After upgrading to a new iPhone, the old one usually ends up in a drawer. Most people tell themselves it's a "backup" — but is it actually worth keeping? Let's run the numbers.
The Real Cost of Keeping It
Here's what most people don't calculate: your old iPhone is depreciating every single month, whether you use it or not.
| Scenario | iPhone 14 Pro Max Value |
|---|---|
| Sell now (today) | ~$340 |
| Sell in 6 months | ~$290 |
| Sell in 12 months | ~$240 |
| Sell in 18 months | ~$190 |
| Sell in 24 months | ~$150 |
That "backup" phone in your drawer is losing roughly $8–$12 per month in value. Over two years, you'll lose $150–$200 just by waiting.
When Does Keeping It Make Sense?
- You're in a line of work where a backup phone is genuinely critical (field technician, traveling sales, etc.)
- You have kids who regularly break phones and need a quick replacement
- The phone has very low resale value already (under $80) — the depreciation loss is minimal
When Should You Sell?
- Your backup has been sitting in a drawer for more than 3 months
- Your old phone is worth $150 or more — that's real money walking out the door every month
- The next iPhone generation is coming (sell before September to avoid the price drop)
💡 The honest truth: most "backup" phones never get used. They sit in a drawer until they're worth so little that selling barely seems worth the effort. Don't let that happen.