Why do Iphones hold their 2nd hand value?

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Finch

2646 posts

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# 180764 21-Sep-2015 11:07

**Unsure if this is the correct forum**

Hi guys.

I was reading the 6s Iphone thread and somebody mentioned that they have had their current Iphone for 1 year, and only sold it for $100-$200 less than what they paid.

I seem to remember the same thing happening to me when I had an Iphone (3GS I think) years ago.

Why is it that Iphones can nearly hold their value when selling second hand, but Android phones drop $100's of $$?

Is it simply because Apple is seen as "Premium"?

I don't want this to be Apple V Android, just wondering why Iphones (And maybe all Apple products?) can nearly hold their value, but Android phones cant.

Thanks!

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5613 posts

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# 1391065 21-Sep-2015 11:11

3 people support this post

Possibly as with OS X, the most recent iOS versions still run on hardware several generations old so even older hardware still has a lot of the newer features.

BTR

1522 posts

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# 1391069 21-Sep-2015 11:20

5 people support this post

Same as a Toyota Hilux, well built and reliable.

Handsomedan

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# 1391075 21-Sep-2015 11:26

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I think it's This ^^

They just seem to hold together for a long time and are still (somewhat bafflingly) considered a status symbol to many.

If they are well maintained they last...and they often look like new.

The S variants help, too - it means the previous version generally doesn't look any different to the casual observer.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.

sir1963

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# 1391124 21-Sep-2015 12:17

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Because Apple and iPhone are recognisable Brands that mean something to the consumer.

Android, not so much, go ask people, you will find they have an HTC/Samsung/etc.

Apple also does not produce a plethora of makes/models, nor aim for the "low end" of the market, so their brand
probably does not suffer from dilution as much as other manufacturers.

My 3GS is still (mostly) working (the wifi is DOA), but my son uses as an iPod so does not care.
My 4S is in daily use by my wife
And I have a 5S.

And I really dont feel the need to upgrade, I may just wait until the 4S plays up then do the upgrade/hand-me-down cycle again.

Kopkiwi

2287 posts

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# 1391127 21-Sep-2015 12:20

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BTR: Same as a Toyota Hilux, well built and reliable.

lol. They smash if you even THINK about dropping them. The charging cable is probably the worst of any phone ever created.

sir1963

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# 1391160 21-Sep-2015 12:28

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Kopkiwi:
BTR: Same as a Toyota Hilux, well built and reliable.

lol. They smash if you even THINK about dropping them. The charging cable is probably the worst of any phone ever created.

And yet I have never had a problem.

Even my old 3GS charges up just fine (after I had a new battery installed).

Rubber bumper on them, screen protector and a little bit of care is all it takes.
But then I am of an age (group) that was bought up with looking after your stuff, the throw away society had not yet hit us.

nakedmolerat

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# 1391163 21-Sep-2015 12:29

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*** Perception ***

It is what a good marketing does - consumer perceived it as a good product.

I have a couple of macbook(s) that I sold in the past. One is over 3 years old and another one was over 5 years old. They are willing to pay close to what a current model/brand new macbook. How silly is that? One of the buyer thought he got a good deal and don't even want his change back. One of the macbook (original plastic macbook), was slightly loose and the dude really still think it is a good deal.

The same goes to iphone. I have no idea why people still think $400 is a good price for an iphone 4! Oh wait, I remember he was saying that iphone is better than 'android' phones. I asked him which android he has? He showed me an $80 chinese branded android from trademe...

A few example above states that iphone 3g that is still working etc. Heck, my original galaxy s2 is rock solid.

To answer OP - why iphone/apple products hold value?

It is the perception that the items are good and the lack of knowledge of those who are willing to buy the 2nd hand items.

Wade

2213 posts

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# 1391205 21-Sep-2015 12:46

Droids like most consumer electronics seem to have ever reducing prices the longer they are on the market

Take a Samsung S5, a year ago cost over a grand, now maybe $600 new which means I'm likely to pay no more than $400 for a good secondhand S5, whereas a iPhone 5s probably costs more now than it did a year ago. In relative terms the % decrease for used versus new is probably similar

Stupid people seem to pay stupid money for old generation iphones, compare a current model such as a S6 versus iphone 6 and they sell for very similar pricepoints

CYaBro

3201 posts

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# 1391206 21-Sep-2015 12:47

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Kopkiwi:
BTR: Same as a Toyota Hilux, well built and reliable.

lol. They smash if you even THINK about dropping them. The charging cable is probably the worst of any phone ever created.

Yea I don't get this either.

We have two iPads (iPad 2 and 3) in the house that are used mostly by the kids, a 7 year old and a 4 year old.
They don't look after them at all!
They drop them on the floor, usually carpet but the odd occasion they have been dropped flat onto tiles, they connect and disconnect the charging cable themselves and I cringe every time I see them do it!
However both of them are still in perfect working order. Charging cables still all in tact as well.

My wife had an iphone 4 for a few years and has recently moved to a 4S and I myself had an iPhone 3GS, 4 & now an iPhone 6 and we've never had any problems with any of them.
Except for the 3GS that I took for a swim in the pool but even then, after drying it out, it carried on working perfectly.

Dunnersfella

3625 posts

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# 1391288 21-Sep-2015 13:56

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I've never smashed an iPhone, having owned most iterations since its introduction.
The only way I go through charging/synch cables is when the cat chews it...

hashbrown

463 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 1391305 21-Sep-2015 14:25

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1. The OS gets patched.
2. Wide range of accessories still available.
3. Large user base means app developers don't forget compatibility with last years model.
4. People like iPhones.

The stuff above holds true to a lesser degree for some androids. A Samsung S series holds its value a lot better than mid range phones.

The iPhone 4s is getting iOS 9. Name an android from 2011 that runs lollipop. I doubt there are that many from 2012. And no, custom ROMs don't count.

khull

1245 posts

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# 1391307 21-Sep-2015 14:25

No troubles ever getting rid of an Apple product -Never wondered about this but I know I've had to try about 6 months to get rid of my Surface Pro 2 and it was literally at give away price

Batman

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# 1391328 21-Sep-2015 14:47

re OP

because people will pay lots for it vs people won't pay a cent for say a SP2

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Shoes2468

706 posts

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# 1391354 21-Sep-2015 15:17

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I always thought the main reason second hand resell vaule stays high is because there are not really any discounts given on iPhones, the price is what it is and stays that way until the next model is released. Whereas all the other guys are discounted here there and everywhere in long weekend sales and such. This drives the second hand price down a hundred or so more than the special prices and it never really recovers.

scuwp

3230 posts

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# 1391375 21-Sep-2015 15:48

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Quite simply...be it actual or perceived (created) iPhone's are a 'premium' product. Rare to find at any sort of discount, a status symbol to some, an effective productivity tool to others, and rarely found at any sort of discounted price. Limits on variants and longevity will also drive this to some degree.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

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