Although Apple makes some of the most expensive smartphones, these devices also depreciate in value far less than their rivals.

In other words, iPhones cost more to buy but much less to use.

iPhone X vs. Samsung Galaxy S9 resale values

Consider two signature phones from last year. The iPhone X debuted costing $999, but was still worth $690 nine months later, according to device reseller BankMyCell. That’s a drop of just 30.93 percent.

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 cost $720 but was worth just $290 nine months later. That’s a steep drop of 59.72 percent.

Even worse, BankMyCell says the S9 lost 41.66 percent of its value in the first month, which is 10.73 percent more than the iPhone X did in nine months.

iPhones always hold their value

The disparity in depreciation amount between Apple and Samsung models has been going on for years. Previous studies have shown that iPhones hold their value batter than any of their rivals.

Consider it this way: buying a Galaxy S9 instead of an iPhone X would have saved you $279. But 9 months later, if you’d resold the X you’d have $400 more than if you’d resold an S9. In other words, the iPhone is a much better value.

Hey, got an old iPhone to sell? Consider the Cult of Mac buyback program. We offer top dollar on pre-loved phones, tablets and more.