When buying a new iPhone, one of the first decisions is storage size. But how much does that extra storage actually add when you go to sell? Here's the data.
Storage Premium by Model
| Model | 128GB | 256GB Premium | 512GB Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $750 | +$30 | +$70 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $480 | +$40 | +$80 |
| iPhone 15 | $265 | +$35 | +$75 |
| iPhone 14 | $170 | +$30 | +$60 |
| iPhone 13 | $150 | +$30 | +$60 |
What This Tells You
The storage premium at resale is real but modest. Upgrading from 128GB to 256GB at purchase typically costs $100–$200 extra. At resale, you'll get back $30–$40 of that. You're not "saving" money by upgrading storage with resale value in mind.
However, there's a secondary benefit: higher storage iPhones sell faster. Buyers in the $250–$400 range are often looking specifically for 256GB+ models because they plan to use the phone for several years. A 128GB phone might sit on the market longer.
The 1TB Exception
1TB models (available on Pro and Pro Max) command a larger premium at resale than the step from 128GB to 256GB — typically $60–$90 above 512GB. The 1TB market is smaller (fewer buyers) but those buyers are willing to pay for it.
💡 Best storage to buy for resale: 256GB hits the sweet spot. Fastest to sell, best balance of purchase premium vs resale recovery. Unless you genuinely need 512GB+ for your own use, skip it.