Not everyone needs the latest flagship. A well-chosen second-hand phone from one or two generations ago can deliver excellent performance at a fraction of the cost. Here are the best options to look for in 2025.
Before buying any second-hand phone: always check the IMEI, verify the device is not blacklisted, and confirm iCloud or Google account has been removed.
What makes a good second-hand buy?
The best second-hand phones share a few key qualities: they still receive software updates, have widely available parts for repairs, hold their performance well over time, and have dropped enough in price to represent real value. Here are our top picks for 2025.
iPhone 13 or 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 series hit a sweet spot that makes it outstanding value in 2025. It has the A15 Bionic chip which still handles everything effortlessly, a significantly improved camera system, and Apple's long software support means it will receive updates well into the late 2020s.
The 13 Pro adds a ProMotion 120Hz display and a telephoto camera for those who want more. Both models can be found in great condition at significantly reduced prices now that the iPhone 15 and 16 are on the market.
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung's Galaxy S23 remains one of the best Android phones you can buy used. Samsung committed to four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for this device, meaning it will stay current and secure for years. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is still extremely fast, and the camera system is excellent.
iPhone 12
If budget is the priority, the iPhone 12 is still a very capable phone in 2025. It was the first iPhone with 5G, has an excellent camera for its price on the second-hand market, and continues to receive iOS updates. At current used prices, it represents outstanding value for anyone switching from an older device.
Samsung Galaxy A54
The Galaxy A54 is one of Samsung's best mid-range phones ever made, and on the second-hand market it is exceptional value. It has a 120Hz AMOLED display, a solid camera setup, an IP67 rating, and Samsung has committed to four OS updates. For buyers who do not need a flagship, this is hard to beat.
Google Pixel 7 or 7 Pro
Google's Pixel phones receive guaranteed OS updates for five years and security updates even longer. The Pixel 7 has one of the best cameras in its class thanks to Google's computational photography, and the second-hand price has dropped considerably. If you want a phone that will be supported and secure for years, Pixels are hard to beat.
What to avoid
When buying second-hand, avoid phones that are more than four or five years old unless the price is very low. Older devices may no longer receive security updates, meaning vulnerabilities go unpatched. Also avoid any phone that is carrier locked if you plan to use it on a different network or travel internationally.
Always check the IMEI first
Before buying any second-hand phone, verify the IMEI matches the listed model and is not blacklisted.
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