Buying an older flagship used to be a mistake — not anymore - Android Police

Buying an older flagship used to be a mistake — not anymore - Android Police
December 13, 2025 at 1:30 PM

Buying an older flagship used to be a gamble. Short software support and hot, inefficient chipsets made midrange phones the safer pick. In 2025, that’s flipped: Android flagships now offer up to seven years of updates, newer chips are both powerful and efficient, and last year’s premium models routinely drop to half their launch price. If you want luxury hardware and top-tier performance without overspending, these are the smart buys.

Top older flagships worth your money

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (best all-around value)

    • Typical pricing: new around $750; renewed often under $500
    • Why it’s compelling: Minimal design changes versus the Pixel 10 Pro XL, a gorgeous 6.8-inch Super Actua display, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and a sturdy aluminum frame
    • Performance: Tensor G4 runs cool and fast, backed by 16GB RAM for long-term headroom
    • Software: Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive design and roughly six years of updates remaining; Google continues backporting many Gemini features to older hardware
    • Buying tip: Renewed units (e.g., via Amazon) add return protections and typically show minimal wear at just one year old

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (underrated powerhouse)

    • Typical pricing: renewed around $400; consider S24 Ultra for ~+$100 if you want longer support
    • Why it’s compelling: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers strong, cool performance and excellent battery life; 6.8-inch QHD+ display is outstanding for streaming and gaming
    • Extras: S Pen with Bluetooth returns, softened display curve for better handling, and a 200MP main camera that still holds its own
    • Software: About two more years of One UI upgrades and three years of security updates left; One UI 8 remains polished

  • Motorola Razr+ 2024 (foldable on a budget)

    • Typical pricing: often $300–$400 renewed
    • Why it’s compelling: Premium clamshell design with a larger 4-inch cover screen that handles everyday tasks, plus Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 12GB RAM
    • Durability and software: Hinge is solid (though not class-leading); Motorola’s updates can be slow, but Hello UI is clean and unobtrusive

Why older flagships make more sense now

  • Longer support windows: Leading brands now commit to years of OS and security updates, extending a flagship’s functional life
  • Efficient, cooler chipsets: Newer silicon avoids the thermal and battery pitfalls that plagued some older generations
  • Premium experience at midrange prices: You keep top-tier cameras, displays, materials, and features without paying launch-day premiums
  • Smarter ways to save: Renewed programs and frequent price drops make lightly used flagships a low-risk, high-value buy

Bottom line
If you’re shopping in 2025, a one- or two-year-old flagship can beat a brand-new midrange phone on performance, features, and long-term value—often for hundreds less. Pick up an older flagship and pocket the savings.

Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/older-flagship-values/

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