Recently, an auction company held a bidding session for confiscated goods approved for sale by the Hanoi Market Management Sub-Department.
The lot included approximately 500 used iPhones manufactured overseas. Among them, over 70 were iPhone 12/12 Pro models, and nearly 400 were iPhone 13 models, with a starting price of just 2.5 to 4 million VND per unit (significantly lower than the current market price of 7 to 11 million VND).
The total starting price for the entire lot was over 2.01 billion VND, averaging around 4 million VND per unit.
The auction attracted 13 participants, and the lot went through 10 rounds of bidding over more than an hour before a winning bid was determined. The 500 iPhones were successfully sold for over 3.48 billion VND, nearly 1.4 billion VND higher than the starting price. Thus, the average winning bid per iPhone was approximately 6.97 million VND.
Many used iPhone 13 models listed in the auction were priced at 4 million VND (Image: Screenshot).
Why Did the Auction Price Surge?
The actual winning bid was significantly higher than the proposed price due to several factors.
High Market Demand
iPhones are the most popular and sought-after smartphones in Vietnam. Even used iPhone 12 and 13 models remain in high demand. With nearly 500 units available, the auction became a prime opportunity for wholesalers and small retailers to stock up for easy redistribution.
Strong Resale Value
Unlike many Android phones, iPhones maintain a stable resale value. Used iPhone 13 models currently sell for 8 to 12 million VND, double the starting price of 4 million VND. Even after winning the auction at an average of 7 million VND per unit, buyers can still profit from reselling.
Starting Price Significantly Below Market Value
The starting price of 4 million VND per unit was 40-60% lower than market value. This “bait price” sparked intense competition, quickly driving the price closer to its true value.
Scarcity and “Stockpiling Psychology”
Large, legal auction lots from the Market Management Department are rare, increasing their value. Participants often bid higher than the starting price, fearing they’ll miss out on a similar opportunity in the near future.
Current Prices for Used iPhone 13 Models
Prices for used iPhone 13 models vary based on condition, battery health, charging cycles, storage capacity, and origin. “Like new” or “99% pristine” units typically command higher prices than those with scratches or noticeable flaws.
Here are reference prices from major mobile phone chains in September 2025:
At XTmobile
iPhone 13 (128GB) 99% used: approximately 8,699,000 VND
iPhone 13 Pro 128GB 99% used: approximately 10,999,000 VND
iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB 99% used: approximately 12,499,000 VND
At Di Động Việt
iPhone 13 Pro 128GB like new: 13,290,000 VND
iPhone 13 128GB (Fullbox, like new): 9,190,000 VND
At MobileCity
• iPhone 13 128GB (99% used): 8,950,000 VND
• iPhone 13 256GB (98-99% used): 9,550,000 – 9,950,000 VND
At CellphoneS (used phones sold in-store)
• iPhone 13 128GB in good condition: ~ 10,190,000 VND
• iPhone 13 Pro 128GB in good condition: 12,490,000 VND
When purchasing a used iPhone 13, thoroughly inspect the battery, IMEI, iCloud status, appearance, and components such as the screen, camera, and speakers.
“Fresh Produce and Groceries, Always in Stock: Your Trusted Supermarket”
Under the directive of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and in anticipation of increased consumer demand during severe weather events, retail businesses have proactively increased their inventory levels by two to threefold compared to previous years.
Hanoi: High betel prices on Full Moon of January
Most essential items are “cooling down” in price compared to the Lunar New Year, except for betel nuts which are still holding steady at a high level.
