drops to about $360 and further decreases to $270 if the phone shows signs of wear but still functions well. *According to the UN Global [E-Waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.* ### What Is the Depreciation Rate Over 12 Months for iPhone 15? Over a period of twelve months, an iPhone 15 depreciates by around 25%. This is slightly better than the Samsung Galaxy S24's rate of depreciation at 30% over the same timeframe. ### What Is the Depreciation Rate Over 12 Months for Samsung Galaxy S24? Over a period of twelve months, a Samsung Galaxy S24 depreciates by around 30%. This is slightly worse than the iPhone 15's rate of depreciation at 25% over the same timeframe. ### Which Holds Value Better and Why? The iPhone 15 holds its value better due to Apple's strong brand loyalty and consistent demand. Additionally, Apple's official trade-in program offers competitive prices that are often higher than those offered by Samsung or third-party platforms for similar models. *According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.* ### Best Time to Sell or Trade In The best time to sell or trade in your iPhone 15 is right after the release of a newer model, typically around September when the next iPhone is announced. At iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Trade-In Value Comparison, selling earlier can be advantageous as demand remains high and depreciation hasn't yet set in. For Samsung Galaxy S24 users, the optimal period for selling would also be shortly after new models are released. ### Where to Get the Highest Price For an iPhone 15, Apple's official trade-in program offers the highest prices, followed by platforms like Decluttr or Gazelle. Samsung owners should consider Samsung's own recycling programme and Back Market as options with potentially competitive rates but slightly lower than Apple's offerings. ### Recycling Options if Device Has No Trade-In Value If your iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24 has no trade-in value, both companies offer recycling programs that recover valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. You can also check out local e-waste recyclers certified under R2 (Responsible Recycling) standards. ### Materials Recovered When Recycled Both devices contain significant amounts of reusable materials when recycled. For instance, each iPhone 15 can yield around $7-$15 worth of recoverable materials, while a Samsung Galaxy S24 might generate between $5-$12 per device. These figures are based on the average recovery rates from certified recyclers. ## Head-to-Head Verdict The iPhone 15 generally holds its trade-in value better than the Samsung Galaxy S24 due to Apple's strong recycling programme and consistent brand demand. However, Samsung's devices can still offer decent returns through official channels or third-party platforms. The best time to sell remains shortly after new models are released. ### Internal Links For more information on the iPhone 15, visit [brands/iphone-15](/brands/iphone-15). For details on the Samsung Galaxy S24, check out [brands/samsung-galaxy-s24](/brands/samsung-galaxy-s24). This comparison highlights the importance of timing and platform selection when trading in your device. ## Sources - US EPA - UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 - Consumer Technology Association