Do you know someone who still has an iPhone 7? What about an iPhone 6, or maybe even a 5s? Chances are that, even though these iPhones came out between four to seven years ago, someone you know still owns and uses one. If that someone you know is you, you’re not alone. In fact, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s still remain the most-used iPhone models around the world. Why, when so many people scramble to upgrade to the newest iPhone each year, do you think that is? Well, in addition to its status-symbol status, you can’t argue with Apple’s quality.
For over a decade, Apple has been creating iPhones that push the envelope on what smartphones can be with their next-level technologies, superior materials, and sleek design. And, thanks to having continued access to iOS updates for even older iPhone models, Apple fanatics can continue to use their favorite model far beyond the usual upgrade cycle. As a result, iPhone owners have access to another added benefit: above-average resale values when compared to Androids. So, although brands like Google and Huawei depreciate roughly 67% and 74%, respectively over a yearlong span, iPhones hold on to a respectable 43% depreciation rate annually. Talk about making a dent in your upgrade costs!
Fortunately for those wondering what their old iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, or 6s Plus is worth, these five- and six-years-old phones are still holding on to a bit of value. So, just how much is an iPhone 6 worth? Keep reading to find out.
Contents
How Much Is an iPhone 6 or 6s Worth?
Shop Around for the Best Offer
iPhone 6/6s Resale Value Comparison Chart
Lock in High Resale Values Now
How Much Is an iPhone 6 Worth?
Launched September 2014 and 2015, respectively, the iPhone 6 and 6s are virtually indistinguishable at first glance. Beneath the matching exteriors, however, the s-update brought with it features like 3D Touch, live photos, and an upgraded processor and camera, making the iPhone 6s a popular choice still today.
Originally priced at $649 for the iPhone 6 and 6s and $749 for the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus, the since-discontinued series can still be purchased from third-party retailers for between $100 and $450 (either new or refurbished), a great budget choice for iPhone fans.
Of course, with the launch of the iPhone 12, you might be thinking that it’s finally time for an upgrade and wondering what (if anything) your old iPhone is worth. Overall, the resale value for your iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus is dependent on the factors below:
| • | Condition – Does your phone have any dents, cracks, or functional damage (say it ain’t so!)? Whatever the issue, it’ll cost you. Even phone screen scratches can lower your buyback quote around 23%. |
| • | Carrier – Is your phone carrier-unlocked or on the Verizon network (all Verizon phones are unlocked two months from purchase automatically)? If so, you’ll get more your iPhone 6 or 6s than your carrier-locked counterparts. |
| • | Payment – Cash is more convenient, but you might get more for your trade-in by opting for store credit. |
| • | Storage size – The more storage space you have, the more money you’ll get. |
With these factors in mind, an iPhone 6 is worth between $8 and $45, an iPhone 6 Plus is worth between $9 and $90, an iPhone 6s is worth between $12 and $77, and an iPhone 6s Plus is worth between $27 and $110. These specific resale values are for 128GB devices on the Verizon network in good condition.
Of course, your own offer will vary based on the specifications of your iPhone. For instance, an iPhone 6 that doesn’t turn on won’t be worth much of anything anywhere. Contrastingly, a never-been-activated iPhone 6s Plus would put $135 in your pocket with GadgetGone.
Shop Around for the Best Offer
When trading in your used iPhone 6 or 6s, the first thing you should do is research resale values from a variety of buyback options. Surprisingly, resale values can range considerably—we’re talking double or more—based on which trade-in program you use. So, although getting $25 in cash from an ecoATM sounds like a nice little bonus, you could get almost four times that by selling your iPhone 6 Plus to GadgetGone. Moreover, while getting $70 in Best Buy store credit for your used iPhone 6s Plus is great, it’s less great if you actually needed that money in cash.
So, whether you’re upgrading or just needing some quick cash in a pinch, it pays to seek a second, third, or even sixth opinion. Look past the usual carrier, Apple Trade In, and big-box store programs to include buyback sites like GadgetGone and other options such as ecoATM, Amazon, and GameStop. Be on the lookout for special promotions and companies that price-match to help maximize your resale value (GadgetGone will up any offer you get from one of our competitors by $5 with our PriceMatch+ guarantee).
With only a little extra effort, we know you’ll find a trade-in option (and payout) that suits your needs.
iPhone 6/6s Resale Value Comparison Chart
To fast-track your research, we gathered up the current resale values from several popular buyback options. Similar to the values above, the below prices are for a 128GB iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, or 6s Plus with Verizon in good condition. As previously mentioned, your own offer will vary according to your iPhone’s specific details.
| iPhone 6 | iPhone 6 Plus | iPhone 6s | iPhone 6s Plus | |
| GadgetGone (cash) | $45 | $90 | $77 | $110 |
| Amazon Trade-In (store credit) | $31 | $40 | $51 | $71 |
| Best Buy Trade-In (store credit) | $30 | $50 | $40 | $70 |
| ecoATM (cash) | $21 | $25 | $25 | $35 |
| GameStop Trade-In (store credit) | $25 | $50 | $55 | $80 |
| Apple Trade In (store credit) | $30 | $45 | $50 | $75 |
| AT&T Trade-In Program (store credit) | $15 | $30 | $35 | $35 |
| T-Mobile Trade-In Program (store credit) | $8 | $9 | $12 | $27 |
| Verizon Device Trade-In Program (store credit) | $12 | $23 | $24 | $34 |
Ready to upgrade? Don’t forget to 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 you trade in.
Lock in High Resale Values Now
While you might be considering waiting for a bit before collecting trade-in quotes, don’t give in to temptation. Due to the volatile resale marketplace, resale values are constantly changing. This, however, is never more true than in the 24 hours following the launch of a new iPhone. During this time, an iPhone’s resale value can drop as much as 30%. This year, depreciation rates are expected to increase even more (possibly as much as 60%) with the release of Apple’s first 5G-enabled smartphone.
Simply put, if you find a quote you like, don’t hesitate to lock it in. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that you can’t keep shopping around for the best offer. Not only are quotes obligation-free, but many buyback options will actually hold your offer for several days (GadgetGone’s price-lock period is 14 days). This allows you to continue collecting quotes—and locking in better resale values—until you find the best offer for you. It’s a win-win!
As noted previously, there’s one final thing that can make or break the resale value of your iPhone 6 or 6s: its condition. After your phone is received by your chosen buyback company, its cosmetic and functional condition will be appraised both by hand and with software. If its assessed condition is inconsistent with what was given during the initial quote, your offer will be adjusted to match. As this change in resale value can cause some frustration, we cannot state enough how important it is to be as honest and accurate as possible about your iPhone’s condition when getting your initial offer.
What if you’re unhappy with your adjusted quote and would rather not proceed with the trade-in? Not a problem! Many buyback options (GadgetGone included) are more than happy to send your device back to you for free (or a small shipping fee) if you change your mind. Many, but not all. Some companies (not to name names, but… Verizon) refuse to give your phone back once you’ve sent it in.
In other words, do your research.
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