Best-Selling Used Phones of 2026 Ranked by Sales Volume
The following table ranks the top-selling used smartphones as of February 2026 based on market data from the Swappa marketplace. Apple devices heavily dominate the list, occupying 18 of the top 20 positions, with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 serving as the primary volume drivers for the secondary market.
| Rank | Device Model | Average Price | Key Selling Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iPhone 14 | $329 | The current market leader offering the most stable balance of 5G performance and price for budget buyers. |
| 2 | Apple iPhone 13 | $295 | Remains a dominant best-seller and serves as the entry-level baseline for modern iOS support. |
| 3 | Apple iPhone 15 | $455 | High demand driven by the shift to USB-C charging and Dynamic Island availability on the standard model. |
| 4 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | $563 | A practical choice for buyers needing AI capabilities via 8GB RAM and a titanium build at a reduced cost. |
| 5 | Apple iPhone 12 | $225 | The absolute budget floor for 5G connectivity and MagSafe accessory compatibility. |
| 6 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | $474 | Offers the Dynamic Island design and a 48MP camera at a price point under $500. |
| 7 | iPhone SE (3rd Gen 2022) | $149 | The preferred budget option for users requiring Touch ID and an inexpensive entry into the Apple ecosystem. |
| 8 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | $530 | High demand for users seeking maximum screen size and battery life without the premium cost of USB-C models. |
| 9 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | $650 | Widely considered the best value premium iPhone in 2026 featuring 5x optical zoom and USB-C. |
| 10 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | $734 | High trade-in volume from early adopters upgrading to the iPhone 17; supports Apple Intelligence. |
| 11 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | $833 | A premium option for buyers wanting the A18 Pro chip and 5G-Advanced compatibility at a discount. |
| 12 | Apple iPhone 16 | $608 | Popular for its Camera Control button and support for Apple Intelligence features. |
| 13 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | $475 | Retains significant value due to exceptional battery life and large display size. |
| 14 | Apple iPhone 11 | $191 | A legacy budget option that is increasingly considered obsolete due to its lack of 5G support. |
| 15 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | $401 | Offers a 120Hz ProMotion display at a mid-range price point. |
| 16 | Samsung Galaxy S22 | $182 | The highest-ranking Android device valued for its extremely low price point for flagship hardware. |
| 17 | Apple iPhone 13 Mini | $274 | Maintains niche popularity as the last premium compact iPhone produced by Apple. |
| 18 | Samsung Galaxy S23 | $273 | A balanced Android option with continued software support and excellent battery efficiency. |
| 19 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | $482 | Offers excellent battery life and a large USB-C display for under $500. |
| 20 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | $837 | A very recent flagship appearing in the used market offering the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 7 years of support. |
2026 Used Market Trends and Analysis
The AI-Ready Divide The used market is currently splitting between legacy devices and AI-Ready phones. Models like the iPhone 15 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro are seeing increased demand because they possess the minimum RAM (8GB+ for iPhone, 12GB+ for Android) and NPU throughput required to run local, private AI models. Older devices lacking these specifications must offload these tasks to the cloud, making them less desirable for power users.
Android Market Value While iPhones dominate sales volume, Samsung provides high-performance alternatives at competitive prices. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is favored for its 10x optical zoom, a feature some users prefer over the 5x zoom found in newer models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is depreciating rapidly, which offers a unique opportunity for buyers to acquire the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor without paying full retail prices.
Connectivity Standards Buyers in 2026 are increasingly prioritizing advanced connectivity. Devices starting from the iPhone 16 series and Samsung Galaxy S24 series support 5G-Advanced (Release 18) and satellite messaging features. These capabilities allow for better connection stability and emergency communication, features that older models like the iPhone 12 or 13 lack.
Repairability and Longevity The Google Pixel 10 series is emerging as a strong recommendation for long-term ownership due to its improved repairability score. Its design allows for easier battery replacements, a critical factor for maintaining the lifespan of used phones. Additionally, flagship devices from Samsung and Google released in 2024 and later now come with seven-year software support commitments, significantly extending their useful life compared to older models.