In Pakistan’s ever-evolving mobile market, smartphone users not only look at specifications and design but also at how well their investment holds value over time. Whether you’re planning to upgrade yearly or just want your phone to fetch a good resale price later, the brand you choose plays a critical role.
Among all brands available, iPhone and Samsung are two of the most prominent competitors. But when it comes to resale value and long-term worth, which one really wins in Pakistan’s market?
iPhone Resale Value in Pakistan
Apple’s iPhone series is known globally for holding high value long after launch, and the same applies in Pakistan.
Why iPhones Hold Value Longer:
- Strong Brand Loyalty
Apple has a loyal customer base in Pakistan. Many buyers specifically look for iPhones in the used market due to the brand’s prestige and reliability. - PTA Approval Preference
PTA approval is mandatory in Pakistan, and iPhones that are PTA-approved command a much higher price, often exceeding expectations even for older models like the iPhone 11 or 12. - Software Support
Apple provides iOS updates for 5-6 years, meaning an iPhone bought in 2020 is still current in 2025. This long-term support increases demand in the used market. - Premium Build Quality
With aluminum frames, ceramic shield glass, and advanced chipsets, iPhones age gracefully both in performance and aesthetics, unlike many Android counterparts.
Used Market Example:
An iPhone 12 PTA-approved version still sells between Rs. 115,000 – Rs. 135,000 in 2025 depending on condition. That’s impressive for a device launched in 2020.
Samsung Resale Value in Pakistan
Samsung is Apple’s closest rival and has a strong presence in Pakistan, particularly in the mid-range and flagship segments like the Galaxy S series and Note series.
Why Samsung May Lag Behind in Value Retention:
- Rapid Depreciation
Samsung flagship models, like the Galaxy S22 or Note 20, drop in price significantly within a year or two of release. Buyers know they can get newer models for less if they wait, which hurts resale. - Over-Saturation
With multiple phones launched every year in every price range, the uniqueness of Samsung phones fades faster, reducing demand in the second-hand market. - Shorter Software Lifecycle
While Samsung has improved in recent years, their Android updates usually last around 3–4 years. This reduces the desirability of older models quickly. - Plastic Builds in Mid-range
Samsung’s A series phones, while popular, often use plastic backs and mid-range chips, which don’t age well compared to metal/glass builds of iPhones.
Used Market Example:
A Galaxy S21 Ultra, once priced over Rs. 230,000, now sells around Rs. 90,000 – Rs. 105,000 if PTA approved — significantly lower than an iPhone 12.
PTA Tax: A Critical Factor
In Pakistan, PTA approval or registration is a key consideration. Both iPhones and Samsung devices must be PTA-approved to function fully on Pakistani networks. However:
- iPhones often get higher resale prices if already PTA approved.
- Imported iPhones without PTA registration can still fetch decent value due to ongoing demand.
- Samsung devices without PTA tend to drop in value faster and are harder to sell.
So, if you’re buying for the long term and care about resale, always check for PTA status regardless of brand.
Buyer Psychology in Pakistan
In the Pakistani resale market:
- Buyers trust iPhones more due to their consistent experience and long-term software support.
- Samsung still sells well, especially in new condition or sealed packs, but loses appeal once used.
- iPhone users are more willing to pay a premium for slightly used or PTA-approved models than Samsung users.
The Verdict: iPhone Wins in Resale
When it comes to value retention, the iPhone clearly holds its ground better than Samsung in Pakistan. From market demand to software support and PTA impact, every factor leans in Apple’s favor.
However, this doesn’t mean Samsung is a bad choice. For users who upgrade frequently or buy mid-range phones, Samsung offers excellent value in the short term.
But if your priority is to buy once and resell later at a good price, iPhone is the smarter investment in 2025.
