How Much Is My iPhone Worth? A Chicago Resident's Pricing Guide

Why two identical iPhones sell for different prices

Two people in Chicago can own the exact same iPhone 14 and sell it on the same day for prices $150 apart. The hardware is identical. The difference is everything around the hardware — condition, lock status, accessories, timing, and where they sold it.

This guide walks through the five variables every buyer evaluates so you can price your iPhone with confidence.

Variable 1 — Model and storage tier

Storage is the single biggest line item after the model itself. A 256 GB iPhone is typically worth $80–120 more than the 128 GB version of the same model. Pro and Pro Max models hold value far better than base models — often 60–70% of MSRP one year later, vs. 40–55% for base models.

Variable 2 — Cosmetic condition

Buyers grade iPhones on a rough scale:

• Mint / sealed: never opened, original packaging
• Excellent: no visible wear, screen and back glass flawless
• Good: minor micro-scratches visible only at angle
• Fair: visible scuffs, small dings on corners
• Damaged: cracked glass, dented frame, deep scratches

Each step down costs roughly 10–20% of the previous tier's value. A cracked back glass alone can drop value by $80–150 on a flagship.

Variable 3 — Carrier lock and activation lock

A SIM-locked iPhone tied to a single carrier sells for 10–25% less than an unlocked unit. A device still signed into someone else's iCloud account is worth a tiny fraction of normal value — most buyers will refuse it. Always sign out completely before quoting.

Variable 4 — Battery health

iOS shows battery health under Settings → Battery → Battery Health. Anything 90%+ is great, 85–89% is normal, and below 80% is "service" range — that triggers an automatic price reduction with most buyers. Replacing the battery before selling rarely pays off unless you do it yourself.

Variable 5 — Market timing

iPhone prices follow a predictable cycle:

• September (new iPhone launch): prices drop 10–18%
• Holiday season: stable to slightly up
• Spring tax-refund season: highest peer-to-peer demand

If you can wait, sell in February or March. If you must sell in September, expect a discount.

How to find your true number

1. Search eBay → Sold Listings for your exact model, storage, and condition.
2. Check Swappa for active asking prices.
3. Get a quote from at least one mail-in buyback service.
4. Visit one local Chicago buyer for a counter-offer.

Take the median of those four numbers. That's your fair market value.

Quick reference: typical Chicago retention rates

| Time since release | Pro / Pro Max | Base model | | --- | --- | --- | | 0–6 months | 80–90% | 70–80% | | 6–12 months | 65–75% | 55–65% | | 12–24 months | 50–60% | 40–50% | | 24–36 months | 35–45% | 25–35% |

Local context for Chicago sellers

Chicago has an unusually active resale market because of the density of universities, hospitals, and tech employers cycling through devices. Demand for unlocked iPhones in good condition stays consistently strong, which is good news for sellers willing to invest 30 minutes in prep.