Owners of the latest foldable Android smartphones are being issued a stark financial warning, as new research indicates these innovative devices are suffering from dramatically faster depreciation than their traditional counterparts.
The Shocking Depreciation Data
According to a comprehensive study from trade-in specialist SellCell, foldable phones can lose their resale value by as much as 15.4 percent more during the initial six months following their release compared to standard flagship smartphones.
The data reveals that on average, foldable devices experience a value loss of approximately 62.3% within just six months. This contrasts sharply with traditional flagships, which depreciate by an average of 49.8% over the same period, highlighting a significant 12.5% difference in short-term value retention.
The long-term outlook appears even more concerning. After 18 months of ownership, foldables have typically lost 71.1% of their original value, while non-foldable smartphones show depreciation of around 60.7%. This indicates foldables lose approximately 10.4% more value over the longer term.
Which Manufacturers Are Most Affected?
Despite Samsung's dominant position in the foldable market, the South Korean tech giant may face the most substantial price declines. SellCell's analysis suggests that Samsung's foldable devices experienced the steepest value drop at 63.7% within the first six months.
This represents a much sharper decline compared to Samsung's standard Galaxy S series, which depreciated by 48.3% over the same timeframe. The findings come as foldable technology continues to generate excitement, with recent impressive releases from Honor, Samsung, and Google improving design, usability, and durability.
Why Are Foldables Losing Value So Quickly?
SellCell identifies several key factors driving the accelerated depreciation of foldable smartphones. Primarily, these devices remain relatively new to the market compared to established traditional smartphones, making both resellers and potential buyers view them as intriguing yet unproven technology.
Repair costs present another significant concern. Replacing or repairing foldable screens proves substantially more expensive than dealing with standard displays, making second-hand models less attractive for trade-ins or resale.
Additionally, traditional smartphones are currently perceived as more reliable, easier to refurbish, and represent a lower risk for consumers, particularly when purchasing pre-owned devices. They also benefit from more predictable resale values and enjoy well-established market demand.
While foldable technology from companies like Samsung—which recently showcased a revolutionary tri-fold device—and potentially Apple, with rumours of a folding iPhone launching next year, represents the future of mobile technology, these devices remain firmly in the early-adopter phase when it comes to value retention.
For consumers considering investing in these cutting-edge devices, the message is clear: while foldables offer exciting technological advancements, they may not hold their value nearly as well as traditional smartphones when the time comes to upgrade or sell.
