Home / Phone & Laptop Depreciation Calculator
Phone & Laptop Depreciation Calculator
Estimate what your phone or laptop is worth today, based on how long you've owned it.
Why do phones and laptops lose value so fast?
Electronics depreciate quickly because new models launch every year, batteries and components wear down, and buyers of used devices expect a real discount versus new. This calculator applies a compounding annual depreciation rate — the same idea as car depreciation — to estimate what a device is roughly worth today.
This is an estimate, not an appraisal
The default 25% annual rate is a reasonable starting point for consumer electronics, but the real number depends heavily on the specific model, its condition, storage capacity, battery health, and whether a newer version just launched. For a number you can actually list at, check what the same model in similar condition is selling for right now in your local resale market.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25% as the default annual depreciation rate?
It's a commonly used rough benchmark for consumer electronics like phones and laptops — some models (especially older flagships) hold value better, others (budget or heavily-iterated models) drop faster. Adjust the rate up or down based on what you see in actual resale listings for your device.
Does this account for physical condition?
No — it only models value loss over time. A device with a cracked screen, poor battery health or heavy cosmetic wear is worth noticeably less than this estimate; a mint-condition device with the original box may be worth more.
Why does the value drop faster in the first year?
Because the depreciation is compounding annually on a percentage basis, meaning it's applied to a shrinking value each year — but in practice, most electronics also lose the most value right after a newer model launches, which this simple formula doesn't specifically capture.
How accurate is this for older devices (3+ years)?
Less accurate — after a few years, resale value tends to flatten out at a "floor" set by parts value and remaining functionality rather than continuing to fall by a fixed percentage. For anything more than 2-3 years old, checking real listings is more reliable than this formula.