If you’re looking for a new smartphone but don’t want to spend a lot of money on the most recent models, you should have a look at the plethora of budget-friendly flagships from the previous year. Since technology advances quickly, there is always a case to be made for buying a new item, but many flagship phones from a year or two ago are still excellent options that will satisfy the needs of the majority of users. You can frequently find these devices at steep discounts, and it’s interesting to note that many people still use them.
1. OnePlus 9
Even though the savings aren’t quite as good, old, official goods might be a more surefire wager here. The OnePlus 9 from 2021 is a good option for a not-quite-flagship on a budget for $599 through official channels. It has a fantastic display, lightning-quick charging, a reliable processor that is almost as fast as current models, and it will be kept secure with updates until 2025.
2. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is an excellent option for Android customers who want a reliable smartphone without paying the hefty price of a Galaxy S22 model. You can benefit from quick mobile internet speeds and more dependable messaging, calling, and video chatting thanks to its support for 5G LTE cellular networks. Pull out the SIM card tray to reveal a second slot for a microSD card or second SIM card for international calling along with 128GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded.
3. Motorola Moto Edge
When looking for a new or first phone, one of the most important features to consider is battery life, and the Motorola Moto Edge far outperforms the competition. Your phone can be used for an incredibly impressive 2 days on a single charge, and when you do need to recharge it, it supports fast charging so you can fill it up right away during your lunch break or commute.
4. Kyocera DuraSport
You need the Kyocera DuraSport 5G if you frequently work outside or enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, or camping. The MIL-STD-810H ratings for drop, shock, and temperature resistance, as well as the IP68 water resistance, were included in this phone’s design to make it the gold-standard in terms of cell phone sturdiness. Therefore, this phone is unaffected by water, sunshine, or even a 5-foot tumble into solid concrete.
5. iPhone SE
Even if the iPhone SE 2020 is already a fantastic value, buying a used unit allows you to save even more on Apple’s entry-level smartphone. Given the phone’s $399 MSRP, your savings will be modest, but the price of the iPhone SE 2022 is decreasing now that it is available.
6. Samsung Galaxy S21
You won’t lose much by choosing the Galaxy S21 over the more recent, shinier Galaxy S22 because Samsung doesn’t like to make significant modifications from one flagship to the next. The differences between the two are essentially insignificant on paper. You will therefore receive 5G, 25W fast charging, reverse wireless charging, a 50MP telephoto main camera, and the same OneUI found on Samsung’s other handsets.
7. Google Pixel 5
Although the Google Pixel 5 has many positive aspects, it has always seemed expensive for what it is. Thankfully, the price has begun to decline since the release of the far more spectacular Pixel 6, and this trend is sure to continue as users begin to part with their older devices. The Snapdragon 765G may not look impressive, but the Pixel 5 still has a tonne of fantastic features.
8. Google Pixel 5a
You’re likely to start noticing pricing reductions for the Google Pixel 5a now that the Pixel 6a is available. If $449 was a bit too much for you, then you should keep an eye out for deals. Due to its impressive feature set and low price, we dubbed the Pixel 5a the “king of affordable phones”.
9. Samsung S22 Ultra
Only in name is the Galaxy Note line of devices dead. Instead, the Galaxy S Ultra series, which includes the S21 Ultra, has taken its place. The S21 still supports Samsung’s stylus and offers a number of productivity tools and applications, despite not coming with a S Pen like the S22 Ultra.
10. Iphone 12
Consider an older model iPhone if you prefer Apple to Android but don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new phone. Despite not having the most recent A15 CPU or the extended battery life of the iPhone 13, Apple still sells the iPhone 12, which is a great deal for the money. The 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 12 has the same 2532 x 1170 resolution as the iPhone 13 and is powered by an A14 chip.
