The numbers tell an interesting story here, and it's not what you might expect. The iPhone 13, 14, and 15 series are the workhorses of the pre-owned market right now. Together, they account for a large share of trade volume on major secondary marketplaces. But they're not equal — each has distinct characteristics that affect your bottom line.
Depreciation Comparison
Based on BankMyCell tracking data, here's how the three generations compare in terms of current pre-owned market value:
| Model | Launch Price | Current Pre-owned Avg | Depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | $799 | $280-340 | ~58% |
| iPhone 14 | $799 | $380-440 | ~47% |
| iPhone 15 | $799 | $480-560 | ~35% |
The depreciation curve flattens significantly for the 15 series, largely due to the USB-C transition making it feel more "current" to consumers.
Demand by Region
Demand patterns vary dramatically across regions. In Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand), the iPhone 13 is a leading seller due to its competitive price point and proven reliability. In Europe, the iPhone 14 Pro models move fastest, driven by the Dynamic Island feature and camera upgrades. US buyers gravitate toward the iPhone 15, particularly for its USB-C compatibility.
What I've noticed in the field: the iPhone 13 has become the "default" pre-owned device for budget-conscious markets. It hits a sweet spot where it's still powerful enough for most users but cheap enough to offer compelling margins.
In my experience, Customs indicators in several Southeast Asian markets reflect strong and growing demand for pre-owned smartphones.
Feature Differences That Matter for Resale
iPhone 13: A15 Bionic chip, Lightning port, traditional notch. Still receives iOS updates and will for at least 2-3 more years. This is the value play.
iPhone 14: Same A15 chip (with an extra GPU core), new safety features (crash detection, emergency SOS), improved cameras. The marginal upgrade means it's often a harder sell at the premium — buyers don't perceive enough difference from the 13.
iPhone 15: A16 Bionic, USB-C, Dynamic Island across all models (not just Pro), 48MP main camera. This is where consumers feel a tangible difference, which supports the stronger resale value.
Margin Analysis for B2B Buyers
Here's where it gets practical. Typical wholesale-to-retail margins by model:
- iPhone 13: 18-25% margin (high volume, lower per-unit profit)
- iPhone 14: 15-20% margin (moderate volume, squeezed by 13's value proposition)
- iPhone 15: 12-18% margin (lower volume, but stronger per-unit dollar profit)
For most distributors, a mixed portfolio works well: 50% iPhone 13 for volume, 30% iPhone 14 for balance, 20% iPhone 15 for margin.
Recommendation by Buyer Type
If you're selling in price-sensitive markets (Southeast Asia, Africa, parts of Latin America): lean heavily on iPhone 13. The value proposition is highly competitive, and the supply is abundant.
If you're targeting premium markets (Western Europe, US, Middle East): the iPhone 15 commands better prices and customer satisfaction. The USB-C transition is a genuine selling point that consumers respond to.
The iPhone 14 sits in an awkward middle ground. It's not different enough from the 13 to command a premium, and not current enough to compete with the 15. Consider it a fill-in model rather than a primary focus.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 13 offers a strong volume-to-margin ratio for price-sensitive markets
- iPhone 15 retains value well (35% depreciation) due to USB-C and Dynamic Island
- iPhone 14 occupies an awkward middle ground — stock selectively
- A mixed portfolio (50/30/20 split) balances volume and margin effectively
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhone model retains resale value well?
The iPhone 15 series retains value well, with approximately 35% depreciation from launch price, driven by USB-C adoption and the Dynamic Island design across all models.
Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying for resale?
Yes. The iPhone 13 remains a leading pre-owned model in price-sensitive markets, offering 18-25% margins with abundant supply and continued iOS support.
Bottom line: the data is clear. The pre-owned device market is maturing, and the players who invest in quality and transparency will win long-term.
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