Best used smartphones!
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First-rate used smartphones are an amazing way to keep cash, and in this financial system, every penny you save is a win. A vivid new flagship might be a fulfilling purchase, but the used market helps you shop money without sacrificing too much capability and overall performance.
The nice telephones usually get a beneficial charge cut while their successor’s launch and people are notable locations to begin. And with some people religiously upgrading year after 12 months, it is easy to select up a gently-used handset for a far greater less expensive fee. Whether you want an iPhone 12, a shiny Samsung Galaxy S21, or something else totally, these are all the very great used cellphones you could purchase right now.
Generally, speakme it’s an amazing concept to head seeking out a used cellphone proper as its successor launches. Not most effective does this suggest the fee of your could-be cellphone is losing, it way there are going to be human beings who are willing to sell to pay for their own enhancements.
So with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S22 now right here, now could be an exquisite time to pick up an older Galaxy handset. The Galaxy S21 mainly has seen a few hefty price cuts over the past 12 months and a half, while nevertheless retaining the strong hardware and overall performance that made it so suitable when it was new.
The same may be actual for the iPhone 12. The iPhone thirteen has been around for several months, and with the iPhone 14 on the way, fees have already tanked. Relatively speaking, of course, considering how nicely iPhones generally tend to keep their value. The iPhone SE 2020 may additionally have things like the A13 Bionic processor, but the iPhone 12 nonetheless has all the makings of a flagship telephone.
If you’re wanting something larger than a phablet like the Galaxy S21 Ultra might be the manner to go. It’s not as vintage as some of the alternative devices in this list, but with the Note range formally dead, you may need to get the next-based totally issue. Especially when you consider that this is considered one of the handiest Galaxy S telephones that help the S Pen
The Google Pixel five additionally stays a stable choice, despite the Pixel 6 (and Pixel 6 Pro) substantially raising the bar for what Pixel phones should provide. Google’s growing old flagship won’t be a powerhouse like a number of the others, however, it nevertheless seems top-notch, gives a strong battery life, and enjoys all of the software program benefits of being a Pixel tool.
If it truly is not your jam, there’s usually the OnePlus nine. Already out shadowed by using the OnePlus 10 range, however with lots greater to offer. Certainly, if you feel battery lifestyle and performance, and can not live without the silky smooth displays you simply can not get on cheaper gadgets.
Of direction in case you really need to shop your coins for different matters, you may opt for something just like the iPhone SE and Google Pixel 5a. Both phones are highly cheap if you purchased them in the present day, and at the same time as they are not designed to be state of the art, the tech inner them remains pretty spectacular. And via shopping for a used ways you may pick out one up for a few exceptionally low-cost charges.
With new telephones liberating all the time, older devices are being phased out making this listing of the exceptional used smartphones one to watch going ahead. Let’s take a more in-depth appearance.
1. iPhone 12
Moving Apple’s phones forward, even if it’s not quite perfect
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.1-inch OLED (2532 x 1170)
CPU: A14 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear camera: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6); 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4)
Front camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 4.78 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 8:25 (5G), 10:23 (4G)
Today’s Best Deals
REASONS TO BUY
+
Attractive new design with MagSafe+
Comprehensive 5G coverage+
Impressive dual cameras+
Fastest performance in this price range+
Solid battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–
Only 64GB of base storage-
60Hz display-
Digital zoom could still use work
The iPhone 12 may additionally have been usurped by using the iPhone 13, but there’s no cause why you ought to brush aside it for being a bit over a 12 months vintage. The iPhone 12 still has masses to provide, along with first-rate battery existence, a large OLED display, the strength of the A14 Bionic, and 5G connectivity.
Apple would not sell any refurbished iPhone 12 fashions proper now, so in case you want to pick on up any type of Apple assure you’ll need to pay a complete rate. But no matter the publish-iPhone thirteen rate cut, it is still going to set you returned at least $599.
Third-party carriers like Swappa open in a new tab or Gazelle opens in a new tab and have the phone for as low as $495. While one’s gadgets are not guaranteed to be in the best running order, these second-hand stores do still have trendy protections for consumers consisting of refunds if you get something that wasn’t as defined.
And even if you’re now not prepared to buy the iPhone 12 proper now, you could most effectively anticipate these prices to hold losing within the run-up to the iPhone 14 launch this autumn.
What you’ll pay for a used iPhone 12
From $396 on Swappa(opens in new tab)
From $488 on Amazon (Refurbished)(opens in new tab)
From $384 on Gazelle(opens in new tab)
From $319 on Decluttr
2. Samsung Galaxy S21
Takes some features away, but it’s still a great Android phone for the price
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.2-inch AMOLED (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Snapdragon 888
RAM: 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 356GB / No
Rear camera: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 64MP telephoto (f/2.0) with 3x hybrid zoom/30x digital
Front camera: 10MP (ƒ/1.7)
Weight: 5.95 ounces
Battery life (Hrs: Mins): 9 hours and 53 minutes (60hz), 6 hours and 31 minutes (adaptive)
Today’s Best Deals
REASONS TO BUY
+
Excellent dynamic 120Hz display+
Powerful performance+
Refined design+
Powerful camera zoom
REASONS TO AVOID
–
No charger or microSD card slot-
Plastic back-
Some camera inconsistencies
Samsung isn’t one for making big adjustments from one flagship to some other, so you’re not going to miss out a lot by choosing the Galaxy S21 instead of the more recent, shinier Galaxy S22. In reality, on paper, the difference between the 2 is sort of negligible.
That way you get reverse wireless charging, 25W speedy charging, 5G, a 50MP telephoto fundamental camera, and the same OneUI you will locate on Samsung’s different devices. Like it is predecessor, the Galaxy S20, it doesn’t have a headphone jack, but you can not have the whole lot.
The first-class part is that the telephone is robust enough that you’ll be able to keep preserve of it for a long time. Especially now Samsung is promising even more years of Android and security updates.
What you’ll pay for a Samsung Galaxy S21
From $389 on Amazon (Refurbished)(opens in new tab)
From $352 on Swappa(opens in new tab)
From $339 on Decluttr(opens in new tab)
From $279 on Gazelle
3. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Galaxy note reborn
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED (3200 x 1400)
CPU: Snapdragon 868
RAM: 12GB, 16GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / No
Rear camera: 108MP wide (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 10MP telephoto (3x zoom, f/2.4), 10MP telephoto (10x zoom, f/4.9), laser AF sensor
Front camera: 40MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 8.88 ounces
Battery life (Hrs: Mins): 11 hours 25 min (60Hz), 10:07 (adaptive)
Today’s Best Deals
REASONS TO BUY
+
Dynamic 6.8-inch AMOLED display+
Dual telephoto lenses+
S Pen support+
Great battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–
Pricey-
No charger or microSD card-
A bit bulky
The Galaxy Note variety is lifeless but simplest in the call. Instead, the Galaxy S Ultra range has risen in its place, beginning with the S21 Ultra. While now not bundled with an S Pen, just like the S22 Ultra, the S21 nevertheless helps Samsung’s stylus and gives a bunch of productive functions and software.
The S21 Ultra may also have cost over $1,000 when it was released, however opposition to the flashier Galaxy S22 Ultra manner it has had some extensive price cuts over the past month or so. So if you need a large display telephone, with non-obligatory stylus support, however for a low fee, this is your first-class guess.
What you’ll pay for a used Galaxy S21 Ultra
From $585 on Amazon (Refurbished)(opens in new tab)
From $522 on Swappa(opens in new tab)
From $524 on Gazelle(opens in new tab)
From $519 on Decluttr
4. Google Pixel 5
A charming and reasonably-priced premium phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6-inch OLED (2340 x 1080)
CPU: Snapdragon 765G
RAM: 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB / No
Rear camera: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.7); 16MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)
Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)
Weight: 5.3ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:29
Today’s Best Deals
REASONS TO BUY
+
Solid battery life+
Useful Pixel software features+
Excellent camera
REASONS TO AVOID
–
No higher storage option
The Google Pixel five has lots going for it, however, it constantly felt overpriced for what it became. Thankfully the release of the lots more wonderful Pixel 6 approach the price has begun dropping, and could probably retain as people begin to offload their older devices.
While the Snapdragon 765G may additionally seem underwhelming, the Pixel five still packs in a number of notable functions. There’s the 90Hz show, a strong nine-and-a-half-hour battery existence, and a remarkable camera with a new ultrawide lens. Plus there is all the standard software program and digital camera capabilities that make the Pixel variety so famous, which incorporates first get right of entry to to the latest Android software program updates.
What you may pay for a used Google Pixel eight
From $319 on Amazon (Refurbished)(opens in new tab)
From $183 on Swappa(opens in new tab)
From $279 on Gazelle(opens in new tab)
From $319 on Decluttr
5. OnePlus 9
Solid performance with one notable compromise
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.55-inch AMOLED (2400 x 1080; 120Hz)
CPU: Snapdragon 888
RAM: 8GB ; 12GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB; 256GB
Rear camera: 48MP main (f/1.7), 50MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 2MP monochrome
Front camera: 16MP (f/2.4)
Weight: 6.77 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:51 (120Hz); 10:53 (60Hz)
REASONS TO BUY
+
Ridiculously fast charging+
Top-performing Android phone+
Better cameras than previous OnePlus models+
Solid battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–
Some color inconsistencies remain with cameras-
No IP water resistance rating on the unlocked phone-
Only the 9 Pro offers a dynamically adjusting display
OnePlus produces a few tremendous telephones, even though they certainly launch a number of them. This is why selecting up the final 12 months’ OnePlus 9 is constantly worth considering. With the OnePlus 10 Pro on sale, you could assume to find the preceding device for plenty much less than it would have valued you this time remaining year.
Not the handiest does OnePlus throw in a fantastic show, fast charging, 5G, and a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, you furthermore may have one of the excellent battery lives we had seen on the time of testing. On the pinnacle of that Oxygen OS has verified itself to be one of the cleanest versions of Android you may buy.
The digital camera isn’t the best, but it is still higher than previous OnePlus devices have needed to offer. The battery is likewise quite stable, with nearly 11 hours of lifestyle irrespective of whether or not you switch on the flamboyant 120Hz refresh fee or no longer. While the cheaper OnePlus Nord collection might be more appealing to some, they do still make lots of compromises. The OnePlus eight is probably over a 12 months old, however, it’s nevertheless flagship thru and thru.
What you’ll pay for a used OnePlus 9
From $405 on Amazon (Renewed)(opens in new tab)
From $283 on Swappa
6. iPhone SE (2020)
The cheapest iPhone you can buy
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 4.7-inch LCD (1334×750)
CPU: A13 Bionic
RAM: 3GB
Storage/Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear camera: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.8)
Front camera: 7MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 5.22 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:18
Today’s Best Deals
REASONS TO BUY
+
Affordable price+
Fast A13 Bionic performance+
Very good cameras
REASONS TO AVOID
–
Big bezels-
No Night mode
The iPhone SE 2020 is already a tremendous cost telephone, however picking up a used version manner you can keep even more on Apple’s price range iPhone. Your financial savings will be confined, thinking about the smartphone’s $399 MSRP, however now that the iPhone SE 2022 is right here the second one era version’s charge is going down.
You will have an iPhone eight-inspired layout, but with a number of the identical hardware because the iPhone 11. There’s the powerful A13 Bionic processor, wi-fi charging, a 12MP camera that uses computational photography to excellent effect, water resistance, and a stable nine plus hours of battery existence based on our checking out.
What you’ll pay for a used iPhone SE (2020)
From $185 on Amazon (refurbished)(opens in new tab)
From $179 on Decluttr(opens in new tab)
From $154 on Gazelle(opens in new tab)
From $144 on Swappa
7. Google Pixel 5a
A compact Pixel for a compact price
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.34-inch OLED (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Snapdragon 765G
RAM: 6GB
Storage/Expandable: 128GB, No
Rear cameras: 12.2MP (f/1.7), 16MP (f/2.2) ultrawide
Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)
Weight: 6.5 ounces
Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:45
Today’s Best Deals
REASONS TO BUY
+
Spectacular cameras+
Big, bright display+
IP67 water resistance
REASONS TO AVOID
–
Older chipset-
Limited to US and Japan-
No wireless charging
Now that the Pixel 6a is here you are going to start seeing the Google Pixel 5a drop in fee. So $449 turned into a bit too expensive for you, then you will need to keep your eyes peeled. We dubbed the Pixel 5a the “king of low-cost phones” way to it is superb featureset, wrapped up in a low-cost package deal.
It’s were given a large 6.34-inch display, sub-6GHz 5G, a dual digital camera setup with 12.2 MP and 16MP ultrawide lenses, and an 8MP selfie digicam. The battery is likewise pretty tremendous, lasting 9 hours and forty five minutes for the duration of our trying out regiment. It nevertheless lacks wi-fi charging, but that is a sacrifice you would need to make to save a few bucks.
From $319 on Amazon (refurbished)(opens in new tab)
From $283 on Swappa
How to pick out the high-quality used cellphone for you
Deciding which used the phone to shop for is a chunk more difficult than choosing a brand new phone, for apparent motives. Aside from the fact you need to make sure the unique device you’re looking at is in a perfect situation, you furthermore may recollect whether or now not the version you’re inquisitive about could be up to the challenge to deal with what you assume to throw at it.
Flagship smartphones are more effective than a lot of us understand, and so even in case you buy a device it really is years vintage, you are nonetheless probably to get a smartphone it truly is greater than effective sufficient to handle regular tasks. From browsing social media apps and websites to GPS navigation, video, and track streaming, and snapping photographs.
Where you would possibly begin to see an older cellphone sweat relates to the ones clearly taxing use instances, like playing the most strenuous, graphically wealthy cell video games and 4K video recording. Additionally, if the battery in an antique cellphone has by no means been replaced with a sparkling unit, it’s probably deteriorated to the factor wherein it won’t ultimate very lengthy on a rate every other component to don’t forget.
You also should take note of the repute of the software program and protection updates on the device. This is a particular region wherein it can pay to buy an older iPhone, due to the fact Apple helps its handsets for a way longer than the usual 2-three to 12 months rules Android phone makers commit to. In reality, the iPhone 6S a device that launched in 2015 can nonetheless get iOS 15, the latest model of Apple’s cellular operating device. The first-class case scenario on Android is the three years of updates Google reserves for its personal Pixel gadgets and Samsung devices bought after 2019.
How we take a look at smartphones
Every cellphone Tom’s Guide evaluates is tested for numerous days in real-global use cases and benchmarked with a gamut of performance-measuring apps. In terms of overall performance, we used Geekbench’s five to degree average pace and GFXBench to measure portraits’ overall performance.
We also use our personal video modifying check within the Adobe Premiere Rush app to look at how long it takes to transcode a clip, which we run on both Android telephones and iPhones to evaluate overall performance.
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We use a light meter to envision and show great facts, like brightness and shade accuracy, and our proprietary battery test determines durability on a fee with the aid of continuously loading stay webpages over a 4G or 5G community. We set each cellphone to a hundred and fifty nits of screen brightness and attempt to use T-Mobile’s community on every occasion in order to obtain similar outcomes across telephones.
Lastly, we discover the software program, test gaming overall performance and behavior live camera comparisons with rival handsets, and each of these factors plays a component in our complete verdict.
