If you’re looking for a flagship grade phone without breaking the bank, buying an older model during festive discounts or deals is a smart move. But with pre-owned models, these premium devices basically become a steal deal. So here’s a short list of the best flagship smartphones you can buy in the US that are worth it in 2025.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung is widely considered to offer one of the best and most premium experiences in the Android segment with its strong cross platform ecosystem and great custom Android skin. The Galaxy S23 Ultra was the brand’s top flagship model in 2023, offering cutting edge specs and great hardware overall.
So why should you pick this one? The camera system hasn’t changed much in the last few years, so there’s only a minor difference with even the latest S25 Ultra. So you still get great zoom shots and a large 200MP main camera. It packs the older but still powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, features long software support, and a great display. One can even get their hands on a refurbished model for around $500, so a pre-owned model would be even more affordable.
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G AI Smartphone (Phantom Black, 12GB, 256GB Storage) | Check Price on Amazon |
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2. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Samsung’s biggest competitor in the US market is Apple, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the direct rival to the S23 Ultra. Historically speaking, iPhones usually retain their values the best even in the second hand market. So buying even a pre-owned model and upgrading later on is still worth it, especially for a top-end flagship iPhone.
A used iPhone 15 Pro Max can be in the range of around $700, depending on the variant. For this money, you get a 120Hz OLED display on an iPhone, the power A17 Pro chip, and a great and consistent set of cameras. Rounding off the list is the premium build quality that uses materials like titanium.
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Apple iPhone 15 (128 GB) – Pink | Check Price on Amazon |
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3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
If you love photography, you’ve probably heard great things about Google’s Pixel smartphones. With the Pixel 10 series around the corner and Pixel 9 being the current gen models, the Pixel 8 Pro is available at a steep discount in the pre-owned market.
Depending on the platform, Google’s top phone from 2023 can be purchased for a mid range cost of under $500 in the US. While its chipset isn’t the most powerful in the market, you’re not missing out on much if you don’t game often on the Pixel 8 Pro and use it primarily for photography.
4. OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 was already a solid deal when it first made its debut. But over time, the Chinese brand’s older flagship is even sweeter. For around $500, you get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making it the fastest Android phone in this list. The front has a tall 120Hz AMOLED display, while the rear has a triple camera setup that offers a good photography experience as well. It also packs the largest battery pack here, with super fast charging for an added experience.
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