Our purchasing prices in May 2026

Our Purchase Prices in May 2026

The Fixas purchase price list for May 2026 clearly shows the logic of the value of used smartphones: the newer the model, the larger the internal memory, and the better the condition of the screen, body, and battery, the higher the final purchase amount can be. This price list evaluates 179 different phone variants: 105 Apple iPhone and 74 Samsung Galaxy model configurations. It is not just a simple list of models — it is a structured map of purchase values, showing how the value of a used phone changes according to generation, configuration, condition, and demand.

Importantly: this article discusses only purchase prices. No sales prices are analyzed or mentioned here. What matters most to the customer is to know how much their device may be worth at the time of purchase, which models retain the highest value, and why one seemingly similar phone may be valued differently than another.

The purchase of used phones in 2026 is becoming increasingly important not only for the economic benefit to the customer but also within the broader context of the circular economy. In the European Union, new ecodesign and energy labeling requirements will apply to smartphones and tablets starting June 20, 2025, aimed at greater repairability, longer battery longevity, better availability of spare parts, and clearer information for consumers. The European Commission states that these requirements apply to smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets presented to the EU market from June 20, 2025.

Why Are the Purchase Prices in May 2026 So Different?

In the Fixas price list, the highest preliminary purchase limit reaches €1200, while the lowest indicative limit is €5. Such a difference is normal, as the value in the used phone market is determined not just by the model name. It is very important whether it is the latest flagship model or an older generation device; whether the phone has 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of internal memory; whether the screen has no defects; whether the body is not significantly damaged; whether the battery is still in good condition; whether the device is functional and economically viable to prepare for further use.

According to the provided Fixas May 2026 price list, the largest portion consists of 256GB models — there are 62 of them. Next are the 128GB variants — 48, 512GB variants — 42, 1TB variants — 16, 64GB variants — 10, and there is one 2TB variant in the price list. This clearly shows that storage size is one of the most important components of price. Larger memory generally means a higher device value, especially in newer iPhone Pro, iPhone Pro Max, and Samsung Ultra models.

In academic literature, the extension of the smartphone lifecycle is often explained through two mechanisms: retention, where the user keeps using the same device longer, and recirculation, where the phone is passed to another user or returned to the market through purchase, refurbishment, or resale. The study by Bieser et al. emphasizes that recirculation is one of the main ways to extend the usage time of smartphones and reduce the need for new device production.

Analysis of Apple iPhone Purchase Prices

The share of Apple iPhone is the widest in the entire price list — 105 different variants. It includes models from iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone SE to the latest iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max configurations. The highest value is retained by the latest Pro and Pro Max models with the largest internal memory.

At the top of the price list is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB, with a preliminary buyback limit of up to €1200. This is the highest amount in the entire provided price list. Next is the iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB up to €1150, iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB up to €1100, iPhone 17 Pro 1TB up to €1100, iPhone 17 Pro 512GB up to €1050, and iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB up to €1000. This clearly shows that the latest Apple flagship devices with large storage maintain the highest buyback value.

The iPhone 17 Pro line is also very strong. The 1TB variant is valued at up to €1100, 512GB — up to €1050, and 256GB — up to €950. The base iPhone 17 in the price list has 512GB and 256GB variants, with preliminary limits of up to €600 and €550, respectively. This shows a clear difference between the base and Pro lines: even models of the same generation are valued differently due to camera, performance, materials, demand, and overall premium segment status.

The iPhone Air in the price list has three variants: 1TB up to €650, 512GB up to €600, and 256GB up to €550. This group is positioned between the base and Pro models: the value is higher than some standard iPhones but lower than the Pro Max line.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also remain in the high-value group. The iPhone 16 Pro 1TB and iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB are valued at up to €750, 512GB variants — up to €700, and 256GB variants — from €600 to €650. The iPhone 16 Plus is valued at up to €550, the iPhone 16 — up to €500, and the iPhone 16e — up to €380. This structure shows that newer generation iPhones still have strong buyback value, but the Pro line clearly maintains a higher level.

The iPhone 15 family occupies a very important mid-to-high segment in the price list. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is valued at up to €600, the iPhone 15 Pro — up to €550, the iPhone 15 — up to €500, and the iPhone 15 Plus — up to €450. This generation also shows the usual difference between Pro Max, Pro, base, and Plus models. Higher memory variants have greater value, and phones in good physical condition maintain better buyback positions.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro in the price list are valued at up to €500. The base iPhone 14 is valued at up to €300, and the iPhone 14 Plus — up to €350. This indicates that Pro models can still be valued higher than newer or similarly timed non-Pro models even after several generations. The value of the Pro line is supported by better cameras, screens, materials, and higher demand for used devices.

The iPhone 13 series is a strong mid-value category. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is valued at up to €370, the iPhone 13 Pro — up to €360, the iPhone 13 — up to €250, and the iPhone 13 mini — up to €220. Here, the impact of battery and screen condition is more noticeable. A well-maintained iPhone 13 series model can still be attractive in the used market, but devices with screen damage, heavily worn bodies, or poor batteries are valued more cautiously.

The iPhone 12 family is already in a lower group in the price list. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is valued at up to €250, the iPhone 12 Pro — up to €200, and the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini — up to €130. In this generation, the differences between ideal and poor condition become particularly important, as repairs or preparations for further use must be economically justified.

Older Apple models still have buyback value, but it increasingly depends on their actual condition. The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro are valued at up to €100, the iPhone 11 — up to €70, the iPhone SE 2022 — up to €80, the iPhone SE 2020 — up to €50, the iPhone XS Max — up to €50, the iPhone XS — up to €40, and the iPhone XR — up to €30. In these cases, the most important factor is whether the phone can still be used, repaired, or used for parts.

Samsung Galaxy buyback price analysis

The Samsung Galaxy section of the price list includes 74 model variants. The highest value is maintained by the Ultra line models, especially the latest generations Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The price list also clearly shows the difference between Ultra, Plus, base S series models, FE variants, and A series devices.

At the top of the Samsung group is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB, with a preliminary buyback limit of up to €950. The Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB is valued at up to €850, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB — up to €750. This indicates that Samsung Ultra models have a strong flagship status and high market value for used phones.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra also remains very high. The 1TB variant is valued at up to €750, 512GB — up to €700, and 256GB — up to €650. The Galaxy S26+ in the price list is valued at up to €650, the Galaxy S26 — up to €550, the Galaxy S25+ — up to €500, and the Galaxy S25 Edge — up to €450. These groups show that the value of the latest Samsung flagship models remains strong, but the Ultra line clearly outperforms other variants.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is valued at up to €550, the Galaxy S24+ — up to €380, the Galaxy S24 — up to €320, and the Galaxy S24 FE — up to €250. FE models are valued lower than the main S and Ultra models in the price list, as they typically occupy an intermediate position between premium and mid-range. They remain in demand, but their buyback limits are lower.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is valued at up to €350, the Galaxy S23+ — up to €250, the Galaxy S23 — up to €270, and the Galaxy S23 FE — up to €200. In this generation, the Ultra version still stands out, but the differences between models increasingly depend on specific condition and internal memory.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is valued at up to €270, the Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 — up to €180. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is valued at up to €200, the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 — up to €130, and the Galaxy S21 FE — up to €50. Devices from this generation are more often valued as older but still useful phones, with their value primarily determined by physical condition and repair economics.

The Samsung A series belongs to a lower but still important buyback value segment. The Galaxy A56 5G is valued at up to €150, the Galaxy A55 5G — up to €130, the Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A54 5G — up to €80, the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A26 5G — up to €60, the Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A34 5G — up to €50, the Galaxy A53 5G, Galaxy A52s 5G, and Galaxy A52 5G — up to €40, and the Galaxy A52 — up to €20. This category is important because A series models often have a wide user base, but their buyback value is naturally lower than flagship models.

How does condition affect the final buyback amount?

The Fixas price list evaluates a phone not only based on its model and memory. The condition of the screen, casing, and battery has a significant impact. Therefore, two identical models can be valued differently. For example, one iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB may be in good condition and maintain a higher buyback value, while another identical model with a damaged screen, heavily scratched casing, and weak battery will be valued much more cautiously.

The condition of the screen is one of the most important factors. If the screen is intact, no adjustment is applied. If there are minor signs of use or small defects, the value adjustment may be about €10–50. If the screen has clearer defects, the adjustment may reach about €20–70. In the case of larger screen damages, the value reduction may reach about €30–180, and for a severely damaged or economically complex screen — up to €500. The largest adjustments apply to the most expensive models, as their screens and repair risks are higher.

The condition of the casing also has a significant impact. An intact casing allows for a higher buyback value. Minor signs of casing use may reduce the value by about €10–50, more pronounced scratches or dents by about €20–100, and severe casing damages by up to €200. This is especially important for Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra models, as the overall value of these devices is higher, making the differences in physical condition more noticeable in the final amount.

For iPhone models, the condition of the battery is additionally important. According to the price list, the battery condition adjustment can range from €10 to €50. In newer and more expensive models, the battery condition has a greater absolute impact, while in older models, even a smaller amount can be very significant percentage-wise. For example, if an older iPhone’s maximum preliminary value is €50–80, even a €20–30 battery adjustment already constitutes a large part of the device’s value.

Academic research confirms that smartphone repair, refurbishing, and remanufacturing are important circular economy strategies. The study by Pamminger et al. analyzes different circular end-of-use scenarios in the smartphone category: repair, refurbishing, and part remanufacturing. This is directly related to buyback practices, as purchased phones can be further used, repaired, refurbished, or used for parts.

What does this price list mean for the customer?

It is essential for the customer to understand that the buyback price is not a fixed number solely based on the model name. It depends on the actual condition of the device. For example, an iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB can reach up to €1150, but only if the device meets high condition criteria. If the phone has screen, casing, or battery defects, the amount may decrease based on the actual condition. The same applies to Samsung devices: a Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB can reach up to €950, but the final amount depends on the specific device inspection.

This logic is also useful for customers who have older phones. Even if the phone is not new, it can still have value. iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, Galaxy S21, Galaxy A52, or other older models can be bought back if they are suitable for further use, repair, or parts. This is especially relevant for people who have several unused phones at home and are unsure if they are still worth selling.

According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, approximately 62 billion kg of e-waste was generated worldwide in 2022, with only 22.3% of this mass officially collected and recycled properly. The report also predicts that by 2030, the amount of e-waste could reach 82 billion kg. This highlights why the buyback and reuse of used electronics have not only financial but also environmental significance.

Why do newer models retain the highest value?

Newer phones retain a higher buyback value for several reasons. First, they have a longer potential usage time. Second, their performance is still sufficient for many users. Third, they receive software updates more frequently. Fourth, their screens, cameras, and batteries still meet modern expectations. Fifth, their demand in the used device market is generally higher.

This is particularly evident in the iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and Samsung Galaxy S26, S25, S24 series. The latest models with 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of memory stand out clearly in the price list. Such phones are not valued merely as used devices — they often remain high-end devices that can be successfully used for several more years.

New EU regulations also strengthen the direction of long-term use. The Joint Research Centre indicates that the new EU energy label for smartphones and tablets includes a repairability score, which is intended to help consumers more easily assess how easily a device can be repaired.

Why do older models still have value?

Older phones have a lower buyback value, but this does not mean they are worthless. Even if the model is no longer new, it can be suitable as a backup phone, a used device for a budget buyer, a donor device for parts, or a refurbishment project. This is why the price list still includes models like the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 11, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy A52, and others.

For example, the iPhone XR can reach up to €30, the iPhone XS up to €40, the iPhone XS Max up to €50, and the iPhone SE 2020 up to €50. On the Samsung side, in the lower group, the Galaxy A52 can reach up to €20, the Galaxy A52 5G up to €40, the Galaxy A52s 5G up to €40, and the Galaxy A53 5G up to €40. Such amounts depend on the specific condition of the device, but they show that even older models can still be included in the buyback process.

Recent studies on second-hand smartphones emphasize that reuse can reduce the need for the production of new devices, although the actual impact depends on consumer behavior, the frequency of device replacement, and whether a used phone actually replaces the purchase of a new one. A study published in 2026 on the second-hand smartphone market highlights that reuse can contribute to the circular economy, but the impact must be assessed based on actual market behavior, rather than just a theoretical assumption that every used phone completely replaces a new one.

General Pricing Trends

• The first clear trend — Apple Pro Max and Samsung Ultra models dominate the top buying segment. iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB up to €1200, iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB up to €1150, iPhone 17 Pro 1TB up to €1100, Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB up to €950, and Galaxy S25 Ultra 1TB up to €750 are the most notable examples.
• The second trend — storage size directly affects value. The same model with larger memory typically has a higher buying limit. This is particularly evident in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Galaxy S25 Ultra groups.
• The third trend — condition differences can be very significant. Screen defects, casing damage, and weak batteries can reduce the final amount by several dozen to several hundred euros. The more expensive the model, the greater the absolute impact of condition.
• The fourth trend — older models are still being bought, but their value is more sensitive to defects. If a phone’s preliminary value is €30–80, even a small defect can significantly change the final offer. Therefore, for older devices, it is especially important whether they turn on, whether the main functions work, and whether there are significant screen and casing damages.
• The fifth trend — the mid-range Samsung A series has a distinct market segment. It is not as valuable as the S Ultra or iPhone Pro Max, but due to its widespread use and practical application, these models still have a clear place in the buying price list.

Summary

Sources

• Internal Fixas May 2026 buying price list: “Supirkimas_Fixas_Kainos – devices_base_prices.csv”.
• European Commission — ecodesign and energy labeling requirements for smartphones and tablets.
• European Commission — new EU rules for more durable, efficient, and easier-to-repair smartphones and tablets.
• Joint Research Centre — new EU labels, repairability score, and consumer information.
• Global E-waste Monitor 2024 — e-waste quantities, collection, and recycling rates.
• Bieser, J. C. T. et al. — Consumer-oriented interventions to extend smartphones’ service lifetime, an academic source on retention and recirculation.
• Pamminger, R. et al. — Modelling of different circular end-of-use scenarios for smartphones, an academic source on repair, refurbishing, and remanufacturing scenarios.
• Amatuni, L. et al. — study on second-hand smartphones, reuse, manufacturing demand, and carbon emissions.