Apple has a reputation for making high quality products that stand the test of time; that includes budget-centric models like the iPhone SE.
That quality drives demand for older models and is the primary driver behind the iPhone’s consistently high resale values. While you won’t get back the full value on what you paid at your local Verizon outlet for an iPhone model, you can certainly plan on making a bigger dent towards an upgrade than any Android user out there
That said, just like purchasing a car and driving it off the lot, taking a new smartphone out of the box causes its trade-in value to plummet. iPhones are no exception to this. They typically lose roughly 43% of their value in the initial half-year. Android phones, however, don’t come anywhere close to that, with brands like LG and Huawei depreciating a much more drastic 56% and 74% on average annually, respectively. So, for folks looking to maximize their trade-in value when upgrading, there’s no better smartphone option than iPhone.
With the launch of the iPhone 15 series you may make feel compelled to upgrade to their premium features. Fortunately, the 2nd & 3rd generation iPhone SE still have a great trade-in value.
So, just how much can you expect to get for your iPhone SE2 or iPhone SE3? We’ve got the details below!
Contents
How Much Is an iPhone SE Worth?
Seek a Second (and Third and Fourth and…) Opinion
iPhone SE Resale Value Comparison Chart
The Only Constant: Changing iPhone Resale Values
How Much Is an iPhone SE Worth?
Initially launched in 2016 and making its return in 2020 & 2022, the iPhone SE has everything Apple fans have come to know and love, tucked into a smaller frame and a much friendlier price point than its iPhone counterparts. Newer models started out at just $429, making the iPhone SE the perfect choice for anyone looking for Apple’s renowned quality for a much more affordable price.
Now that there are newer models on the market, however, you might be curious about how much your used iPhone SE worth could be. Aside from which version you have, your 2nd- or 3rd-generation iPhone SE’s resale value depends on a number of things, including:
| • | Condition – Cosmetic issues such as cracks will cost you (scratches could lower your trade-in by an average of 23%), as will any sort of functional damage. |
| • | Carrier – If your iPhone SE is locked to a specific network (Verizon being the exception, since all Verizon phones are unlocked automatically 60 days after purchase), your resale value might drop anywhere between 24-51%, based on which carrier you have. |
| • | Payment – Choosing store credit over cash will earn you more money, though you’re limited on how to spend it. |
| • | Storage size – More GBs equals a bigger payout. |
All things considered, a used 3rd-generation (2022) iPhone SE with 256GB in good condition on the Verizon network is worth between $49 and $162. Meanwhile, the resale value for a 2nd-generation (2022) iPhone SE with 256GB falls between $30 and $98. This, of course, depends on where you choose to trade in your device. If you are looking to trade-in a 1st generation iPhone SE from 2016 we’ve got bad news; they are worth very little on the second-hand market and most trade-in options no longer accept the model.
Remember that your offer can vary considerably depending on the condition of your phone. For example, an iPhone SE that won’t turn on likely won’t be worth anything, while a never-been-activated, 3rd-generation iPhone SE will get you a full $245 at GadgetGone.
Shop Around To See Who Offers the Best iPhone Value
As you probably noticed from the price ranges above, where you wind up trading in your used 1st or 2nd-generation iPhone SE can make a huge difference in your buyback payout. While getting $40 in cash straight away from an ecoATM might sound great at first, you might realize that, had you waited a few days, you could get more than twice that amount in cash with GadgetGone. Similarly, while $33 in account credit from your wireless carrier might sound like a sweet deal, what if you need cash instead?
So, whether you need to make some extra cash or want to trade in, the best thing you can do is investigate iPhone resale values across a range of retailers. Keep your options open – this could include buyback sites, big-box retailers, your carrier, Apple Trade In, and maybe even a wildcard like GameStop, Amazon, or ecoATM. Be on the lookout for any special promotions to help maximize your trade-in. Some buyback companies (like GadgetGone) will even allow you to price match if you find a better deal with a competitor.
By putting in a little extra work up front, you can make sure you’re getting the most money possible for your used iPhone.
iPhone SE Resale Value Comparison Chart
To give you a jump on the process, we looked up the current resale values at some popular buyback options. Keep in mind that the offers below are for a 2nd-generation iPhone SE with 256GB in good condition, or a 3rd-generation iPhone SE with 256GB in good condition on the Verizon network. Your offer will depend on your iPhone’s storage size, condition, and carrier.
| iPhone SE 2022 (3rd Gen.) | iPhone SE 2020 (2nd Gen.) | |
| GadgetGone (cash) | $162 | $98 |
| Amazon Trade-In (store credit) | — | $66 |
| Best Buy Trade-In (store credit) | $110 | $70 |
| ecoATM (cash) | $55 | $40 |
| GameStop Trade-In (store credit) | $102 | $39 |
| Apple Trade In (store credit) | $160 | $90 |
| AT&T Trade-In Program (store credit) | $95 | $35 |
| T-Mobile Trade-In Program (store credit) | $70 | $15 |
| Verizon Device Trade-In Program (store credit) | $95 | $33 |
(As you can see, some programs don’t even accept the original iPhone SE anymore.)
Feeling inspired? Why not check out our reviews of Amazon Trade-In, Best Buy Trade-In, ecoATM, GameStop Trade-In, Apple Trade In, AT&T Trade-In, T-Mobile Trade-In, and Verizon Device Trade-In before selecting a trade-in option?
The Only Constant: Changing iPhone Resale Values
Think the values above look good to you? You may want to jump quick, as values on older models like the iPhone SE won’t last long. In fact, when a new iPhone launches, you can plan on those numbers dropping around 30% in the 24 hours following the announcement. (Not that there’s a new announcement happening right away, but you never know.) Bottom line? You’ll want to act fast.
Thankfully, most buyback companies and trade-in programs lock in your offer, giving you time to weigh your options (here at GadgetGone, we provide a price-lock period for 14 days). Be sure to take advantage of your iPhone SE worth while the price is high!
Speaking of fluctuating trade-in values, it’s important to mention that all the quotes above are subject to change once your device is received and evaluated. You might think that your iPhone SE worth is high, but evaluators may have a different idea. So, don’t be shocked if that $140 you were planning on becomes $100 due to wear and tear.
We admit, the process can be annoying. Unfortunately, what looks gently used to you may actually be the worse for wear in the eyes of an expert. Luckily, most trade-in options will give your old iPhone back – for free, no questions asked – if you don’t like your updated offer. Most, but not all (we’re looking at you, Verizon).
Plus, it’s worth noting that some companies, such as Amazon, outsource their phone inspection to third-parties. We here at GadgetGone handle everything in-house, and with efficiency. Not to mention we provide more options when it comes to how you want your money back, be it cash, direct deposit or an Amazon gift card. Plus we offer the most when it comes what your iPhone SE worth is, compared to what others have on hand – if they provide anything at all.
Do your research, and if you find a good offer, don’t miss out on it!
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