10 Used Telephones That Are Completely Value It

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A brand new top-tier cellphone with all of the hype, specs, and design makes it an interesting pocket-sized powerhouse, however the worth places it out of attain for a lot of patrons. For instance, the iPhone 17 Professional begins at $1,099, and the iPhone 17 Professional Max begins at $1,199, with greater storage configurations costing extra. Though some carriers provide reductions and trade-ins, these typically contain SIM locks, a significant disadvantage. That is why many individuals flip to used telephones. Smartphones have excessive depreciation, and the second you unbox it, the worth drops even in case you by no means use it. Due to this fact, shopping for a used cellphone cannot solely aid you lower your expenses, but additionally acquire entry to premium options for much less.

Together with everything to consider when buying a new phone, you want to have a look at just a few different components when going for a used cellphone. Together with the cellphone’s bodily situation, battery well being, years of updates remaining, and whether or not it is carrier-unlocked. Moreover, you could test if it has a clear IMEI to make sure it is not stolen or blacklisted, as a way to activate it with a appropriate provider.

Whereas refurbished telephones are promising, they’re typically a bit costlier than used telephones. In addition to, even after years of use, flagships from Apple, Samsung, or Google can nonetheless outshine newer mid-range telephones. As an illustration, the 2023 Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely delivered about two hours extra battery life than the newer Galaxy A36, although each function 5,000 mAh batteries. Let’s discover ten used telephones that also pack a punch.

You’ll be able to at all times wager on an iPhone, even after years of releases, and what’s higher than getting it from a used market at decrease costs? The iPhone 15 lineup is an ideal instance. Each the iPhone 15 and 15 Professional ship cutting-edge options that also really feel recent.

With the normal iPhone 15, you get Apple’s highly effective A16 Bionic chip, together with a Tremendous Retina XDR show and a studio-quality digicam setup. Plus, you need to use a USB-C connector for charging, which was missing within the predecessor. A shortcoming is charging speeds because the cellphone solely helps a 20W energy adapter, which might require over an hour to offer a full cost.

Should you’re an influence person, the iPhone 15 Pro is an impressive smartphone. You get a extra sturdy and light-weight titanium physique. Plus, it is powered by an A17 Professional chip for console-quality gaming and sooner multitasking. On high of that, ProMotion expertise makes the show buttery easy, whereas the digicam system ensures beautiful captures with spectacular video recording and stabilization that may rival devoted cameras.

Though authentic pricing exceeds mid-range expectations, beginning at $799 for the iPhone 15 and $999 for the 15 Professional at launch, you may get a used iPhone 15 for between $350 and $400 right now, whereas a 15 Professional averages $450. With a minimal of 5 years of software program help, you are getting high options that ought to maintain up properly into the longer term, with out paying flagship costs.

Should you’re searching for a pure Android expertise, the Google Pixel lineup stays the most effective choices obtainable. You get Google’s smartest software program baked into premium {hardware}. Even the getting old Pixel 8 lineup is difficult to beat, providing Google’s AI-powered options like Magic Editor and Photograph Unblur.

In contrast to many Android telephones, Google Pixel telephones do not include bloatware, and you will solely discover important apps. The Google Tensor G3 chip is designed to simply deal with a number of demanding duties and the Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch OLED show, which delivers vivid colours and helps HDR10+ with peak brightness of as much as 2,000 nits. 

You’ll be able to push the Pixel expertise additional with the Pixel 8 Professional. Right here, you get a bigger and sharper LTPO OLED show with a 120Hz refresh charge, which presents easy scrolling. Due to Google’s computational images, you may seize crisp, detailed photographs even in low gentle. The Pixel’s superior picture processing makes it able to rivaling DSLR-quality images.

Within the used market, you may sometimes discover the Google Pixel 8 for round $300 and the Pixel 8 Professional within the vary of $350 to $400. With seven years of promised software program help, shopping for these used gadgets means you will nonetheless get loads of updates. Contemplating their highly effective Tensor processor and computational images, used Pixel telephones can ship digicam outcomes and benchmark scores that rival newer mid-range gadgets just like the Samsung Galaxy A56.

The development for smaller telephones is fading away, with just a few choices obtainable, together with the iPhone SE. Should you miss the times of small iPhones that slip proper into your pocket, the SE brings that again with out compromising on pace. With a display measurement of 4.7 inches, it packs shocking energy right into a compact body. The iPhone SE blends iPhone’s old-school design components with a contemporary, highly effective processor. The light-weight design options the A15 Bionic chip with 5G help, and Contact ID provides a traditional iPhone really feel. 

Shifting to the digicam, the iPhone SE delivers good images in daylight, however struggles to seize clear photographs in low-light or evening mode. Nonetheless, a used SE can get you an iPhone expertise with out shelling out an excessive amount of cash. This machine is without doubt one of the most inexpensive entries into Apple’s ecosystem of iMessage, FaceTime, and the App Retailer.

When launched, the cellphone began at $429. Nonetheless, you may get a used iPhone SE for beneath $150. Since Apple helps its telephones for years with iOS updates, even a used iPhone SE ought to have loads of life left in it. Earlier than shopping for, affirm that the machine shouldn’t be provider locked, as a way to insert a appropriate SIM card.

For individuals who love bigger screens however want one thing that also suits in a pocket, foldable telephones strike the correct steadiness. The Google Pixel Fold combines all one of the best smartphone {hardware} and software program goodies right into a tablet-style display. However, not like a pill, the Pixel Fold comes with two shows. You get a 5.8-inch OLED outer show when the cellphone is folded, and an immersive 7.6-inch display with a 120 Hz refresh charge when opened up. 

The Pixel Fold, which is supported by a hinge, would not really feel completely easy to the contact, however it does ship strong digicam efficiency and well-optimized software program that enhances the general expertise. You’ll be able to deal with fast duties on the outer display, and when it is time to watch motion pictures or deal with workplace work, merely unfold it for a tablet-like expertise. This may increasingly sound thrilling, nonetheless, there are just a few key components to concentrate on when shopping for one second-hand. 

You may get a used Pixel Fold for beneath $500, however reparability is one thing to observe for. Google presents real substitute elements and software program calibration instruments for the Pixel Fold. Nonetheless, the Fold’s intricate hinge and dual-display development make it one of many tougher telephones to restore, even with elements obtainable. With normal telephones, you may anticipate finding cheaper elements even after the help is over, however that won’t maintain true for the Fold. So, earlier than shopping for, make certain the cellphone is in good bodily situation with correct adhesion and no free elements.

Consider a cellphone with top-tier {hardware}, a stellar digicam, quick charging functionality, and Android’s open-source ecosystem amalgamated right into a premium construct. Right here comes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely, initially priced at $1,199 for the bottom mannequin, now promoting for beneath $500 on the second-hand market. Though it was launched a few years in the past, it might probably nonetheless problem many mid-range gadgets and even just a few top-tier flagships with its digicam high quality and processing energy. Chatting with this, the Galaxy S23 Ultra beat the iPhone 14 Pro Max in a performance test. Plus, you get a trendy S Pen that can be utilized for air-gesture controls, distant media management, or taking footage, one thing that even the most recent Galaxy S25 Extremely can not do.

It encompasses a curved edge-to-edge 6.8-inch AMOLED show delivering sharp, color-accurate immersive visuals. Moreover, Samsung’s One UI software is spectacular, boasting a clear and polished interface, extensively regarded for its intuitive design. The digicam zoom on Samsung telephones has set a benchmark, and the Galaxy S23 Extremely carries that legacy with its 10x optical telephoto. You additionally will not be upset with the 5,000 mAh battery, which has wonderful endurance together with balanced efficiency throughout calls, net shopping, and video playback. On high of that, Samsung gives 5 years of help. If you’re an influence person with finances constraints, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a superb used cellphone possibility.

Bear in mind when flip telephones dominated the market, with a display on one facet, a keypad on the opposite, and that seen mechanical hinge in between? They’re again with a contemporary twist: No keypad, minimally seen hinge, and a full end-to-end show. If you wish to relive that nostalgia in a contemporary bundle, seize the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. The cellphone has two screens. When closed, the outer cowl encompasses a 3.4-inch show that is good for fast entry to notifications, calls, and important apps. Opened up, the Flip5 has an even bigger 6.7-inch Tremendous AMOLED show with a 120Hz refresh charge. Even used, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is one of the coolest smartphones around.

The compact design would not sacrifice the cellphone’s efficiency. There’s a nice all-around digicam expertise and a first rate 3,700 mAh battery that ought to final a full day. The Flip5 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which delivers flagship-grade efficiency that may deal with heavy multitasking. When launched, the Galaxy Z Flip5 was priced at $1,000, however you may get it now on the used marketplace for beneath $300. It is a whole lot for such a trendy cellphone, simply make sure the hinge is in good situation and that the delicate internal display has no indicators of damage or tear.

If you’re searching for an Android cellphone past what Samsung or Google presents, the OnePlus 12 competes with the best for less. OnePlus has lengthy been identified for providing flagship-grade telephones that undercut the competitors on worth. As an illustration, the OnePlus 7 launched at simply $669, considerably cheaper than rival flagships from Samsung and Apple on the time. The OnePlus 12 isn’t any totally different. It’s powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which presents sustained efficiency and environment friendly thermals, making it an ideal gaming cellphone. The 6.82-inch AMOLED show helps HDR10+, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and might attain as much as 4,500 nits of peak brightness. Should you hate plugging your cellphone in for lengthy stretches, the OnePlus 12 can cost in simply half-hour with an 80W charger.

Other than {hardware} and SoC, the digicam system can be spectacular. The OnePlus 12 delivers spectacular ends in shiny gentle and presents strong optical zoom, although it would not fairly match the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely’s dealing with of low-light scenes. You additionally get snappier software program with OxygenOS 15, which incorporates AI instruments like AI Unblur, AI Reflection Eraser, and AI Element Increase. The OnePlus 12 is comparatively future-proof with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches included. That’s lower than what’s promised by Google and Samsung, nonetheless, OnePlus explained why it isn’t providing seven years of support. Should you’re searching for a do-it-all smartphone that does not break the financial institution, a used OnePlus 12 may be snagged for round $500.

If you would like flagship efficiency with out spending flagship cash, the Xiaomi 13T Professional is a strong deal. Although Xiaomi maintains a tiny share within the U.S market, that does not cease it from transport premium telephones. Based on StatCounter’s U.S. mobile vendor data, Xiaomi accounted for simply over 1.5% of smartphones in use throughout the nation since September 2024. Whereas Xiaomi might not have the identify recognition of Samsung or Google, it simply competes with them on efficiency and worth.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chip, the Xiaomi 13T Professional can deal with demanding duties and is nice for on a regular basis use. The speedy 144 Hz refresh charge on the 6.67-inch AMOLED show makes scrolling fluid and provides minimal movement blur, good for fast-paced video games. The triple-camera setup captures detailed and vibrant photographs even in low gentle, due to the Leica-tuned system. The Xiaomi 13T Professional’s charging pace additionally outpaces Samsung’s and Google’s flagship telephones, with 120W HyperCharge functionality that may cost the 5,000 mAh battery from zero to 100% in about 25 minutes. Out of the field, it operates on MIUI, however since Xiaomi has rolled out its new working system to many present gadgets, you might discover it operating on HyperOS, which feels like Apple’s version of Android. On the used market, the Xiaomi 13T Professional is out there for beneath $200, making it a performance-packed discount for these in search of flagship options with out the premium tag.

For a Google Pixel expertise on a smaller finances, you may get a used Pixel 7 Pro for beneath $250. It comes with Pixel’s images magic and a bloatware-free person expertise. Because it’s designed by Google, you get clear, optimized software program with easy efficiency, together with well-built {hardware} that feels premium to the contact. The cellphone runs on Google’s personal Tensor G2 chip, which presents superior AI, speech, and imaging duties. Nevertheless it’s not a top-tier gaming chip, so you will seemingly discover throttling in demanding video games. In the case of a balanced all-around cellphone with a superior digicam and strong efficiency, the Pixel 7 Professional is an effective possibility. The images captured by the cellphone are wonderful, providing nice HDR efficiency and colour accuracy, making it one of many high performers in smartphone images. 

The sluggish charging speeds take away among the attraction, as it takes almost two hours to totally cost the 5,000 mAh battery with a 23W charger. Nonetheless, Google prioritizes battery well being and longevity over sooner charging speeds. Nonetheless, the cellphone’s effectivity and battery administration are spectacular, making certain dependable all-day efficiency even with average to heavy use. Should you’re set on shopping for a Google cellphone however have finances constraints, then a used Pixel 7 Professional is value contemplating.

Reducing by all of the flagships is the mid-range powerhouse Samsung Galaxy A35. If you’re switching from an iPhone ecosystem and searching for an Android platform that does not break the bank, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is an effective possibility. Whereas it was already a finances cellphone when new, on the used market, you may seize one for round $70. Do not be fooled by its modest worth, nonetheless, because the options it presents will not disappoint. The Galaxy A35 encompasses a 6.6-inch AMOLED show with a 120 Hz refresh charge that delivers easy, color-accurate visuals. Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chipset, an in-house processor designed for balanced efficiency and energy effectivity, it is tuned for easy on a regular basis use. And with a triple digicam setup, you get good images and movies with strong picture processing in pure gentle. 

Charging speeds are modest by fashionable requirements, with a 25W wired charger that may take a minimum of an hour and a half to totally cost the 5,000 mAh battery. Whereas that is comparatively sluggish, the cellphone can final for a full day with combined utilization of calls, video games, social media, and digicam clicks. Nonetheless, with Samsung’s 5-year software program help promise, the Galaxy A35 delivers a balanced midrange expertise that ought to dwell as much as expectations. It is an amazing choose in case you’re new to Android, due to Samsung’s easy-to-use One UI. And as a backup cellphone, it is reliable with strong battery life, whereas Android’s flexibility permits you to personalize every part from icons to themes.

Not everybody has the identical cellphone necessities, so we included a various number of smartphones geared toward totally different customers. As an illustration, the iPhone 15 Professional, Pixel 8 Professional, and Galaxy S23 Extremely carry model worth. They’re designed for images lovers whereas nonetheless delivering highly effective efficiency, wonderful shows, and long-term software program help. The Pixel Fold and Galaxy Flip Z5 are nice selections for many who need a fashionable cellphone that doesn’t compromise on on a regular basis performance. The OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 13T Professional give all-around efficiency with quick charging, making them nice for avid gamers and long-haul customers. When purchasing for a used smartphone, longevity issues simply as a lot as worth and options, and a typical parameter we thought of throughout all choices is prolonged help for software program and safety updates.

When doable, purchase offline so you may examine the cellphone’s situation straight. Should you’re shopping for on-line, test the situation as famous by web sites resembling BackMarket. It typically lists the situation as “Good”, “Truthful”, or “Glorious” subsequent to the mannequin. We have additionally taken under consideration the worth and picked telephones that price lower than half the unique worth on the second-hand market, like Swappa. Lastly, it is best to select a cellphone that is no more than a few years previous, as it is going to seemingly have more moderen specs, years of help remaining, and good reparability.