11th September 2025 - 8 min read
The iPhone 17 is here! With every new iPhone launch, the same question pops up: what are you going to do with your old one? Selling it is a smart way to help pay for your upgrade, but figuring out the local resale market can be a headache. Are the prices you see online for real?
To find out, we did the legwork for you. Armed with a few used iPhones, we spent two days visiting official retailers, specialised electronics stores, and telcos to get actual trade-in values on the spot. Here’s what we learned about the best ways to sell a used iPhone in Malaysia.
For anyone who wants to avoid hassle, trade-in programmes are the obvious choice. But we found that the experience—and the price you get—can be very different depending on where you go.
Our first stop was the gleaming Apple Store in The Exchange TRX. The staff were friendly but pointed out a key rule: they only take trade-ins for iPhones that are at least one generation old. This meant our iPhone 16 Pro Max wasn’t eligible, but they happily gave us quotes for our other models. However, since the recent announcement of the iPhone 17, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is now accepted for trade-in. We have since checked Apple’s official website, where their trade-in calculator provides the most up-to-date values for newer models.
Next, we visited 3cat, where the staff gave the phones a much more detailed check. They were helpful and provided a full price list, but told us that a receipt as proof of purchase is required to trade in any iPhone 15 or newer. That’s a crucial tip if you’re looking to sell a recent model.
The next day, we dropped by CeX and found a different system. It was the first store we visited that gave us a clear choice: get instant cash, or get a higher value if you take it as store credit.
At official resellers like Machines and Switch, the process was much simpler. We were shown a standard price list, which made the whole thing quick and predictable.
Finally, we went to the major telcos. Staff at both Maxis and CelcomDigi confirmed they use CompAsia’s pricing for trade-ins. However, they both have their own perks to sweeten the deal. Maxis offers an extra RM500 top-up towards a new iPhone plan, while CelcomDigi gives you an RM100 credit on your next phone bill.
One last thing we noticed: the prices below are for phones in perfect condition. Most stores told us they would knock off RM50 to RM100 for any visible scratches or dings.
Machines
Switch
CeX (Store Credit Value)
CeX (Cash Value)
3cat
CompAsia
Maxis
CelcomDigi
After visiting the physical stores, we looked at the online marketplaces. If getting the most money for your phone is your main goal, selling it directly to another person online is your best bet—but it takes more work.
On these platforms, you’ll also see listings from certified or professional sellers. Carousell’s “Certified Sellers Programme,” for instance, lists used phones at a fixed price, which is a good benchmark for what the market is paying. Their prices were:
When you sell to individuals, prices are all over the place. Based on our research of active listings on Carousell, Mudah.my, and Facebook Marketplace, you stand to earn more.
iPhone 11 Pro Max (256GB)
iPhone 13 Pro (256GB)
iPhone 15 Pro (256GB)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB)
You can clearly earn hundreds or even thousands more ringgit this way. But this route has its own headaches, like dealing with scammers, lowballers, time wasters, and no-shows. Your listed price is often just a starting point, as most buyers will expect to negotiate. It can also be tougher if you’re a new seller without any reviews, since building trust is key when you’re selling something expensive. If you do a cash-on-delivery (COD) deal, always insist on meeting in a safe, public place.
Before you hand your phone over, you need to protect your data and get it ready for its new owner. Following these steps ensures the sale goes smoothly for everyone involved.
After visiting stores and scrolling through online listings, what’s the best way to sell your old iPhone? It really just depends on what you value most.
By knowing your options and prepping your phone properly, you can sell your old iPhone with confidence and make your next upgrade a little easier on your wallet.
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