iPhone 15 Pro vs Galaxy S24: Which Holds Value Longer?

Which smartphone holds its value longer: the iPhone 15 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S24? If you're reading this, you're likely weighing more than just specs—you want to know which device will be kind to your wallet when it's time to upgrade in a few years. Let's cut through the marketing and look at depreciation rates, resale trends, and the real cost of ownership.

Overview

Most comparisons between the iPhone 15 Pro and the Galaxy S24 focus on cameras, screens, and processor speeds. That's fine if you upgrade every year, but for most of us, a phone is a 2-3 year commitment. That's why I've always cared about resale value—it's the difference between a $999 experiment and a smart financial decision.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about how these two flagships hold their value, the factors that drive depreciation, and whether you should care about any of this when you're standing at the checkout counter.

Background/Context

Apple and Samsung have taken different approaches to longevity, and that directly impacts resale value. Historically, iPhones have enjoyed stronger secondhand demand because Apple supports devices for 5-6 years and the ecosystem encourages trade-ins. Galaxy phones, while feature-rich, tend to drop in value faster—partly because they're newer to the market and partly because Samsung's aggressive launch cycles flood the used market.

But the Galaxy S24 series changed the game with seven years of software updates, matching the iPhone's promise. So does that level the playing field? Not entirely. Resale value is also about brand perception, hardware durability, and the willingness of buyers to pay a premium for a used device.

You can already see this in the alternatives market. The 7 Cheaper Alternatives to iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2026 and 7 Cheaper Alternatives to Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2026 articles on Review Atlas highlight how these flagships trickle down to value hunters. But what about the base models? Let's dive into the numbers.

Core Concepts

Before we compare, you need to understand three terms:

• Depreciation rate: The percentage of original value lost each year.
• Residual value: What your phone is still worth at the end of your ownership period.
• Total cost of ownership (TCO): The initial price minus resale value, plus any costs like insurance or storage upgrades.

How We Calculate TCO

For this analysis, we assume you buy the phone outright at launch, use it for 2-3 years, and then sell it on the used market or trade it in. We're not factoring in carrier subsidies or promotions, because those vary wildly. We're interested in the baseline.

The formula is simple: TCO = Purchase Price - Resale Value (after 2 or 3 years). Higher resale value = lower TCO, even if the sticker price is higher.

In-Depth Analysis

The Initial Price Difference

At launch, the iPhone 15 Pro started at $999 for 128GB. The Galaxy S24 came in at $799 for the same storage. That's a $200 gap upfront. On paper, the S24 looks like the better deal. But if the iPhone holds its value better, that gap starts to shrink.

Here's what historical data and current trends suggest:

• After 2 years: An iPhone 15 Pro in good condition typically retains 55-60% of its original value. The Galaxy S24 might retain 40-45%.
• After 3 years: The iPhone drops to around 45-50%, while the Samsung sits at 30-35%.

These aren't exact numbers—they come from tracking resale platforms like Swappa and eBay—but they paint a consistent picture. iPhones simply have a stronger secondhand market.

Why iPhones Depreciate Slower

• Demand: There's a massive market for used iPhones, especially in emerging economies. The same isn't true for Galaxy flagships.
• Long-term support: Apple's track record of updating older devices means a 3-year-old iPhone still gets the latest iOS. Samsung's seven-year promise is new, and we haven't seen it play out yet.
• Build quality: Stainless steel frame, ceramic shield glass, and a better IP rating (both have IP68, but let's be honest—iPhones feel more premium).

Why the Galaxy S24 Isn't a Laggard

The Galaxy S24 has its advantages. It's cheaper upfront, has a brighter display, and the camera zoom is more flexible. But when we talk about value, depreciation eats away at those benefits. After two years, your $799 S24 might be worth $320, while a $999 iPhone 15 Pro is worth $560. That makes the actual cost of ownership $639 for the Samsung and $439 for the Apple. Yes, you read that right—the iPhone is $200 cheaper to own over two years, despite costing $200 more upfront.

Trade-In and Resale Considerations

If you're planning to trade in with the same manufacturer, Apple's program typically offers higher residual values for older iPhones. Samsung's trade-in deals are often tied to pre-order promotions, but those require giving up your phone immediately. If you sell privately, the iPhone wins again.

Longevity: Hardware vs. Software

Software support matters for how long the device stays usable, but it doesn't directly translate to resale value. A phone that runs the latest OS is worth more, and both phones are now promised updates until 2030 (iPhone) and 2029 (Samsung). However, real-world performance degrades differently. Apple's A17 Pro chip still outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in many benchmarks, meaning a 3-year-old iPhone 15 Pro will likely feel snappier than a 3-year-old S24.

Practical Applications

So what does this mean for your buying decision? Let's get practical.

If You Flip Phones Every 2 Years

The iPhone 15 Pro is the smarter move. You'll lose less money overall, and the used market is forgiving. Buy it new, resell in 24 months, and you'll likely recoup enough to fund a significant portion of your next upgrade.

If You Keep Your Phone for 3+ Years

The gap narrows. After 36 months, both phones have lost over half their value. The S24 might still offer better raw features for the price if you don't care about resale. But if you think you might want to sell it after 3 years, the iPhone still edges out.

Cash-Strapped Buyers

If you're on a budget, the Galaxy S24's lower launch price is tempting. But consider the cheaper alternatives we've covered. The 7 Cheaper Alternatives to iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2026 includes the iPhone 15 Pro itself if you don't need the Max, and the 7 Cheaper Alternatives to Galaxy S24 Ultra in 2026 values refurbished options for a reason.

Resale Presentation Matters

Whether you own an iPhone 15 Pro or a Galaxy S24, keeping the box, charger, and battery health above 80% will boost resale value. If you're planning to sell, skip the case scratches and invest in a screen protector—cosmetic condition is the #1 factor in used pricing.

Trade-In Deals: Use Them Wisely

Don't assume trade-in offers from carriers are fair. In 2025, we saw trade-in promotions that inflated the value of both phones well beyond market rates, especially for 'premium' lines. If that's on the table, take it. Otherwise, you're usually better off selling privately.

Our Recommendations

Based on this analysis, here's our clear take:

Buy the iPhone 15 Pro if:

• You plan to upgrade within 2 years and want to minimize losses.
• You value a longer supported lifespan and smoother long-term performance.
• You're willing to pay a higher upfront cost for better resale.

Pick the Galaxy S24 if:

• You're strictly focused on initial price and won't resell it later.
• You prefer Android's flexibility and Samsung's finer camera zoom.
• You're keeping the phone until the battery swells and extends a trade-in offer.

But remember, these are the two mainstream flagships. If you want to spend even less, check our curated lists of alternatives—they'll show you that last year's flagship often offers 90% of the performance for half the cost.

Bottom Line

The iPhone 15 Pro holds its value longer than the Galaxy S24—and in most scenarios, it's actually cheaper to own. Over a 2-year period, you could save $200 or more by choosing the iPhone, despite paying more upfront. The Galaxy S24 is a great phone, but the secondhand market simply doesn't reward it the same way. If resale value matters to you, the iPhone 15 Pro is the wiser investment. If you plan to run a phone into the ground and don't care about resale, the Galaxy S24 is a worthy and more affordable companion.

No matter which you choose, understand that all smartphones are depreciating assets. The key is to minimize the loss while getting the features you love. And if you're flexible, the alternatives we've linked might give you even more bang for your buck—just remember that their future resale value will be even steeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the trade-in value of the iPhone 15 Pro vs Galaxy S24?

Trade-in values vary by carrier and condition. Typically, an iPhone 15 Pro fetches $400-$600 in trade-in after two years, while a Galaxy S24 gets $250-$350. However, selling privately on Swappa or eBay often yields $100-$150 more than trade-in for both models. Always check current offers before deciding.

How can I increase the resale value of my Galaxy S24?

To maximize resale value, keep your Galaxy S24 in mint condition with the original box, charger, and cable. Remove any screen protector and clean the device. Unlock it if possible, and sell it quickly after a Samsung launch event. Platforms like Swappa or eBay provide higher payouts than trade-in programs.

Why does the iPhone 15 Pro hold its value better than the Galaxy S24?

The iPhone's higher resale value stems from stronger global demand, better build quality, and Apple's long software support. Even with Samsung offering seven years of updates, the S24 faces heavy carrier discounts and a crowded Android used market, which drives prices down faster. iPhones also have a robust ecosystem that keeps older models desirable.

Who should buy the Galaxy S24 instead of the iPhone 15 Pro?

The Galaxy S24 is a better choice for buyers who want a lower upfront cost, a brighter display, or a more versatile zoom camera. It also suits those who plan to keep the phone for 4+ years, since resale value matters less over a longer period. If you don't upgrade frequently, the S24's $200 savings can outweigh its faster depreciation.