Selling broken phones online is no longer a last-resort option or something only tech insiders understand. We see it every day at iGadgets Buy. People assume a cracked screen, dead battery, or water damage means zero value, then let devices collect dust in drawers. In reality, many damaged phones still hold real resale worth, even when they no longer turn on properly or look usable. Knowing which broken phones still have value, and why buyers want them, helps you recover money instead of wasting hardware that still matters.
We work with sellers who feel frustrated, attached, or even guilty about broken devices. That reaction is normal. Phones carry memories, photos, and routines. But once a device stops functioning, keeping it rarely serves you. Selling broken phones online turns clutter into cash and keeps electronics from ending up in landfills where they create long-term harm.
A damaged phone is not useless. It is a collection of components, materials, and data-secure hardware that can be repaired, refurbished, or recycled responsibly. Even when repair costs are high, parts retain demand across global secondary markets.
According to data published by electronics recycling programs, most smartphones contain materials that retain monetary value even when the device fails. This is why broken phone buyback programs exist at scale.
Not all damage is equal, but most conditions still qualify for resale. We evaluate devices based on function, model demand, and repair feasibility. Below are the most common categories sellers bring us.
A cracked display is the most common issue we see. Many users stop using the phone immediately, assuming the repair cost outweighs the benefit. For resale markets, screens are replaceable parts. The rest of the phone often works perfectly fine.
Even severe shattering does not eliminate value. Buyers expect screen damage and price accordingly, not reject the device outright.
A phone that does not power up feels final, but internally it rarely is. Power issues are often caused by batteries, charging ports, or minor board faults. From a buyer perspective, this is diagnosable, not dead.
Logic boards, cameras, and storage chips still matter. This is especially true for flagship devices released within the last five years. We regularly see non-functional phones sold for parts or refurbishment.
Water damage scares sellers the most. Liquids feel unpredictable and permanent. While corrosion can occur, many water-damaged phones are repairable or partable depending on exposure time and liquid type.
Professional refurbishers use ultrasonic cleaning and board-level repair techniques to recover value. That is why water-damaged phones still sell online.
Batteries degrade naturally. A phone that dies quickly or refuses to charge feels broken, but battery replacement is one of the simplest repairs in the resale ecosystem. Charging ports, too, are modular on many devices.
We encourage sellers not to assume battery issues equal zero value. In resale markets, they rarely do.
Brand demand plays a huge role in resale pricing. Some manufacturers maintain stronger secondary markets due to parts availability, repair documentation, and consumer demand.
Broken iPhones consistently hold the highest resale value. The global demand for Apple parts, combined with standardized repairs, keeps prices strong. Even older models with damage attract buyers.
Apple also maintains environmental recovery programs, documented through Apple environmental reports, reinforcing long-term value retention.
Samsung phones follow closely behind iPhones. Galaxy S and Note series devices sell well even when cracked or non-functional. AMOLED screens, camera modules, and boards are widely reused.
Foldable models, despite fragility, still command strong broken resale prices due to limited part supply.
Pixels hold moderate broken value. Demand is strongest for newer generations, especially for camera modules and boards. While resale prices are lower than Apple or Samsung, value still exists.
Devices from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and Sony can still sell when broken, but pricing depends heavily on model age and region. Popular models with repair support perform better.
Transparency matters. Certain factors reduce offers, though they rarely eliminate them entirely.
We always recommend removing iCloud or Google accounts before selling. This protects your data and improves resale value. Resources like Apple activation lock guidance explain why this step matters.
Local repair shops and classified listings often undervalue damaged phones. Sellers feel rushed, uncertain, and pressured. Online buyback platforms offer structured pricing, secure shipping, and clear expectations.
At iGadgets Buy, we see sellers relieved once they realize the process is predictable. You describe the damage, receive an offer, and ship the device safely. No awkward negotiations. No wasted time.
Beyond money, there is a real environmental reason to sell broken phones online. Electronics waste is one of the fastest-growing pollution categories globally. Phones left unused still contain hazardous materials.
Recycling and refurbishment reduce mining demand and landfill toxicity. Programs documented by international environmental agencies show measurable impact when devices re-enter reuse cycles.
Selling your broken phone is not just practical. It is responsible.
Our evaluation process is transparent and human-centered. We do not hide behind vague conditions or sudden deductions. Each device is reviewed based on:
We understand sellers feel unsure describing damage. That is fine. Honest descriptions matter more than technical language. We work with real conditions, not perfect devices.
Selling broken phones online is one of the simplest ways to recover value from devices that no longer serve you. Cracked screens, dead batteries, water exposure, and power failures do not automatically erase worth. Many broken phones still have value because parts, materials, and repair pathways remain active.
At iGadgets Buy, we believe clarity beats confusion. If a phone exists, it likely holds some value. Letting it sit unused helps no one. Selling broken phones online gives you closure, compensation, and peace of mind. Sometimes the device is broken, but the opportunity is not.
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