Pricing and resale value of explosion proof smartphones 

For the last decade, explosion proof smartphones for hazardous areas have typically been mid-range Android devices, based on long-lifetime industrial components, which we covered in this blog post named “why ex certified smartphones have been lagging behind”. These devices are purpose built, and parts or all of the device deploy a certification method called ex-m which means that the entire phone including the internal components and battery is filled with a resin to reduce the internal volume and to absorb heat. A Zone 1 android smartphone typically has a 2-4 years lifespan. And since newer and better android consumer devices are introduced every year, the residual value of these devices are virtually zero. You can even argue that the value is negative since the devices need to be disposed of and handled appropriately, which has a cost.

Why the Xshielder iPhone Zone 1 Cover is unique

One of the innovations from the Xshielder team is the concept of replaceable cover design, meaning that the iPhone within the cover isn’t cemented (glued) which allows it to be replaced or extracted after the device has been decommissioned. This opens up for the device being wiped and resold, and the aluminum and glass from the cover to be recycled. This feature positively impacts both the Total Cost of Ownership and for the Co2 emission of the product itself.

This blog explores the main reasons — from software support and build quality, to battery management and enterprise compliance. We’ll also look at common enterprise concerns when reselling explosion proof devices, and share a data-driven table of resale values across the last five Iphone Pro Max generations.

Why iPhones Keep Their Resale Value

Long Software Support

Apple supports its devices with iOS updates for 5+ years. That means even a 4-year-old iPhone can run the latest OS and security patches, keeping it relevant and safe.

• According to 9to5Mac, Apple itself highlights that iPhones retain “at least 40% more value compared to Android phones”
  
  
• Studies show Android devices depreciate ~32% in the first year, while iPhones average ~14%

 

Premium Build & Materials

Keeping the iPhone inside Xshielder’s explosion proof aluminum and glass cover which is water proof and dust free makes the device inside appear as new when opened. This consistency boosts buyer confidence. 

 

Strong Demand & Ecosystem Effect

Apple’s ecosystem keeps users loyal. Many buyers specifically look for older iPhones to re-enter the Apple ecosystem at a lower cost.

 

Transparent Trade-In Market

Apple’s own trade-in program establishes clear resale benchmarks. Buyers trust that a used iPhone has a “floor value,” which stabilizes the market. Apple offers trade-in discounts and official values in the second hand market.

 

Battery Quality: iPhone batteries Last Longer

Battery health is one of the biggest buyer concerns in the secondhand market. iPhones enjoy an edge for several reasons:

• Optimized Battery Charging: iOS slows charging at 80% during overnight charging to preserve battery chemistry.
  
  
• Cycle Transparency: iPhones display battery health (maximum capacity %) in settings — a unique trust signal in resale.
  
  
• Efficient Chipsets: Apple’s custom silicon (A-series chips) delivers performance with better power management.
  
  
• Servicing & Replacement Options: Apple’s widespread battery replacement program gives buyers confidence.
  
  

Factory Reset & IT Compliance

From an enterprise resale perspective, data security is critical. The good news is that Apple’s factory reset is designed for compliance.

• Cryptographic Erase: iOS erases data by deleting the encryption keys, making prior data unrecoverable.
  
  
• Activation Lock Removal: Resetting correctly ensures devices are no longer tied to an Apple ID.
  
  
• MDM (Mobile Device Management): Resellers must ensure company-managed profiles are removed, but once reset, the device is clean.
  
  
• Audit Trail: Enterprises can log the reset process for compliance reporting (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO).
  
  

This makes iPhones one of the safest devices to resell from a compliance standpoint.

Other Enterprise Concerns (and Solutions)

By documenting each step — battery health, reset proof, condition reports — resellers can overcome nearly all enterprise buyer objections.

iPhone Pro Max Resale Value Data (Iphone Pro Max model 12 to 16)

Here’s a snapshot of Apple’s Pro Max resale trajectory. Figures combine reported sales data with current trade-in averages from leading vendors in the second hand market (Sept 2024–Jan 2025).

The table above shows absolute resale value, regardless of the actual sales price of the iphone when it was purchased.

 

The bottom line

iPhones are the gold standard of value retention. And for Xshielder explosion proof iphone customers they can calculate with a resale value up to 50 % of the value of the Iphone itself, even after many years of use in hazardous areas.

 

• Iphone, and specifically the Pro Max series depreciate slower than Android competitors.
• Iphone batteries are more robust and can even be replaced after extraction from the Xshielder explosion proof cover
• Factory reset of the device ensures IT compliance.

Enterprise concerns can be addressed by following IT equipment decommissioning procedures

Curious to learn more about Xshielder?