iPhone SE 4 Incoming? Great News – But Beware of Fast Depreciation

iPhone SE models lose nearly half their value in the first month after launch – depreciating 1.5 times faster than flagship iPhones

Apple’s new iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch very soon, possibly this week, and will likely be a big hit for budget-conscious buyers. But there’s a catch—it’s also one of the fastest-depreciating recent iPhones.

Our latest data reveals just how much previous SE models lost in record time—and why SE 4 owners would need to act fast if they plan to resell or trade in.

For years, the iPhone SE lineup has offered Apple fans a way to get premium performance at a lower price. But that affordability comes with a hidden cost: higher depreciation compared to flagship iPhones.

So, before you rush to upgrade, here’s what you need to know about how quickly SE models lose value—and what you can do to protect your investment.

iPhone SE vs Flagships: A Resale Value Reality Check

Interestingly, not all compact iPhones experience such drastic value loss. The iPhone 13 Mini, for example, held its value far better—suggesting that depreciation isn’t just about size, but also about positioning and demand. More on that later.

Our latest depreciation analysis shows just how quickly SE models lose their worth compared to premium iPhones. Take a look at these numbers:

• The iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) series on average lost 42.6% of its value in just one month and a ($210 loss in value)—a massive drop
• Even worse, by six months, its value had dropped by 57.8% 
• Compare this to the iPhone 15 series, which only lost 28.8% in one month and 27.8% after six months—a much slower rate of depreciation
• The trend continues with older models: The iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020) saw a 50.8% drop by six months, whereas the iPhone 14 Series was only down 31.1%

This means that while the SE is a cheaper phone upfront, it doesn’t hold its value as well as premium iPhones.

Depreciation Summary Chart

Deeper Look at Long-Term Depreciation

Our latest data reveals that SE models experience accelerating depreciation after the first year. By 18 months, SE models have lost up to 66.5% of their original value, while flagship models maintain better resale value. Key insights from long-term depreciation data include:

• iPhone SE models lose nearly half their value in just one month, depreciating almost 1.5x faster than flagship iPhone’s.
• On average, flagship models lost 29.2% in the first month, while SE models lost 42.6%. The SE range depreciates almost 1.5 times faster than the flagships ranges in the first month post launch.

• The iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) 128GB lost 42.6% in just one month and 64.7% in 24 months.
• The iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020) 64GB had lost 53.6% in 18 months, increasing to 76.9% by 30 months.
• While some SE models exceed 60% depreciation within 18 months, iPhone 15 and 14 models retain significantly more value, with the iPhone 14 losing 48.4% over 18 months and the iPhone 13 series 44.4% at 18 months.
• Not only that, it is worth noting that the SE will continue to depreciate. Indeed, with the last iPhone SE 3 launch, the SE 2 lost another 4% in the 12 weeks around the launch and nearly $20 off an already low residual value. This highlights that around a launch, selling as soon as possible remains key to minimizing value loss.
• The worst deprecating iPhone SE is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020) 64GB, which after 30 months is only worth $92 and has depreciated by a whopping 76.9% and $307 of its once $399 list price.

Do All Apple’s Compact iPhones Depreciate the Same Way?

While iPhone SE models tend to depreciate quickly, not all compact iPhones follow the same pattern. The iPhone 13 Mini, despite being a smaller device, performed much better in terms of value retention.

• The iPhone 13 Mini lost just 19.2% in one month, compared to 42.6% for the iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
• At 12 months, the Mini had only lost 46.1%, whereas the SE 3rd Gen had depreciated by 64.4%.
• Even at 24 months, the iPhone 13 Mini had lost only 53%, making it far closer to flagship models than SE devices.

This suggests that price point and demand play a major role in depreciation. Unlike the SE, the Mini was positioned as a premium compact phone, making it more desirable in the used market. In contrast, the SE’s budget status and outdated design seem to contribute to its steeper value drops.

Why Does the SE Lose Value So Fast?

Several factors contribute to the SE’s rapid depreciation:

1. Lower Starting Price – Cheaper phones naturally have less room to hold value.
2. Older Design & Features – SE models often use previous-generation designs and specs, making them less desirable over time.
3. Frequent Discounting – SE models often get price cuts or trade-in deals from Apple and carriers, further lowering resale value.
4. Less Demand in the Used Market – While flagships like the iPhone 15 or 16 Pro models remain highly desirable for years, SE models are seen as more disposable.

Could the iPhone SE 4 Depreciate Slower?

While past SE models have depreciated quickly, Apple may take steps to improve resale value with the SE 4. Potential factors that could slow depreciation include:

• A More Modern Design – If Apple updates the SE 4 with a fresh design (such as an iPhone 14-style body), it could retain value better than previous SE models.
• Upgraded Specs – A higher-end chipset and improved camera system may make it more competitive with flagship models, boosting long-term demand.
• Better Longevity in Software Support – If Apple extends software support further than past SE models, it could help keep prices stronger in the secondhand market.
• Stronger Demand from Budget Buyers – With flagship prices continuing to rise, a well-specced SE 4 could become a more desirable long-term option, keeping trade-in values more stable.
• Support for Apple Intelligence – the support for Apple Intelligence could help this new phone hold it’s value a lot better than predecessors

Best Trade-In Strategy for SE Buyers

Budget-conscious Apple fans have faced a tough decision, as the new iPhone SE has been delayed and is out of the normal two-year upgrade cycle. Additionally, with the discontinuation of the iPhone Mini, there are fewer compact and affordable options in Apple’s lineup. This has left many unsure whether to wait for the SE 4 or switch to an older flagship.

If you do choose the iPhone SE 4, here are some tips to minimize your losses:

• Trade It In Early – Selling an iPhone SE within the first year will get you the best return before depreciation accelerates.
• Check Trade-In Values Regularly – Don’t wait too long, as SE models see steeper drops than flagships. Also keeping an eye on predicted values of newly launched phones could be invaluable with a Smartphone Depreciation Calculator Tool
• Consider Certified Refurbished Flagships – If you’re price-sensitive but want a phone that holds value, a previous-gen flagship is worth looking at.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone SE 4 will no doubt be a hit for those wanting a more affordable Apple device. But if you’re thinking long-term, it’s important to be aware of its rapid depreciation. However, the iPhone 13 Mini proves that compact and lower-value phones can hold their value. If Apple succeeds in producing a compact, budget-friendly phone with more advanced features, it could change the depreciation trend—making the SE 4 a much stronger contender in the long run.

Methodology: How We Collected This Data

The depreciation data in this article is based on SellCell assessing the trade-in prices of leading US Buyback companies. The data is based on the top price available for phones in Mint condition and that are unlocked, ensuring a consistent comparison. We analyzed price changes across various leading buyback companies over different time periods to identify depreciation rates.