You've got an old iPhone sitting in a drawer — or maybe you're upgrading and want to get some cash for the one in your pocket. The question is: how much is it actually worth?
The answer depends on a few things. Here's a straightforward guide to figuring out what your iPhone is worth and how to get the best price for it.
What determines your iPhone's value
There are five things that matter:
- Model — Newer models are worth more. An iPhone 15 is worth a lot more than an iPhone 11.
- Storage — A 256GB phone is worth more than a 64GB. Higher storage = higher value.
- Condition — Is the screen cracked? Are there scratches? Does everything work? A phone in good condition can be worth 2-3x more than one with damage.
- Carrier lock — Unlocked phones are worth more because they work on any carrier. If your phone is locked to Verizon or AT&T, it's worth a bit less.
- iCloud lock — This is the big one. If Find My iPhone is still turned on and you can't remove it, the phone is worth almost nothing. More on this below.
Rough price ranges (as of April 2026)
These are approximate trade-in values for phones in good, working condition:
| iPhone Model | Good Condition | Cracked/Damaged |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $550 - $700 | $300 - $450 |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Pro | $400 - $600 | $200 - $350 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $450 - $550 | $250 - $350 |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Pro | $300 - $450 | $150 - $250 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $300 - $400 | $150 - $225 |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Pro | $200 - $350 | $100 - $175 |
| iPhone 13 | $150 - $250 | $75 - $125 |
| iPhone 12 | $100 - $175 | $50 - $90 |
| iPhone 11 or older | $50 - $100 | $20 - $50 |
These prices change with the market. For an exact quote, get an instant offer on our site or call us.
Things that kill your phone's value
- iCloud lock (Find My iPhone still on) — If you can't turn off Find My iPhone, we can't resell the phone. It's essentially a paperweight. Always sign out of your Apple ID before selling.
- Water damage — Even if the phone seems to work, water damage indicators inside the phone tell the story. Water-damaged phones are worth significantly less.
- Reported stolen/blacklisted IMEI — If the phone was reported lost or stolen, it can't be activated on any carrier. We check this before buying.
- Non-original screen — If someone replaced the screen with a cheap aftermarket part, it lowers the value. True Tone won't work and the display quality is noticeably worse.
Before you sell: a quick checklist
2. Sign out of your Apple ID (Settings > your name > Sign Out)
3. Erase all content and settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset)
4. Remove your SIM card
Where to sell: your options compared
- BuyCell Cleveland (us) — Same-day cash, no waiting, fair market price. Walk in to our Parma Heights store or mail it in from anywhere in the US.
- Apple Trade-In — Convenient but they typically offer 20-30% less than market value. You get Apple credit, not cash.
- Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist — You might get a higher price, but you deal with no-shows, scams, and meeting strangers.
- Carrier trade-in — Decent value but usually tied to buying a new phone from them on a contract.
Why sell to us?
We're a local phone store, not a faceless online buyback site. You walk in, we look at your phone, and we give you a cash offer on the spot. No mailing your phone off and waiting 2 weeks to find out they're offering you less than they quoted.
If you're not local, we also buy phones by mail. Ship it to us with tracking, and we'll send payment the same day we receive it.
Questions? Call us at (440) 306-3486 or stop by 6571 Pearl Rd in Parma Heights.