As smartphone theft continues to be a growing problem worldwide, it’s become clear that thieves are being quite selective about the devices they target. iPhones, in particular, are significantly more popular among thieves than Samsung Galaxy devices. This has become so alarming that some theft victims are even able to get their phones back simply because their devices are Samsung. Incidents in London and reported in the press indicate that thieves are less likely to favor Android-based phones than iPhones, and sometimes even return them after stealing them.
A shocking development for Android users: Thieves don’t want Samsungs
The perception that Android phones will be cheaper than iPhones by 2025 is actually false. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra costs more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are selling for around $2,000. Even Samsung’s upcoming tri-fold phone is expected to reach $3,000. However, phone thieves appear oblivious to this price fluctuation. Thieves are focused on the quick cash return on second-hand devices, not on specifications or current retail prices, and they see Apple products as more valuable in this market.
According to data from the Metropolitan Police in the UK, 117,211 mobile phone thefts occurred in London alone in 2024. While police records don’t distinguish brands, victims’ accounts clearly demonstrate that thieves don’t want Samsung phones. For example, a 32-year-old victim named Sam says his camera and beanie were stolen when he was robbed by a gang of eight people, but one of the thieves returned his Samsung phone. Similarly, another user named Mark says a thief on a bicycle stole his phone, then realized it was a Samsung and threw it on the ground.
Experts attribute this situation to economic reasons rather than security vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity consultant Jake Moore points out that Apple devices have a much higher second-hand market value, making them a more attractive target for thieves. Both iPhones and Android phones have advanced security measures. Android even has features like “Theft Detection Lock,” which detects theft using an accelerometer and locks a device. However, the deciding factor for thieves isn’t the locking system itself, but how easily and at a high price the device can be disposed of.
Consequently, the competition between iOS and Android has had an interesting impact on the world of theft. Samsung users are able to salvage their devices from such incidents because thieves perceive their devices’ resale value to be lower. This highlights how technological devices influence street events not only through their hardware but also through the brand perception they create. So, what are your thoughts on this interesting theft trend? Do you think the brand of phone you use offers an advantage or disadvantage against thieves? We welcome your comments.
