Real-world depreciation trends UK buyers should expect before upgrading

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is one of the most advanced Android flagships on the market, but like every premium smartphone, its trade-in value does not stay high for long. Understanding how quickly it loses value can help UK buyers decide the best time to upgrade or switch phones. Early pricing patterns from recent Xiaomi flagships suggest that depreciation begins rapidly within the first year and continues steadily after that.

During the first twelve months, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is expected to lose the largest portion of its value. Most Android flagships in the UK drop around one-third of their worth in the first year, and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max follows the same trend. Even when kept in excellent condition, buyers trading in after one full year should expect to recover only a little over half of the original purchase price. Once the next Xiaomi flagship releases, the market becomes saturated and trade-in quotes decrease even further.

The rate of depreciation continues into the second year, though slightly more gradually. By the end of two years, resale and trade-in values typically fall below half of the original price. At this point, condition plays a much bigger role in determining how much the device is worth. Phones kept in pristine condition with original accessories will earn more than those showing signs of wear. Buyers hoping to delay an upgrade for two years should keep this in mind.

Storage configuration also affects trade-in performance. Models with higher storage options generally retain more value than base storage variants. However, if the market becomes flooded with high-storage models due to promotional pricing or trade-in incentives, the advantage may shrink. For UK buyers, official regional versions hold more value than imported versions, because network compatibility, warranty support and resale demand are stronger.

The arrival of a new generation dramatically accelerates depreciation. Once Xiaomi launches its successor model, the resale demand for the 17 Pro Max drops sharply. Popular retailers and resellers update their prices to reflect the new release, and buyers seeking used models take advantage of reduced prices. Trading in before or immediately after the successor is released usually produces the best recovery rate.

Condition plays a major role throughout the phone’s life and has an outsized effect on resale pricing. Scratches, dents, cracked screens, damaged lenses or battery degradation all reduce value, sometimes by large percentages. Even minor imperfections may cause certain trade-in services to categorise the phone as “fair” rather than “excellent”, which results in a noticeably lower offer. Keeping the phone protected with a case, avoiding deep battery discharge and retaining original packaging help preserve value.

Timing matters as well. Trading in during busy upgrade seasons — such as immediately after major smartphone launches — can yield mixed results. More people selling their old phones increases supply, while more people searching for upgraded models can increase demand. Monitoring prices and acting before a wave of trade-ins can lead to a higher return.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max delivers a high-end ownership experience, but depreciation happens quickly compared to some competing brands. UK buyers planning to upgrade annually should expect to recover only part of what they paid, while those holding on to the phone for several years should protect it carefully to maximise its resale value. The best trade-in results come from keeping the device in excellent condition, retaining its accessories, and selling before the next major Xiaomi flagship arrives on the market.