As we stand on the brink of 2024, the smartphone market is brimming with options that can leave even the savviest of tech enthusiasts overwhelmed. Among the sea of choices lies a category that, while not brand-new, offers some of the best value for your money—old flagship phones.
These devices once stood at the pinnacle of innovation and luxury, and they still have much to offer. In this article, “Best Old Flagship Phones to Buy in 2024,” we will explore these former titans of technology, now more accessible than ever.
Join us as we unveil the top contenders that continue to deliver performance, style, and reliability, proving that true quality withstands the test of time. Whether you’re a power user or a casual consumer, this guide will help you find a phone that fits your needs and budget, without compromising on excellence.
Let’s dive into the world of old flagships and discover which ones are worth your investment in 2024.
What are Old Flagship Phones?
Old flagship phones are high-end smartphones that were once the premium offerings of their respective brands.
They typically feature top-of-the-line specifications, superior build quality, and advanced technology that represented the best available at the time of their release.
Despite being surpassed by newer models, these phones often maintain a level of performance and quality that makes them attractive options for consumers looking for premium features without the latest-model price tag.
They are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a flagship phone, such as powerful processors, high-quality cameras, and sleek designs, while also taking advantage of the reduced prices that come with time. Essentially, old flagship phones offer a way to experience luxury and high performance in a more budget-friendly manner.
Why Should You Buy Old Flagship Phones?
Purchasing old flagship phones can be a wise decision for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective: They offer a significant price reduction compared to the latest models while still providing many of the same premium features.
- High-Quality Features: Old flagships typically come with high-end specifications like advanced cameras, powerful processors, and quality displays.
- Durability: Built to be the best at the time of their release, these phones often have a build quality that endures.
- Software Support: Many older flagships continue to receive software updates, ensuring they remain secure and functional.
- Environmental Impact: Opting for an older model can be a more sustainable choice, reducing waste and the demand for new resources.
In essence, old flagship phones strike a balance between performance and value, making them an attractive option for those who want a premium smartphone experience without the premium price.
Top 10 Old Flagship Phones to Buy in 2024
Here’s a curated list of the top 10 old flagship phones to buy in 2024, complete with specifics, pros and cons, and ratings:
1. Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, even a year after its release, remains a strong contender in the smartphone market. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures it still runs smoothly, and the price drop following the release of newer models makes it a more attractive purchase. The camera system, with a 200MP main sensor, continues to impress with its ability to capture detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
Additionally, the all-day battery life means it can keep up with the demands of current smartphone usage. Overall, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s combination of performance, camera quality, and now improved affordability keeps it relevant in 2024.
- Specifics: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage¹.
- Pros: Stellar camera, vibrant display, and Samsung’s promise of AI feature updates¹.
- Cons: Incremental updates over its predecessor.
- Rating: 9/10
2. Xiaomi 13
The Xiaomi 13, even as we move into 2024, maintains its relevance for a variety of reasons. It’s a stylish flagship that stands out with its sleek design and impressive battery life, which is hard to drain even with heavy use.
The Leica-engineered camera system offers steady all-around performance, capturing great photos that rival newer models. Although it may not be available in every market, its solid rear cameras and overall performance make it a viable option for those who can access it.
The Xiaomi 13’s combination of design, battery longevity, and camera capabilities ensure it remains a competitive choice in the smartphone market.
- Specifics: Compact, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Leica camera technology.
- Pros: Great camera, solid performance, compact design.
- Cons: Availability may be limited.
- Rating: 8.5/10
3. OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 has aspects that keep it in the conversation. It’s known for its swift performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, making it a reliable device for gaming and app launches. The 2K resolution AMOLED screen is still a standout, offering vivid visuals for media consumption. While it has a robust battery with fast charging, it does miss out on wireless charging, which might be a drawback for some users.
However, the camera, carrying the Hasselblad brand, doesn’t quite meet the high expectations set by its competitors. Despite having a primary 50 MP camera and a 32 MP telephoto lens, it falls behind in the camera race, especially when compared to alternatives like the Xiaomi 13T, which offers a more balanced experience for a lower price.
With the OnePlus 12 on the horizon, rumored to bring significant improvements in battery life, performance, and especially the camera department, it might be worth waiting for those seeking the latest tech. Yet, for those who prioritize a smooth user experience and a great display over the absolute latest in camera technology, the OnePlus 11 remains a solid choice.
- Specifics: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Hasselblad-tuned cameras.
- Pros: Excellent imaging, durable build, good value.
- Cons: Not a significant leap from OnePlus 10.
- Rating: 8/10
4. ASUS ROG Phone 7
The ASUS ROG Phone 7, even in 2024, is still a top pick for mobile gamers. Its gaming-centric features, like the 165Hz refresh rate and the built-in subwoofer, offer an immersive gaming experience that’s hard to match.
The cooling mechanism ensures the phone performs optimally during long gaming sessions. While its cameras may not be the best in class, the phone’s overall performance, especially for gaming, keeps it relevant.
It’s also one of the few phones with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a plus for gamers who prefer wired audio.
The ROG Phone 7’s focus on gaming performance and features makes it a unique offering in the smartphone market, even as we move further into 2024.
- Specifics: Gaming phone, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, advanced cooling system.
- Pros: Optimized for gaming, robust thermal management.
- Cons: Bulky design may not appeal to all.
- Rating: 8.5/10
5. Apple iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is still a highly capable device. Its A16 Bionic chip ensures it runs the latest apps and games efficiently. The camera system, with its 48-megapixel main lens, continues to be a strong point, producing high-quality images that compete well with newer models.
The introduction of the Dynamic Island was a significant design change that improved the user interface experience. Additionally, the always-on display feature, which was new with the 14 Pro, remains a useful feature for many users. The build quality is robust, and the water resistance adds to its durability, making it a solid choice for those who don’t necessarily need the latest model.
- Specifics: A15 Bionic chip, ProMotion technology.
- Pros: Superb performance, excellent camera system.
- Cons: Pricey compared to other old flagships.
- Rating: 9/10
6. Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23, even a year after its release, remains a strong option for those in the market for a smartphone. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
The price reduction following the launch of the S24 series makes it a more affordable choice without sacrificing quality. The camera system, with a 50MP main sensor, continues to deliver vibrant and detailed images. The S23’s sleek design, vibrant display, reliable performance, and capable camera system, combined with five years of software support, make it a compelling choice for buyers in 2024.
- Specifics: Well-rounded features, more affordable than Ultra.
- Pros: Good all-rounder, decent camera.
- Cons: Not as feature-rich as the Ultra model.
- Rating: 8/10
7. Google Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 7, even two years after its release, remains a solid choice for many users in 2024. It’s praised for its clean Android experience and the Google Tensor G2 chip, which provides a good balance of performance and efficiency.
The camera system, with a 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide, still takes great photos with accurate color and contrast. Plus, it’s set to receive Android 15 and 16 updates, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest software features.
While it may not be the top-of-the-line model anymore, with the Pixel 8 series taking that spot, the Pixel 7 offers a great value proposition. It’s especially appealing for those who want a pure Android experience with Google’s machine learning integration, which enhances features like speech-to-text conversion and image processing. However, for intense gaming, it might not be the best due to the Tensor G2’s tendency to heat up under heavy loads.
Overall, the Pixel 7’s combination of software support, camera quality, and performance keeps it relevant for users who don’t necessarily need the absolute latest hardware but still want a reliable and capable smartphone.
- Specifics: Pure Android experience, excellent photography.
- Pros: Clean OS, great camera
- Cons: Battery life could be better.
- Rating: 8.5/10
8. Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a, even in 2024, is still a noteworthy device for several reasons. It’s recognized for offering one of the best values among Android phones, providing a pure Android experience with years of software support. Its design is distinctive, featuring the recognizable camera bar and a compact form factor that appeals to users who prefer a smaller device. The performance is snappy, thanks to the Google Tensor chip, which also powers advanced photo tools for a camera that punches above its weight class.
However, it’s often found second-hand or refurbished, as newer models like the Pixel 7a have taken its place with better specs and longer support. Despite this, the Pixel 6a’s affordability and the continued updates make it a viable option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone without sacrificing quality or performance.
- Specifics: Affordable Pixel, clean Android.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, good performance.
- Cons: Camera not on par with higher-end Pixels.
- Rating: 7.5/10
9. Apple iPhone SE (2020)
- Specifics: A13 Bionic chip, classic design².
- Pros: Affordable, good performance².
- Cons: Outdated design, small screen.
- Rating: 7/10
10. iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Specifics: Latest A-series chip, best-in-class cameras.
- Pros: Top performance, long battery life³.
- Cons: Very expensive, even as an old flagship.
- Rating: 9.5/10
How to Know the Best Flagship Phone to Buy
When selecting an old flagship phone, consider the following factors:
- Performance: Ensure the phone can handle your typical usage without lag.
- Camera Quality: Look for phones with high-quality cameras if photography is important to you.
- Battery Life: Choose a phone that can last through your day.
- Software Support: Check if the phone still receives updates to stay secure and functional.
- Condition: If buying pre-owned, assess the phone’s condition carefully.
Conclusion
The old flagship phones listed above offer a fantastic mix of features, performance, and value. They are the best picks for 2024 if you’re looking to get a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag. Remember to consider your needs and do your research to find the best deal for you.
