If you’re deciding whether to sell your iPhone 16 or upgrade to an iPhone 17 and want to know which model holds the highest resale value in Dallas, this guide breaks it all down clearly.

As a leading local buyer in DFW, we evaluate hundreds of iPhones every month — and the numbers show a very consistent pattern:

The iPhone 17 lineup holds noticeably higher resale value than the iPhone 16 lineup across every model and storage size.

Below is a clean, consumer-friendly breakdown of value retention, model differences, and what actually matters when selling.

High-Level Summary (For Dallas Sellers)

The iPhone 17 Series Holds ~15%–28% More Value Than the iPhone 16 Series

• The 17 Pro Max and 17 Pro retain the most value.
• The 17 Air and 17 Base models also outperform their 16 counterparts.
• Even the 16 Pro Max (the strongest 16 model) falls behind the 17 Pro.

Condition matters more than anything else

We categorize devices in plain English:

• New / Like-New (No Box)
• Used
• Worn / Damaged

Even small cosmetic defects — tiny dings, scratches, or pocket scuffs — will push a device out of “like-new” condition.

Storage size still affects value

Higher storage always increases value (usually 8%–18% depending on model), but going from 256GB to 1TB does not double the resale value.

Color does NOT affect resale value for the iPhone 17 lineup

Apple finally standardized demand across colors for the 17 series.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: Resale Value Retention Breakdown

To keep this consumer-friendly, all comparisons below refer to:

“Like-New (No Box)” condition, which reflects your Grade A category.

Dollar amounts are not shown — only percent differences.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Value Gap: The 17 Pro Max holds ~22% to 30% more value.

This is the largest gap in the entire comparison.

Why the difference?

• The 17 Pro Max is the most in-demand model in Dallas.
• Higher durability + upgraded cameras keep demand stronger for resale.
• The 17 PM has significantly better price retention even when used.

Verdict:
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the strongest resale-performing device in Dallas right now.

iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro

Value Gap: The 17 Pro holds ~18% to 25% higher resale value.

What drives this?

• The 17 Pro is the “perfect sweet spot” model.
• The 16 Pro drops more sharply because many owners upgraded.
• The 17 Pro retains value almost as well as the 17 Pro Max.

Verdict:
If you own a 17 Pro in good condition, you’re in a premium-value bracket.

iPhone 17 Air vs. iPhone 16 Plus

Value Gap: The 17 Air holds ~15%–20% more value.

This is a very strong mid-range resale performer.

• The 17 Air is lighter and more efficient.
• Demand in Dallas is higher because it appeals to students, parents, and budget-conscious buyers.

Verdict:
The iPhone 17 Air is one of the best “value-per-dollar” performers in Dallas.

iPhone 17 (Standard) vs. iPhone 16 (Standard and 16E)
Value Gap: The 17 Base model holds ~14%–18% higher resale value.

This segment has the highest number of sellers.

The iPhone 17 is more durable.

The iPhone 16 and 16E drop faster due to lower buyer demand.

Even in used condition, the 17 holds stronger value.

Verdict:
The standard iPhone 17 is a noticeably stronger resale performer than the 16 or 16E.

How Condition Affects Value (Plain English)

Condition is the single biggest factor affecting resale pricing in Dallas.

New / Like-New (No Box)

• No scratches, dents, or marks
• No display defects
• No battery messages
• No aftermarket parts
• Holds the maximum resale value

Even small blemishes will knock it into the next category.

Used (Light Wear)

• Micro-scratches
• Small cosmetic flaws
• Battery over 80%
• No cracks

Generally worth 10%–20% less than like-new.

Used (Moderate Wear)

• Deep scratches
• Dents
• Cosmetic damage
• Battery lower than 80%

Typically 20%–35% less than like-new.

Damaged

• Cracked screen
• Back glass damage
• Face ID/Camera issues
• Charging port issues
• LCD problems

Can lose 35%–60% depending on severity.

Storage Size: How Much It Really Matters

Storage does impact resale value — but not dramatically.

Here are accurate general guidelines:

• Going from 256GB → 512GB = ~8%–12% increase
• Going from 512GB → 1TB = ~10%–15% increase
• Going to 2TB (Pro Max only) = niche market but still +15%–18%

Higher storage helps but does not massively increase resale value.

Dallas Resale Value: Local Buyer vs Carriers vs ecoATM vs Online

Based on thousands of transactions in DFW:

Local Dallas Buyers (Like Us)

Pros:

• Highest payouts
• Instant cash
• No shipping
• No lowballing
• We buy damaged or locked devices
• 5–10 minute quote turnaround

Cons:

• Need an appointment or meet-up

Carrier Trade-Ins

Pros:

• Easy, convenient
• Good for people upgrading anyway

Cons:

• Usually lowest value
• Store credit only
• Device must be perfect

ecoATM Kiosks

Pros:

• Fast
• Everywhere

Cons:

• Very low offers
• Reject many damaged devices

Online Mail-In Buyers

Pros:

• Simple online quotes

Cons:

• Shipping required
• Quotes often drop after inspection
• Takes days/weeks to get paid

Final Verdict: Which Model Holds the MOST Value in Dallas?

#1 — iPhone 17 Pro Max

Best retention, highest demand, strongest value.

#2 — iPhone 17 Pro

Nearly as strong, extremely consistent.

#3 — iPhone 17 Air & Standard iPhone 17

Both outperform their 16 counterparts.

Honorable Mention:

iPhone 16 Pro Max still holds decent value, but nowhere near the 17 series.

Selling Your iPhone 16 or 17 in Dallas?

Get a Fast, Accurate, No-Haggle Quote**

At Cell Phone Recycling Solutions:

✔ We pay more than carriers, ecoATM, and mail-in companies
✔ We buy damaged, cracked, or locked devices
✔ We give accurate quotes because we ask for all info upfront
✔ 5-minute quote turnaround
✔ Instant cash
✔ Safe, local Dallas meetups

Start your free quote now