Samsung’s Galaxy S Family residual value is accelerating: a 4-Gen surge

Twelve months ago, the Galaxy S25 Family hit the market. As the next Galaxy S Family approaches, one question matters more than ever for the industry: how much value does a Samsung flagship really retain at M+12 post-launch?

The data tells a clear story. Let's uncover it. 👇

Samsung Galaxy S Family residual value: focus on S22 to S25

1. From 33% to 43%: +10 points in just four generations

According to Dipli’s Market Data Lab, the Galaxy S Family has gained +10 points in residual value at M+12 post-launch with its latest four models families:

• Galaxy S22 (gen -4) retained 33% of its value at M+12..
• The S23 (gen -3) Family increased slightly to 34%, marking early stabilization.
• The real acceleration began with the S24 Family (gen -2), reaching 39% at the same lifecycle milestone.
• Twelve months after launch, the Galaxy S25 Family (gen -1) now stands at 43%.

💡 This progression is not anecdotal: it reflects a structural shift in how Samsung flagships perform in secondary markets. In short, this means one thing for the ecosystem: the Galaxy S Family is becoming a much stronger asset in trade-in and upgrade journeys.

2. How Dipli’s Market Data Lab models residual value at scale

These insights are powered by Dipli’s Market Data Lab, which aggregates and models the performance of Galaxy S Families, combining AI-driven market modelling with real trade-in transaction data across the market.

This allows us to calculate residual value at scale, generation by generation, around key lifecycle milestones such as M+12 post-launch.

💡 This methodology enables a dynamic view of smartphone lifecycle performance rather than static resale snapshots. Residual value is therefore measured at scale, reflecting actual market conditions.

Trade-In dynamics are reshaping the competitive landscape in the circular tech market

1. Trade-In programs are mechanically supporting higher residual values

Trade-in is the real game changer behind the Galaxy S residual value surge. From Dipli’s vantage point as a circular tech and trade-in platform, supported by AI-enhanced market models, this evolution is driven by three combined forces:

• Trade-in programs across retailers, carriers and OEMs have become more structured and increasingly data-driven
• Competition among refurb players has intensified. As more actors compete to secure quality devices for the refurbished smartphone supply chain, buyback prices are pushed upward. This mechanically supports higher residual values.
• Lifecycle management has become strategic. Residual value is now treated as a lever for margin optimization, traffic acquisition and customer lifetime value.

Dipli’s Market Data Lab confirms that, just ahead of the next Galaxy S release cycle, the Galaxy S25 Family remains at historically high residual value levels on Dipli’s trade-in comparator.

💡 For the ecosystem, this reinforces one reality: well-designed trade-in programs are now central to value creation in the circular economy electronics market.

2. Samsung is narrowing the gap with Apple on residual value

And how does this compare to Apple? Apple still leads on residual value.

On average, the latest iPhone generations retain around 53% of their value at M+12 post-launch, while the latest Samsung S generation sit closer to 43% when looking at the full installed base.

However, the dynamic is more nuanced when focusing on the most recent Galaxy S Families. Generation after generation, the gap is narrowing: the S25 Family reaching 43% at M+12 signals that Samsung flagships are strengthening their asset profile in upgrade and trade-in journeys.

💡 If the Galaxy S25 already holds 43% of its value twelve months after launch, the question is no longer whether the trend is improving. The real strategic question is how far the next Galaxy S Family can push residual value performance over the next 12 months, and how the trade-in ecosystem will amplify that trajectory.

Now, all eyes on what comes next. 👀
Stay tuned, and follow the next Galaxy S residual value milestones closely with Dipli’s Market Data Lab on LinkedIn.