Why I always buy used phones instead of new ones

Buying a new phone can be satisfying, especially when you unbox it, with all the glitz and extras the company might have packed into the box. However, I still buy used phones over new ones for these reasons.

1 It’s cheaper than buying new

Buying a used phone is an opportunity to save money because used phones cost less than new ones for a variety of reasons. These include wear and tear from use, which is evident in the degradation of battery health, and physical marks such as scratches and dents.

There’s also the aspect of warranty and support, and of course you shouldn’t forget depreciation, which causes phones to lose value over time. In addition to these, there are other factors that affect the resale value of a smartphone.

Here’s a good example: Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro for $999 in September 2024. But at the time of writing (barely two months later), you can get a used iPhone 16 Pro for as little as $800.

That’ll save you $200, which is enough to get you a brand new pair of Apple AirPods Pro 2. That’s a steal, considering the iPhone 16 lineup just came out. And if you opt for the iPhone 15 models, the savings get even bigger.

2 Used phones offer better value for money

Another reason I would buy a used phone over a new one is that it offers better bang for your buck. Since used phones are cheaper than new ones, you can get high-end features on these devices without paying top dollar for the reasons mentioned above.

For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra launched in January 2024 for $1,299 for the base model with 256GB of storage. However, as of November 2024, I can find used models for as low as $650. The value you get for this price is amazing.

With a budget of $650 to $700, you can’t even get the entry-level Galaxy S24 if you go the new phone route. You’ll have to settle for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, which doesn’t offer the same value as the base S24, let alone the flagship S24 Ultra, used or brand new.

3 Less pressure to keep up with trends

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Another benefit of buying used phones is that I feel much less pressure to keep up with the yearly upgrade cycle. I have both an iPhone and an Android device. I’ve bought a used iPhone and a brand new Android phone, and whenever a new Android model is available I always feel the need to upgrade. But that wasn’t the case with my iPhone.

Having experienced both sides of the coin, I can attest that whenever I get a new phone, I always have the urge to switch devices as soon as the next model comes out. But with a used phone, there is a change in thinking. Instead of switching devices because the next model came out, you focus on practicality and value. You don’t feel like you need to upgrade because of it.

You start to see your device as a tool and only feel the need to upgrade when you think it’s necessary – for example, the phone is no longer receiving basic software and security updates, it’s beyond repair, or when an upgrade makes a tangible difference.

4 The market for used phones is well developed

These days, buying a used phone is more affordable and safer than ever, thanks to the rise in popularity of pre-owned marketplaces like Swappa, Back Market, and other sites where you can sell your used phone.

Plus, when you need to buy a used phone, you’re not limited to buying from another person or the used tech market. Companies like Apple and Samsung have refurbished programs that refurbish used devices and sell them at a lower price. Even Google is now selling refurbished Pixel phones.

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 get a warranty on a used device as well, giving you the confidence that you can get a reliable phone without the high cost of a new one. Despite all of this, we still recommend that you check out our checklist of factors to consider when buying a used phone.

5 Buying used is better for the environment

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Another big reason I choose used phones over new ones is the environmental impact. Various materials are used to make phones, some of which are rare earth metals. For example, the batteries used in modern smartphones contain minerals such as cobalt, nickel and lithium that need to be mined. As you probably know, the mining and processing of minerals leads to environmental pollution.

Buying a used phone is better for the environment in two ways. First of all, buying a used device means extending the life of the existing device, increasing the time it takes to recycle, or in the worst case it ends up in a landfill (since e-waste is dangerous for the environment). Second, by choosing a used phone, I help reduce the demand for manufacturing, thereby minimizing e-waste.

Sure, big companies are increasingly using recycled materials in their phones, but not everything is recyclable—at least not yet. Buying a second-hand product is a simple but effective choice that is in line with a more sustainable lifestyle, thus contributing to a smaller ecological footprint.

The only benefit 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 more environmentally friendly. At the same time, thanks to the developed market for used electronics, it is as easy as buying new. Finally, and most importantly, you feel less pressure to keep up with trends.