How Much Do Electronics Lose in Resale Value Per Month?
Fast Answers
Do all electronics depreciate at the same rate?
No. Phones depreciate fastest immediately after a new model launches; laptops depreciate more gradually and predictably; consoles drop quickly early and then stabilize.
Is there a point where depreciation slows down?
Yes — most devices see the steepest drop in year one, with a much slower decline in years two and three as the device settles into a stable used-market price.
Should I sell before or after a new model launches?
Before, in almost every case — announcements reset buyer expectations even before the new device ships, often causing an immediate price dip on the outgoing model.
Why Depreciation Isn't Linear
Electronics don't lose value at a steady monthly rate — the curve is steepest right after launch and right after a successor is announced, then flattens. A flagship phone might lose 30-50% of value in its first 12 months, but a much smaller percentage in year two.
Category-by-Category Patterns
Phones: fastest depreciation of any common electronics category, driven as much by new-model announcements as by physical wear.
Laptops: more gradual, predictable depreciation, roughly 15-20% per year if kept in good condition, since laptop replacement cycles are longer than phone cycles.
Gaming consoles: steep depreciation in the first 18 months, then a more stable resale price for the remainder of a console generation.
The Practical Takeaway
If you know you'll eventually sell a device, selling in the weeks before a new model is announced consistently captures more value than waiting until after — the announcement itself, not just the device's age, is often what triggers the next price drop.
Run the Numbers on Your Own Item
See how every sale channel for this category compares for your specific timeline with the free FastSale Cash Score calculator.
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