With that said, Bamboo Mobile sorted through some of the online programs earlier this month to offer a pricing index of how used device prices stack up against each other. (Note: This blog looks specifically at iPhone pricing but we gathered information on over 40 other types of smartphones and tablets.)
What we found is this. Amazon really wants your old iPhones. For example, Amazon will buy back an AT&T iPhone 4s (16GB) in good condition for $242 in Amazon credit. For that same phone, Apple’s online program offered $221 in Apple credit. Similarly, Best Buy’s online program priced the same device at $220 and Target was at $180. Both companies offer a store gift card as payment.
The carriers showed lower values for the same device than others. However, US Cellular, who pays out in a check to customers, indexed much lower than all programs included here.
Overall, Amazon offers--in Amazon store credit--more for gently-used iPhones than any of the major program, including Apple’s online program.
Don't forget, if you are itching to get one of the new iPhones, you have more choices than ever to sell back your old one. Regardless of programs or incentives we can all be more responsible mobile users and recycle our old devices...and perhaps receive some nice payouts to boot.