If you have an old iPhone 6 sitting around and are wondering what it’s worth today, you’ve come to the right place. The iPhone 6 was released in 2014 and was a very popular phone at the time. But technology moves fast, and now that we’re in 2023, the iPhone 6 is quite outdated compared to the latest models.
In this comprehensive 5000 word guide, we’ll look at the current resale value of the iPhone 6 based on its model, storage capacity, color, condition and more. We’ll also provide tips on how to get the most money for your used iPhone 6 by selling it online or trading it in.
What factors determine the value of an iPhone 6?
There are several key factors that determine how much an iPhone 6 is worth in 2023:
- Model – The iPhone 6 comes in two models: the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6 Plus tends to retain more value due to its larger screen size.
- Storage capacity – More storage means higher resale value. The iPhone 6 comes in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB options.
- Color – Space gray, silver, and gold iPhone 6 models are more common and therefore less valuable. Special edition colors like rose gold tend to be rarer and more valuable.
- Condition – A pristine, scratch-free iPhone with no signs of wear will fetch more than one that’s heavily used.
- Carrier lock status – Unlocked iPhones work on any carrier and are worth more than locked models.
- Accessories – Having the original box, manuals, headphones etc will add to the phone’s value.
Keep these factors in mind as we dive into estimated resale prices for the iPhone 6 in various conditions.
What is the current resale value of an iPhone 6?
It’s difficult to provide exact resale prices for used iPhones since it depends on many variables. However, here are some rough estimates of what you can expect to get for your iPhone 6 in 2023 based on the model, storage, condition and whether it’s unlocked or tied to a carrier.
iPhone 6 16GB
- Poor condition (cracked screen, scuffed body) – $20 to $60 unlocked
- Good condition (minor scratches) – $60 to $100 unlocked
- Mint condition (like new) – $100 to $150 unlocked
iPhone 6 64GB
- Poor condition – $60 to $100 unlocked
- Good condition – $100 to $150 unlocked
- Mint condition – $150 to $200 unlocked
iPhone 6 128GB
- Poor condition – $80 to $120 unlocked
- Good condition – $120 to $180 unlocked
- Mint condition – $180 to $250 unlocked
Keep in mind carrier-locked iPhone 6 models will be worth about $20 to $30 less than unlocked ones in the same condition.
Where to sell your old iPhone 6
If you want to sell your iPhone 6 for cash, you have a few options:
Trade it in to a phone carrier
Most major phone carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have trade-in programs where you can turn in your old iPhone and get credit towards a new phone. The amount they offer may be slightly less than selling it outright.
Sell it to an electronics reseller
Companies like Decluttr, ItsWorthMore and Gazelle specialize in reselling used electronics. You can get an instant quote online, then mail your iPhone to them and receive cash by check or PayPal.
Sell it on a marketplace
eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Swappa are popular spots to sell used iPhones directly to buyers.
You’ll generally make the most by selling it yourself on a marketplace rather than trading it in or selling to a reseller. However, marketplaces do involve more time and effort on your part to list the phone, field inquiries and ship the item once sold.
How to get the most money for your iPhone 6
Here are some tips to maximize the resale value when selling your used iPhone 6:
- Reset the iPhone to factory settings to wipe all personal data and remove any passcodes.
- Clean the iPhone thoroughly and inspect it for any scratches, dents or scuffs. Lightly used models fetch more.
- Make necessary repairs if possible, like replacing a cracked screen.
- Include original accessories like the charger, EarPods, box and manuals if you still have them.
- Note any special or rare colors like rose gold in your listing to attract collectors.
- Take high quality photos and write a detailed description highlighting the phone’s condition.
- Get quotes from multiple reseller sites and marketplaces to compare your options.
- Consider selling locally on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to avoid fees and shipping costs.
- Be prepared to negotiate price with buyers.
Is selling an old iPhone risky?
There are a few risks to be aware of when reselling your iPhone:
- Personal data could be compromised if the phone isn’t wiped properly. Make sure to do a factory reset before selling.
- Meeting strangers from the internet when selling locally has safety risks. Use caution when picking a public place to meet.
- You could encounter scam attempts from fake buyers, especially on sites like Craigslist.
- Shipping always carries the risk of damage or the buyer claiming the phone arrived damaged.
- On marketplaces, you have little recourse if the buyer doesn’t pay after you ship.
These risks can be minimized by taking precautions like meeting in a safe location, requiring payment upfront and shipping carefully. Overall it is relatively safe to resell an iPhone, but be vigilant.
How does iPhone value depreciate over time?
Like most electronics, iPhones steadily drop in value over time as newer models are released. Here’s an approximate timeline of how an iPhone 6’s resale price declines as it ages:
| Age | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $300+ |
| 1-2 years | $200-$300 |
| 3-4 years | $100-$200 |
| 5-6 years | $50-$100 |
| 7-8 years | $20-$50 |
New iPhones typically start at around $700 retail price. Within the first 2 years, resale value drops to about 50% of original MSRP. After 4 years, it drops to under 30%. Once an iPhone reaches 7-8 years old, it may only fetch 10% of its initial price.
Depreciation slows down over time but never stops entirely. Even a 10 year old original iPhone in working condition may still be worth $20 to the right collector. But for most models under 10 years old, the bulk of depreciation happens within the first 4 years while technology remains relatively current.
Is the iPhone 6 still a good phone in 2023?
Here is an assessment of how the iPhone 6 holds up in 2023 according to key criteria:
Software and performance
The iPhone 6 originally shipped with iOS 8 and is compatible with iOS 12, which was released in 2018. Using such outdated software in 2023 results in a sluggish user experience, increased security vulnerabilities, and lack of support for modern apps.
The hardware is also dated, with an A8 chip that is far slower than even entry level new iPhones. Performance will feel very laggy and unresponsive compared to modern iPhones.
Camera
The iPhone 6 has an 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera. Image quality was average even for 2014. By 2023 standards, photos will look very poor with lack of detail.
Battery life
After over 8 years of use, the degraded 1810 mAh battery in the iPhone 6 provides very short battery life. It may not even last a full day with light use before needing a recharge.
Repairs
Finding replacement parts for the iPhone 6 is becoming difficult, and repair shops are less likely to service such an old model. Repair costs approach the value of the phone itself.
While the iPhone 6 remains usable in 2023 for basic functions, its severe limitations in software support, performance, camera, and battery life make it a poor choice compared to even budget new phones. It is only worth keeping as a spare or handing down to kids.
Is it worth upgrading from an iPhone 6 to a newer model?
Upgrading from an iPhone 6 to almost any newer iPhone model in 2023 will provide a substantial improvement in performance, camera quality, battery life, and software support. Here is a comparison between the iPhone 6 and some of the latest models:
iPhone 6 vs iPhone 11
- Speed: iPhone 11 has an A13 chip which is vastly faster and more powerful than the iPhone 6’s A8.
- Camera: iPhone 11 has dual 12MP cameras that capture photos with much more detail.
- Battery: iPhone 11 battery lasts all day compared to iPhone 6’s short battery life.
- Features: iPhone 11 has modern features like facial recognition, water resistance, wireless charging.
iPhone 6 vs iPhone 12
- Display: iPhone 12 has crisp, bright OLED display versus iPhone 6’s dated LCD.
- 5G: iPhone 12 supports 5G for ultra fast speeds unavailable on iPhone 6.
- Design: iPhone 12 has sleek, durable glass and metal design that is more premium.
- Future proof: iPhone 12 will be supported with software updates for many more years.
iPhone 6 vs iPhone 13
- Camera: iPhone 13 cameras, especially in the Pro models, are on another level from the iPhone 6.
- Power efficiency: iPhone 13 has excellent battery life that lasts all day with heavy usage.
- Durability: iPhone 13 has ceramic shield front for 4x better drop protection.
- Experience: Performance differences make the iPhone 13 feel like a huge leap over the iPhone 6.
Given the huge improvements in recent iPhones, upgrading provides tremendous benefits over clinging to an outdated 6-7 year old model like the iPhone 6. The only reason not to upgrade would be budget constraints, as latest iPhones still cost $599+. But for those able to afford it, upgrading from an iPhone 6 is certainly recommended. Selling or trading in the iPhone 6 can help offset the cost of the new phone.
Should I upgrade to iPhone 14 or iPhone 13?
The latest models available are the recently released iPhone 14 series and the previous generation iPhone 13 series. Both represent enormous upgrades over an aging iPhone 6. But should you go for the latest iPhone 14 or save money on the now discounted iPhone 13? Here’s a comparison:
iPhone 14
- Pro models have an upgraded 48MP main camera and new A16 processor.
- Built-in satellite connectivity allows messaging in emergencies without cell service.
- Car crash detection and Emergency SOS via satellite are new safety features.
- Will be supported with iOS updates for at least 5 more years.
iPhone 13
- $100+ cheaper than iPhone 14 for equivalent storage tiers.
- Still has very fast A15 chip, great dual camera system, all day battery life.
- Will get 4-5 years of ongoing iOS updates.
- More color and size options available.
The iPhone 14 does have welcome new features but isn’t a dramatic leap over the iPhone 13. For many budget-conscious buyers coming from an old iPhone 6, the iPhone 13 provides almost as good of an experience for less money. But if you want the absolute latest tech and can afford it, go for the iPhone 14 or 14 Pro models.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 6 was once a popular device, in 2023 it retains very little residual value, fetching anywhere from $20 to $150 depending on model, condition and details. Selling an old iPhone 6 can earn you a bit of cash, though not nearly as much as when it was new. Upgrading to a newer iPhone provides massive improvements in performance, camera, battery life, and features.
For those still holding on to an iPhone 6 in 2023, it is definitely time to consider upgrading, even if to a budget latest-generation model like the iPhone SE. The iPhone 6’s aging hardware and lack of software support means it’s best relegated to being a hand-me-down spare phone at this point. Overall the iPhone 6 had a good run, but its resale value and utility as a daily driver are now effectively tapped out in 2023.