Why should you buy a new mid-range smartphone instead of a used flagship?

When it comes time to upgrade your phone, many people find themselves drawn to new mid-range devices rather than looking for used flagships. While both options have their advantages, there are a number of advantages to going with a brand new phone that influence your buying decision.

1. Newer processors for comparable performance and efficiency

While flagship processors often get a lot of attention, mid-range chips have made impressive strides in recent years.

The latest offerings from companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek offer performance that rivals older high-end devices, making them capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.

These newer mid-range processors not only deliver smooth performance, but also prioritize power efficiency. This means you can enjoy a responsive phone experience without constantly worrying about battery life.

Advances in chip technology have allowed manufacturers to strike a balance between power and efficiency, and mid-range devices have benefited greatly from this.

2. You get the latest software

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When you buy a new mid-range phone, you can be sure that you will get the latest software version available for that device.

You can take advantage of the latest features, improvements, and security updates to help keep you safe right out of the box, which isn't always the case with a used flagship.

Mid-range phones have also started to close the gap in terms of software support. While flagship devices are often known to get the best support and most updates, the nature of owning a phone that's only a few years old can make a significant difference.

Even if a mid-range phone gets one less year of overall support than a flagship, that still means an extra year of updates from the current date.

Some manufacturers even make it a priority to ensure that all their new phones, including mid-range models, receive comprehensive software support.

This extended support period means your mid-range device will continue to receive major Android or iOS upgrades for longer, keeping it up to date with the latest features and improvements.

With regular security patches and updates, your data and privacy are better protected.

3. Peace of mind with manufacturer's warranty

Investing in a new mid-range phone comes with the added benefit of a manufacturer's warranty. This provides peace of mind and protection against potential problems.

It is possible to buy older flagships that have been officially refurbished directly from the manufacturer and come with a warranty, but the cost is often significantly higher, making this a less attractive option.

On the other hand, buying a used phone from a third-party seller comes with inherent risks. Buying a device that has been used for a long time increases the likelihood of encountering damage that is not covered by the free warranty, even if the phone appears to be in good condition.

In rare cases, used phones can have serious problems that aren't immediately noticeable. For example, the device may not turn on despite attempts to charge or reset, leaving your phone inoperable with little to no way to fix it.

While older phones may require more comprehensive warranties due to their age, most third-party sellers only offer short return periods.

4. You can buy a phone with the best battery life

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When choosing a new mid-range phone, you can be confident that you're buying a device with the best battery life.

Both mid-range and flagship phones typically have batteries in the 4,000 to 5,000 mAh range. However, actual battery life and health can vary significantly depending on the age of the device.

Batteries degrade over time. This is especially true when they are used on a daily basis. If you buy a used phone, the battery may have lost a significant portion of its original capacity. This means shorter battery life and more frequent charging cycles.

Even if you buy an old flagship that is still in the box, the fact that it was manufactured several years ago and has been sitting on the shelf for a long time also affects the health of the battery.

Batteries will deteriorate even without use, so a phone that is several years old will not have the same durability as a newly manufactured phone.

5. A new phone is not subject to wear and tear.

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When you pick up a new mid-range phone, you know that the device has never been worn before. Unlike a used phone, which may have scratches or other signs of everyday use, a brand new phone will arrive to you in pristine condition.

This not only adds to the aesthetics of the device, but also confirms that all components – like the display and buttons – are working optimally.

This is especially important for features like water resistance, as any pre-existing damage can affect the phone's ability to withstand liquids.

A phone that hasn't been worn out before is less likely to have hardware problems or malfunctions later on. You can have more confidence in its reliability and long-term durability.

6. Avoid the risk of depreciation

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Investing in a new mid-range phone can minimize the risk of depreciation. Flagships, even when purchased used, tend to have higher initial costs due to their premium features and brand recognition. However, this makes them susceptible to significant depreciation over time.

Mid-range phones, on the other hand, tend to start at a lower price. This means that the amount of money lost due to depreciation is usually smaller. This can be especially beneficial if you plan to resell your phone in the future to recoup the cost of the upgrade.

Rapid advances in phone technology mean that even new mid-range devices can offer features comparable to older flagships. This helps maintain the value of mid-range phones, as they remain competitive and relevant in the market for longer.

Choosing a new mid-range phone over a used flagship offers a combination of comparable performance, software support, battery life, and better affordability.

When you consider these factors, you'll find that a newer device offers the best value for money. If you're considering a similar decision, you should ask yourself which phone offers better value: a new budget device or a used flagship?

Lesley Montoya

Update 09 December 2024