If you’ve been thinking about a phone upgrade, timing can make all the difference. Knowing when to act is just as important as what phone you’re upgrading to.
The mobile phone market operates on a cycle that aligns closely with product launches, holiday sales, and trade-in trends. Here’s how to use that cycle to your advantage—and why timing your phone upgrade smartly can save you money, make you money, or both.
Each fall, Apple and major Android manufacturers like Samsung and Google announce their latest flagship models. When this happens, older phones instantly drop in price. Retailers discount last year’s models to clear inventory, and consumers begin listing their used phones on resale platforms to fund their phone upgrade.
If you’re looking to buy a high-quality used or refurbished device, this is a golden window. The market becomes saturated with gently used phones, often in excellent condition, at a lower cost.
If you’d rather buy new, waiting for Black Friday and Cyber Monday can also pay off. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and major carriers offer bundles, trade-in incentives, or deep discounts on older models.
Keep an eye out for offers like gift cards with purchase, bonus accessories, or contract-free options.
This period often brings student-focused phone deals, especially on mid-range devices from brands like OnePlus or Motorola. Carriers also push promotions to get new users on family plans before school starts.
If you want to get the most money for your phone, timing your sale is just as crucial as keeping your device in good condition. The goal is to sell while your phone still holds high value—but before a new model makes it less desirable.
This is arguably the best time to sell your device. As soon as new models hit the market, resale prices on previous models start to dip. If you're using an iPhone, listing your current phone in August—before Apple’s September keynote—will usually fetch a higher resale price.
Some buyers look to score deals on secondhand phones for holiday gifts. Listing your phone in late fall may help you tap into this surge in demand.
This is an underrated but real window. Consumers with extra cash from tax refunds often make big-ticket purchases like phones. If you missed the fall window, early spring can be your second chance to get a good price.
Whether you’re upgrading your phone or flipping your old one, these tips will help you make the most of your timing:
Understanding depreciation helps you time your phone upgrade even better. On average, a phone loses:
iPhones tend to retain value longer than most Android phones, although flagship Androids like the Samsung Galaxy S series hold up better than budget models.
Most people benefit financially and functionally from upgrading their phones every 18 to 24 months. Trade-in values are still relatively high, battery performance may start to drop, and new software features begin requiring more processing power.
Rather than waiting until your phone is barely functional, plan your phone upgrade around the typical depreciation curve.
There’s no one-size-fits-all time to buy or sell a phone—but you can time your phone upgrade smartly and profitably. Selling before major phone launches and buying just after can lead to hundreds of dollars saved or earned.
Ready to sell your phone or buy a certified used device?
Make sure your device passes a full diagnostic test and is wiped clean. Learn more about Phonecheck Certified Devices and why certification gives you peace of mind during a phone upgrade.
