The Top Six Best Used Smartphone For Phone Flipping In 2023

Phone flipping is about getting high-demand phones at discount prices and reselling them at a markup. This article will show you the best smartphone to add to your inventory for the 2023 trading year. Mostly iPhones and Samsung devices are featured since they have the highest demand and resell value. 

1. Samsung S20

The Samsung S20 might be a few years old, but it still commands respect in the used phone market. It is a popular choice for people who want to use premium android devices but cannot afford the latest models due to their high cost.

Launched in 2020, the Samsung S20 has many features that would beat many low-cost newer models from other brands. It has a premium build, a brilliant low-light camera, ample internal storage, and a smooth 120Hz display. Users can also upgrade it to the latest android software (Android 13) and will get continuous upgrades and security patches in 2024.

You can get a Samsung S20 in good condition for about $300. The price could be lower if you buy in bulk or negotiate directly with a previous owner. 

Getting buyers should not be a problem because this phone is as premium as the latest models. It's a great smartphone if you are targeting people who do not want to use iPhones 

2. Google Pixel 5

Before we talk about the iPhones, we want to talk about the Google Pixel 5. It's not as popular as the Samsung S series but it packs a punch. Your Pixel 5 will excite any buyer who stays up to date with phone specs.

Like the Samsung S20, the Pixel 5 made its debut in 2020. So it's old enough to be cheap but not too old to be outdated. You get a clean interface and a fantastic camera powered by Google, the tech giant behind many great tools. Upgrade it to the latest Android operating software to take advantage of the latest features and security patches. 

The advantage of adding the Pixel 5 to your inventory instead of the Samsung S20 is the price. If you're selling to people who care more about features than a brand name, then the Pixel 5 is a great product. But if your target buyers want to be seen using phones from big brands, then the Samsung Galaxy S20 is a better option. 

3. iPhone 11

Now that we've discussed two great options for android lovers, it's time to discuss iOS devices. The first one on our list is the iPhone 11. The iPhone is a bit older than the Samsung S20 but it still gets attention due to the brand value that Apple has built over the years.

The iPhone 11 runs on Apple's A13 Bionic processor and offers two cameras, an LCD, and several color options. 

We recommend you stock the Pro and Pro Max versions. The versions offer larger battery capacity and storage options. 

We recommend stocking the iPhone 11 for iPhone lovers who cannot afford the newer models. There are plenty of customization options, and accessories are readily available on the market. The price depends on where you're getting it from. Most wholesalers will offer the base iPhone 11 for about $300 or more. However, if you are willing to buy a model with a broken screen, you can get options as low as $200.

4. iPhone SE

If your target buyers are young hustlers who need a user-friendly compact iOS smartphone, consider adding the iPhone SE to your inventory. Its compact size and ultra-affordability make it the best iPhone for young hustlers.

The iPhone SE belongs to the generation when Apple was making lightweight phones. It sports a retro design, a classic home button, and a 4.7-inch display. 

While this iPhone is a few years old, it is not outdated. It has enough processing power for multi-taskers and offers wireless charging support and Touch ID. 

The 2020 version of the iPhone offers three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, or 256 GB. (There is a 2016 version of the iPhone SE, but we don't recommend it unless you trade in low-budget used phones)

Other exciting features of the iPhone SE (2020) include its 7MP front camera, 12MP rear camera, and 4K video recording capability. It also has a flashlight and LTE antennas. As long as you are selling an unlocked model, we expect that you'll be able to sell this phone in record time and at a profitable price.

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

We're back to Android phones and are now looking at the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 plus. It is a budget-friendly option for people who want to use high-end Samsung devices but can’t access expensive models.

In its time, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus was a groundbreaking device. In comparison to the Samsung Note 9, it was an improvement. Its key features include the S Pen, improved camera, and audio enhancements. It's also powered by the powerful Snapdragon 855. Users can play games, chat and surf the internet without experiencing performance lag.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is an excellent phone for young professionals who need a smartphone to manage their daily tasks efficiently. It doesn't have all the hype as the iPhones, but even it delivers where it matters.

The device may have full battery capacity and accessories if you get a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 10 plus. Direct purchases from previous owners might include scratches and minor defects you'll have to fix.

Expect to spend around $300, but since it's a premium product, you can profit up to 20% from flipping this phone.

5. iPhone XS 

If the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is the budget-friendly alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Note S20, then iPhone XS is the budget-friendly option for the iPhone 13. 

The iPhone XS packs enough power for multitasking and elite gaming. The higher tier version, iPhone XS Max, offers an even bigger screen, powerful processor, and high-quality display.

Other cool features include FaceID, wireless charging, and an advanced camera system. (The camera system was advanced for its time). We don't expect you to have any problems marketing this device. However, you need to know the budget range of your target buyers. If they are unwilling to spend much on a phone, the iPhone 11 will do. But if they have a midrange budget, consider picking any iPhone XS model.

There are three storage levels but we recommend trading the one with 256GB of memory. It's sufficient for those who want ample storage but don't want to pay too high for the highest storage capacity. Plus, it's an excellent option for those who love iPhones but not their price tags.

6. iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 is over five years old but still has its market appeal, especially in the used phone market. It is perfect for people who want an iPhone but don't require much processing power. It is a functional, affordable, and straightforward phone. Of course, users cannot use the browser too much or download too many media files on their phones. The benefit of the trade-off is the shockingly low price.

Since it is a relatively old model, you can pick up the iPhone for less than $200. If you buy directly from a previous user, the price tag may be less than $150. However, it doesn't have the latest display technology or fancy features. But it does have an HD display and a compact 4.7-inch screen. Those looking for more screen real estate can go for the iPhone 8 Plus, which offers a 5.5-inch display. There are three storage options (64GB, 128GB, and 256GB), but since this is an old model, most people will be content with the 64 Gb storage.

In terms of performance, the iPhone 8 holds up, especially when it comes to basic tasks like making and receiving calls and other basic phone activities. However, the lack of 5G connectivity means browning will be slower on this device. Thankfully, the iPhone 8 also supports wireless charging. 

Where is the best place to buy a used iPhone?

When shopping for used smartphones, you should know there is a difference between refurbished and used phones. Refurbished means the phone has gone through professional testing, repairing, and cleaning. Used phones simply mean the phone has a previous owner. 

• Trade-in Tech: Resellers prefer using Trade-in Tech for their phone flipping business because the platform grants them access to hundreds of smartphone suppliers and distributors worldwide. The products include both used and refurbished smartphones. The best part is that most of the smartphones are sold at wholesale prices, thereby giving you a decent profit margin when you sell them. You can buy with the click of a button or negotiate using the messaging feature on the platform. The platform also supports flipping. You can buy a phone from a supplier and list it for sale on the same platform. 

• eBay: eBay is one popular mstakei=lace for people to list their items. While eBay offers access to outstanding options, it doesn't offer the same features as Trade-in Tech.

Are you a phone reseller or looking to start a phone-flipping business? Get great smartphones at discounted prices on Trade-in Tech. We only work with verified sellers to ensure that all decisions are functional. Click here to start selling.