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Buying a new phone can be satisfying, especially when you’re unboxing it, with all the shininess and all the extras that a company could include in the packaging box. However, I still buy used phones over new ones for these reasons.
1It’s Cheaper Than Buying New
Buying a used phone is an opportunity to save cash because used phones cost less than new ones for various reasons. These include wear and tear from usage, evident through the degradation of the battery’s health and physical signs like scratches and dents.
There’s also the aspect of warranty and support, and, of course, you shouldn’t forget about depreciation, which causes phones to lose their value over time. Aside from these, there are otherfactors that affect a smartphone’s resale value.
Here’s a good example: Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro for $999 in September 2024. But as of this writing (barely two months later), you can get a usediPhone 16 Profor as low as $800.
That saves you $200, enough to get a brand-new pair of Apple’sAirPods Pro 2earbuds. That’s a steal, considering the iPhone 16 series just came out. And if you go for the iPhone 15 models, the savings get bigger.
2Used Phones Offer More Value for Money
Another reason I’d buy a used phone over a new one is that it offers better bang for your buck. Because used phones are cheaper than new ones, for reasons previously discussed, you can get high-end features on these devices without paying top dollar.
For example, theGalaxy S24 Ultralaunched at $1,299 in January 2024 for the base model with 256GB of storage. However, as of November 2024, I can find pre-owned models for as low as $650. The value you get for this price is mindblowing.
With a budget of $650 to $700, you can’t even get the base Galaxy S24 if you go the new phone route. You’ll have to settle for theSamsung Galaxy S24 FE, which doesn’t offer the same value as the base S24, let alone the flagship S24 Ultra, used or brand new.
3Less Pressure to Keep Up With Trends
Another advantage of buying used phones is I feel far less pressure to keep up with the annual upgrade cycle. I have both an iPhone and an Android device. I bought the iPhone used and the Android phone brand new, and whenever there’s a new Android model, I always feel the nudge to upgrade. But this hasn’t been the case with my iPhone.
Having experienced both sides of the coin, I can attest that whenever I have a new phone, there’s always that urge to replace the device as soon as the next model is out. But with a used phone, a mindset shift happens. Instead of replacing the device because the next model came out, you focus on practicality and value. You don’t feel you need to upgrade for the sake of it.
You start seeing your device as a tool and only feel the need to upgrade whenever you think there’s a need to—for instance, the phone no longer receives essential software and security updates, is damaged beyond repair, or when upgrading makes a tangible difference.
4The Used Phone Market Is Well-Developed
These days, buying a used phone is more accessible and safer than ever, thanks to the increase in popularity of pre-owned marketplaces such as Swappa, Back Market, and othersites where you can sell your used phone.
Plus, when you need to buy a used phone, you’re not restricted to buying from another person or a marketplace for used tech. Companies like Apple and Samsung have refurbished programs that restore used devices and sell them for less. EvenGoogle sells refurbished Pixel phones now.
Thanks to the growth of this market, you have a wide range of options when buying used phones. Plus, it’s much more common to receive a warranty even on a used device, which gives you confidence that you can get a reliable phone without the high cost of a new one. Despite all this, we still recommend you review our checklist offactors to consider when buying a used phone.
5Buying Used Is Better for the Environment
Another big reason why I opt for used phones over new ones is the environmental impact. Different materials are used to manufacture phones, some of which are rare earth metals. For example, batteries used in modern smartphones contain minerals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which have to be mined. As you probably know, the mining and processing of minerals lead to environmental pollution.
Buying a used phone is better for the environment in two ways. First, buying used means extending the lifespan of an existing device, increasing the time it takes to be recycled, or, in the worst-case scenario, ending up in a landfill (sincee-waste is dangerous to the environment). Second, by choosing a used phone, I help reduce the demand for production, thus minimizing electronic waste.
Sure, major companies are increasingly using recycled materials in their phones, but not everything is recyclable—at least not yet. Buying a used product is a simple but impactful choice that aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle, and by doing so, I’m contributing to a smaller environmental footprint.
The only advantage of buying a brand-new phone is access to the latest technology. However, buying a used phone has various advantages. Used phones are cheaper, offer better value for money, and are better for the environment. At the same time, it’s just as easy as buying a new one, thanks to the well-developed market for used electronics. Lastly, and most importantly, you feel less pressure to keep up with the trends.
