Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 17? Here’s What Your Old iPhone 13, 14, or 15 Is Worth

The Apple iPhone 17 has arrived, with upgraded cameras, battery life, and robustness, leaving many people wondering whether it’s the right move to upgrade. Whether you’re opting for the base model, the 17 Pro or the Pro Max, each new phone has something to offer – especially if you’re still using a phone like the 13, 14 or even 15.

But before you rush to upgrade, it’s worth asking: how much is your current iPhone 13, 14 or 15 actually worth right now? This guide breaks down the key differences between the phones and gives practical tips to help you decide whether upgrading now makes sense.

Upgrading: What to Expect from the iPhone 17

As with any Apple launch, it can be overwhelming to go through the new features, what they mean, and how they compare to what you’ve already got. We’ve put together a straightforward guide to help:

Feature iPhone 13 (2021) iPhone 14 (2022) iPhone 15 (2023) iPhone 17 (2025)
Display size 6.1-inch 6.1-inch 6.1-inch 6.3-inch
Cameras Dual 12 MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) Dual 12 MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) 48 MP main +12 MP ultra-wide 48MP Fusion main + 48MP Fusion ultra-wide
Battery Life Up to 17h video playback Up to 20h video playback Up to 20h video playback Up to 30h video playback
Performance A15 Bionic chip A15 (enhanced tuning) A16 Bionic chip A19 chip – faster, more efficient, AI-powered processing
Design & Build Aluminium frame, glass back, lightning port Same design, minor durability tweaks Similar design, USB-C port introduced Refreshed look, thinner bezels, Ceramic Shield 2, USB-C (40W), lighter frame

There are some clear changes in the latest iPhone, but what does this mean for your everyday usage? To sum up:

  • Display: A small but significant upgrade of 0.2 inches, accompanied by better refresh rates and Apple’s Always-On
  • Cameras: Sharper photos, better low-light performance and more zoom options if you get the Pro Max.
  • Battery Life: A longer battery means fewer daily charges, which is especially useful if you enjoy streaming videos, or want the freedom of using your device all day without charging.
  • Performance: Faster performance for apps, multitasking, and future-proofing for new iOS features.
  • Design & Build: The iPhone 17 feels sleeker and lighter in the hand, with improved durability thanks to Ceramic Shield 2.

Remember, this is just a comparison of the base model, so you could be getting more if you upgraded to the Pro or Pro Max options.

iPhone 17 features on 5 phones in a row

Image Credit: Apple

Your Old iPhone Still Has Real Value

If you’ve been convinced by the features of the iPhone 17 but aren’t sure about selling your current phone, it might be time to rethink.

Phones such as the 13, 14, and 15 can still fetch a really good price when selling with trusted retailers like Mazuma, even if they’ve got some faults. Cracked screens, software issues, and other signs of damage are all things we accept, check out our terms & conditions for the full list.

However, every month you wait, your iPhone’s resale value dips slightly, meaning now is the perfect time to use our ‘sell my iPhone 13’ service (or any other iPhone).

So, if you’re eyes are on the iPhone 17, don’t delay an upgrade while your device is still top of the value curve.

Back of black iphone

Should You Upgrade?

Upgrading isn’t just about the newest specifications, it’s about whether the iPhone 17 actually improves your daily experience. For example:

  • You take a lot of photos or videos: The iPhone 17’s upgraded cameras make it a noticeable step up from the 13,14 or 15, especially if you enjoy photography or social media content creation.
  • You rely on your phone all day: The iPhone 17 is ideal if your current device struggles to last a full day or if you travel frequently.
  • You want the latest display features: The 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On display make scrolling, gaming, and checking notifications smoother and more convenient.

Ultimately, it’s about how often you use your phone, what you use it for, and whether you’re noticing issues with your current device.

Two iphones stood up next to each other, one coral one black

Why Thousands Choose Mazuma Mobile

Selling your phone shouldn’t be a hassle. With Mazuma, it isn’t:

  • Instant online quote – see your phone’s worth in seconds.
  • Secure, free postage – have peace of mind whilst your phone’s on its way to us.
  • Same-day payment – get paid on the same day we receive your device.*
  • Eco-friendly recycling – devices are responsibly reused or recycled and kept out of landfill.
  • Complete data wipe – every device has its data wiped when it arrives with us.

There are a range of reasons to choose Mazuma, simply read our reviews to see what customers have to say.

Ready to move on from your old iPhone? Get a quote in seconds and turn your old device into instant cash.

*(Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Does not apply to orders received after 2pm & in events outside our control).