Who pays what, in money
| Buyer | Pays in | Usual outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Private buyer | Cash or e-Transfer | The highest sticker price, if a serious buyer shows up; risk and time |
| Buyback shop | Cash | A firm price on the spot, below a perfect private sale |
| Mail-in buyback service | Transfer | A firm price if the condition matches; paid after shipping and the check |
| Apple Trade In | Apple credit or an Apple Gift Card | Only toward Apple purchases |
| Carrier | Bill or device credit | Tied to a plan, often low for older models |
iPhone or Android: which keeps more value?
iPhones generally hold their resale value better than most Android phones: that is why buyers pay more for them, and why our iPhone prices are published model by model. High-end Samsung Galaxy phones (S and Z series) resell well too: we buy them, as well as Google Pixels. Samsung prices are on our Samsung page.
For example, SubSell currently pays up to $1,950 cash for an iPhone 17 Pro Max, up to $1,180 for a 16 Pro Max and up to $850 for a 15 Pro Max, in their highest capacity (sealed new for the 17 Pro Max, like new for the other two). Every model is on the Sell page.
Make buyers compete
- Write down your exact model, storage and battery health.
- Ask for two or three firm prices, in money, for that exact phone.
- Got an Apple Trade In quote? Bring it to SubSell: we try to beat it.
- Compare the amount paid after the check, not the “up to” in an ad.
Student, newcomer, Montréal resident or Laval resident? Up to +10% on the cash price (select models), confirmed in store (the terms).