Is It Worth Selling an Old iPhone 11, 12? (Yes — Here's Why)

Yes. Full stop.

If you have an iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max sitting in a drawer, nightstand, or junk bin somewhere in your house, it is still worth real money. Not a trivial amount — we're talking $75-250 depending on the model and condition.

We understand the doubt. Your phone is 4-6 years old. It doesn't have the latest camera. The battery probably isn't what it used to be. Maybe the screen has a scratch or two. You've already upgraded, and the old phone has been collecting dust for months. It feels like it should be worthless.

But the used electronics market doesn't work that way. Your old iPhone has value to budget-conscious buyers who can't afford or don't want to spend $1,000+ on a new phone. It has value to the international resale market, where iPhones are priced much higher. It has value to repair shops that need genuine Apple components. And it has value to refurbishment companies like GadgetRenu that can restore it and give it a second life.

The catch is that your phone's value is declining. Not dramatically — older phones depreciate more slowly than new ones — but it drops a few dollars every month. The iPhone 12 Pro Max that's worth $251 today might be worth $230 in three months and $210 in six months. Every month you leave it in that drawer, you're losing money.

This guide covers exactly what your older iPhone is worth right now, why it still has value, and why acting sooner rather than later is always the better financial decision. If you want an instant quote on your specific model and condition, you can get your price on GadgetRenu's iPhone page right now.

Here are real cash buyback prices from GadgetRenu for older iPhones in excellent condition (unlocked), updated for April 2026:

iPhone 12 Series

iPhone 11 Series

These aren't theoretical numbers or wishful thinking. These are real offers from GadgetRenu — cash paid via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or check within 3-5 business days of receiving your device.

Let that sink in: your "old" iPhone 12 Pro Max could put $251 in your pocket. That's a nice dinner for two, half a month's car payment, a solid contribution to your new phone fund, or just money in your savings account.

Even the "least valuable" phone on this list — the iPhone 12 Mini 64GB at $100 — is $100 more than you're getting by leaving it in a drawer. That's a free $100 bill that's slowly disintegrating as you wait.

Prices vary based on condition, carrier lock status, and storage. But even a phone in "Good" condition (minor scratches, normal wear) is typically worth 75-85% of the excellent-condition price. A phone in "Fair" condition (heavier wear, maybe a small crack) is still worth 50-65%.

To find out exactly what your specific iPhone is worth, visit GadgetRenu's iPhone page and select your model, storage, and condition.

It seems counterintuitive that a 4-6 year old phone still commands $100-250. Here's why the economics work:

1. Budget Buyers in the U.S.

Not everyone wants — or can afford — the latest $1,200 iPhone. According to Pew Research, roughly 15% of American adults have household incomes under $30,000. For these consumers, a refurbished iPhone 12 at $200-250 is an excellent smartphone at a fraction of the new phone price. These phones still receive iOS updates (iOS 18 supports iPhone 12 and later), have capable cameras, and run all modern apps.

2. International Resale Markets

In many countries — particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America — new iPhones cost significantly more than in the U.S. due to import taxes and currency differences. A new iPhone 17 might cost the equivalent of $1,500-2,000 in some markets. Used American iPhones, even older models, are in high demand because they offer the Apple experience at accessible prices. GadgetRenu and other refurbishment companies serve as a pipeline, taking in used U.S. phones and channeling them to these markets.

3. The Repair and Parts Market

Even an iPhone that's cracked, water-damaged, or won't turn on has value. Inside every iPhone are components worth money:

• Display assembly: $40-80 for genuine Apple displays, used in screen repairs
• Logic board: $30-60 if functional, used for board-level repairs
• Camera modules: $15-30 each, especially the telephoto and LiDAR sensors in Pro models
• Battery: $10-15 for replacement batteries
• Housing and frame: $10-20 for cosmetic repairs

This is why buyback companies like GadgetRenu accept phones in all conditions, including broken ones. They have the expertise to assess component value and the R2-certified processes to responsibly handle devices that can't be refurbished whole.

4. Apple's Ecosystem Lock-in

Once someone is in the Apple ecosystem — using iCloud, iMessage, AirDrop, Apple Watch, AirPods — they're unlikely to switch to Android. This creates persistent demand for affordable iPhones specifically (not just affordable smartphones in general). A budget buyer with an Apple Watch won't buy a $200 Samsung — they need an iPhone, even if it's an older model.

Here's a concept that changes how you should think about your old phone: the depreciation floor.

New phones lose value quickly — 15-25% in the first three months, another 15-20% over the next nine months. But as phones age, the rate of depreciation slows dramatically. By the time a phone is 3-4 years old, it's losing only $3-8 per month in value.

This creates a psychological trap. Because the monthly decline is small, it feels like there's no urgency. "My iPhone 12 was worth $160 last month and $155 this month — what's $5?" But those small monthly losses compound:

• $5/month for 12 months = $60 lost
• $5/month for 24 months = $120 lost
• $5/month for 36 months = $180 lost (and now your phone might be worth $0)

The depreciation floor means your phone won't become worthless overnight, but it also means the value is slowly leaking away. And unlike a new phone — where waiting might mean a better trade-in deal or a new model launch — there's no upside to waiting with an old phone. Nothing is going to make your iPhone 12 worth MORE in the future. The trajectory only goes one direction.

When Does an iPhone Become Truly Worthless?

There are two events that can push an older iPhone's value to near-zero:

1. Loss of iOS support: When Apple stops releasing iOS updates for a model, its resale value drops sharply. Once a phone can't run the latest iOS, app compatibility starts breaking within 1-2 years, and the device becomes much less useful. iPhone 11 is likely in its last year of iOS support.

2. Network shutdowns: When carriers retire older network technologies, phones that don't support newer standards become unusable. This is less of an issue for iPhone 11 and 12 (both support 5G — well, iPhone 12 does; iPhone 11 is 4G LTE only), but it's a factor for even older models.

The bottom line: your iPhone 11 or 12 is worth selling right now. Not next month, not "when you get around to it," not when you clean out the closet over the holidays. Today. Because the phone sitting in your drawer is a slowly depreciating asset, and every day it sits there is money you're choosing not to collect.

There's an emotional dimension to this decision that goes beyond pure economics. People hold onto old phones for reasons that feel rational but aren't:

"I might need it as a backup"

This is the most common justification. And it's true that having a backup phone can be useful if your primary phone breaks or gets lost. But here's the math: how often has that actually happened to you? For most people, the answer is never or once in five years. You're holding onto a $150-250 asset "just in case" against an event that has maybe a 5% annual probability and could be solved with a $50 temporary phone from Walmart if it ever happened.

Expected value of keeping as backup: $7.50-12.50/year (5% chance of needing it x $150-250 value if you do) Expected value of selling now: $150-250 immediately

The math doesn't support the backup argument.

"It has sentimental value"

Your photos and messages live in iCloud or Google Photos, not on the physical device. The hardware is a consumer electronics product, not a keepsake. If you truly want to preserve memories associated with the phone, take a photo of it and sell it. The memories are yours regardless of who owns the hardware.

"I'll get around to it eventually"

This is procrastination, and it has a quantifiable cost. If your iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth $251 today and you wait six months, it might be worth $220. That's $31 you paid for the privilege of procrastinating. Would you pay someone $31 to delay doing a 10-minute task? Because that's effectively what you're doing.

"It's not worth the hassle"

With a modern buyback service, the "hassle" is about 5 minutes of active time. Go to GadgetRenu's website, select your model and condition, get an instant quote, accept it, and they send you a free shipping label. Pack the phone in any box, drop it at USPS, and get paid in 3-5 days. There's no eBay listing to create, no buyer messages to answer, no fraud risk to worry about.

If you have any old phone — even one you think might be too old or too damaged to sell — check what it's worth. The result might surprise you. GadgetRenu accepts iPhones in all conditions and ships from anywhere in the U.S. with their free insured USPS labels.

And for the curious: the average American household has 2.3 unused electronics sitting in drawers. If each is worth $100-200, that's $230-460 in cash waiting to be collected. Read more in our guide: Your Old Devices Are Worth More Than You Think

If you've decided to finally convert that drawer phone into cash, here's exactly how:

Step 1: Find Your Old iPhone and Check the Model

Not sure which iPhone model you have? Go to Settings > General > About and look for the "Model Name" field. If the phone is already reset or won't turn on, you can identify the model by the physical design:

• iPhone 11: 6.1" screen, dual rear cameras in a square arrangement, available in six colors including green and purple
• iPhone 11 Pro / Pro Max: Triple rear cameras, matte back glass, available in midnight green, space gray, silver, gold
• iPhone 12 Mini: 5.4" screen, flat edges (first iPhone with flat edges since iPhone 5S), MagSafe circle on back
• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro: 6.1" screen, flat edges, MagSafe. Pro has stainless steel frame; standard 12 has aluminum
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7" screen, flat edges, stainless steel frame, triple cameras with larger sensor

Step 2: Get Your Instant Quote (1 minute)

Visit GadgetRenu's iPhone page and select:

• Your iPhone model
• Storage capacity (check Settings > General > About > Total Capacity if you're not sure)
• Carrier status (locked to AT&T/Verizon/T-Mobile/other, or unlocked)
• Condition (be honest — see the grading descriptions on the site)

Your cash offer appears instantly. No email required, no account needed.

Step 3: Accept Your Quote

If the offer works for you, accept it. GadgetRenu locks your price for 14 days and emails you a free prepaid USPS shipping label with insurance.

Step 4: Prepare Your iPhone (10-15 minutes)

If the phone is functional:

1. Back up any remaining data to iCloud (if you haven't already)
2. Sign out of iCloud: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. This disables Find My iPhone.
3. Erase all content: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
4. Remove your SIM card

If the phone won't turn on or is already reset, that's fine — GadgetRenu accepts phones in any state.

Step 5: Ship for Free (5 minutes)

Pack the phone in any box with some padding. Attach the prepaid USPS label. Drop it off at any USPS location or schedule a free pickup. The shipment is insured.

Step 6: Get Paid (3-5 business days after receipt)

GadgetRenu inspects your phone at their R2-certified facility in Wallington, New Jersey, and processes payment via your choice of PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or mailed check.

Total active time: about 15-20 minutes. Total cash received: $95-251 depending on your model. That's a pretty good hourly rate for cleaning out a drawer.

A common reason people don't sell their old phones is because they assume the issues make it unsellable. Let's address the most common scenarios:

Cracked Screen

A cracked screen reduces value by 40-50% but doesn't make the phone worthless. An iPhone 12 Pro Max with a cracked screen is still worth roughly $125-150. The display can be replaced during refurbishment, and the rest of the phone's components retain their full value. GadgetRenu accepts phones with cracked screens.

Bad Battery (Below 80%)

A degraded battery reduces value by $20-40 for these older models. Battery replacement is one of the most common refurbishment steps, so companies like GadgetRenu factor this in rather than rejecting the phone. A phone with 72% battery health is still very much sellable.

Carrier Locked

A carrier-locked phone is worth 5-15% less than unlocked, but it's still sellable. If the phone is paid off, consider unlocking it first (free through your carrier) to maximize value. If it's locked and you can't unlock it, sell it anyway — the value is still significant.

Cosmetic Wear (Scratches, Scuffs, Dents)

Normal wear and tear reduces the value but doesn't eliminate it. A phone graded "Good" instead of "Excellent" loses about 15-20% of value. A phone graded "Fair" loses about 30-40%. Even a phone in "Poor" cosmetic condition has parts value.

Water Damage

Water damage is the most significant issue, potentially reducing value by 50-70%. However, water-damaged phones still have value for their non-affected components. GadgetRenu will assess and quote water-damaged phones honestly.

Won't Turn On / Dead

Even a completely non-functional iPhone has value. The logic board, cameras, display (if uncracked), and other components can be harvested for repairs. Expect roughly 30-50% of the functional phone's value, depending on the issue.

The takeaway: no matter what condition your old iPhone is in, it's almost certainly worth more than $0. Get a quote and find out. GadgetRenu's nationwide free shipping means it costs you nothing to find out what your phone is worth. For more on selling iPhones in various conditions, see How Much Is My iPhone Worth?

Is it worth selling an iPhone 11 in 2026?

Yes. An iPhone 11 in excellent condition is worth approximately $95-185 at GadgetRenu depending on the model and storage. Even in fair condition, you're looking at $50-110. The iPhone 11 still runs modern apps and is in demand from budget buyers and international markets. Waiting only decreases the value — especially as iOS support for the iPhone 11 nears its end.

How much is an iPhone 12 worth in 2026?

An iPhone 12 128GB in excellent, unlocked condition is worth up to $147 at GadgetRenu as of April 2026. The iPhone 12 Pro 256GB fetches up to $207, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB up to $251. These are cash offers paid via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or check within 3-5 business days.

Can I sell an iPhone with a cracked screen or battery issues?

Absolutely. GadgetRenu accepts iPhones in all conditions, including cracked screens, degraded batteries, cosmetic damage, and even non-functional devices. A cracked screen reduces value by roughly 40-50%, and battery issues reduce it by $20-40, but the phone is still worth real money. Even a completely non-functional iPhone has parts value.

Why is my old iPhone worth more than I expected?

Older iPhones retain value because of strong demand from multiple buyer segments: U.S. budget buyers, international markets (where new iPhones cost 30-50% more), and the repair/parts industry. Apple's brand premium and ecosystem lock-in (iMessage, iCloud, Apple Watch compatibility) create persistent demand for even older iPhone models. Additionally, iPhones receive software updates for 6-7 years, keeping them relevant longer than most Android phones.

Should I sell my old iPhone now or wait?

Sell now. Older iPhones lose approximately $3-8 per month in value, and nothing will make your phone worth more in the future. The iPhone 11 is approaching the end of its iOS support window, which will cause a sharper value decline when Apple drops it from the next major update. The iPhone 12 has more runway but is still depreciating. Every month you wait is money lost. Get your instant quote from GadgetRenu and convert that drawer phone into cash today.