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Smartphone technology continues to advance each year, but the latest flagship models come with increasingly premium price tags. The good news? The used phone market offers incredible value for budget-conscious consumers. In 2025, buying a used or refurbished phone can save you hundreds of dollars while still providing excellent performance and features.
At TPK Wireless, established in 2012 in Atlanta, we understand that finding reliable used phones requires knowing which models offer the best combination of longevity, performance, and value. This guide will help you navigate the pre-owned smartphone market and highlight the best used phones worth considering in 2025.
The most obvious advantage of purchasing a used phone is cost savings. New flagship smartphones regularly exceed $1,000, but buying used can cut that price by 30-50% depending on the model and condition.
Depreciation Advantage: Like new cars, smartphones experience significant depreciation in their first year. By purchasing a 1-2 year old model, you avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve while still getting a device with many years of useful life remaining.
More Features for Your Budget: For the price of a new budget phone, you can often purchase a used premium model with better cameras, faster processors, and higher-quality construction.
Environmentally Friendly: Extending the lifecycle of electronics reduces e-waste and conserves the resources required to manufacture new devices.
When shopping for used phones, these factors determine long-term value:
Software Support: Look for phones that will continue receiving security updates and new features. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-7 years, while Samsung now offers up to 7 years of updates for select models.
Battery Health: Battery capacity naturally degrades over time. A used phone should ideally retain at least 85% of its original battery capacity or have had a recent battery replacement.
Physical Condition: Check for cracks, deep scratches, or signs of water damage. Minor cosmetic wear is normal but shouldn't affect functionality.
Storage Capacity: Consider how much storage you need. While 64GB might be sufficient for light users, 128GB or more is recommended for those who take many photos or install numerous apps.
Unlocked Status: Unlocked phones can be used with any carrier, providing more flexibility than carrier-locked devices.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, released in 2022, represent excellent value in the used market in 2025:
Why It's Worth Buying Used: These models introduced the Dynamic Island, 48MP cameras, and powerful A16 Bionic chips that still compete with newer processors. With Apple's long support timeline, they'll likely receive updates until at least 2028-2029.
Expected Used Price Range: $500-700 for the Pro, $600-800 for the Pro Max, depending on storage and condition.
What to Watch For: Verify battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Look for at least 85% capacity or budget for a battery replacement.
The standard iPhone 13, now about three years old, hits the sweet spot of affordability and modern features:
Why It's Worth Buying Used: The A15 Bionic chip remains powerful enough for all everyday tasks and even demanding games. The dual-camera system delivers excellent photos, and the battery life was significantly improved over previous generations.
Expected Used Price Range: $350-500 depending on storage and condition.
What to Watch For: Check for screen replacements—non-Apple repairs might affect Face ID functionality. Verify that the phone is carrier unlocked if buying for use with a specific carrier.
For those seeking the most affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem:
Why It's Worth Buying Used: The 2022 SE packs the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 into a compact body with Touch ID. Despite its older design, it performs like a modern phone and will receive updates for years to come.
Expected Used Price Range: $200-300 depending on storage and condition.
What to Watch For: The smaller battery capacity means battery health is especially important to check on used SE models.
The Galaxy S23 series, particularly the base S23 and S23+, offer excellent value in 2025:
Why It's Worth Buying Used: Samsung's commitment to 7 years of updates means these phones will be supported until 2030. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor remains highly capable, and the camera systems deliver outstanding photos and videos.
Expected Used Price Range: $400-600 for the S23, $500-700 for the S23+, depending on storage and condition.
What to Watch For: Check for screen burn-in by viewing a solid gray image. Verify that the phone is carrier unlocked and check battery health through Settings > Battery > Battery usage.
Google's Pixel 7 and 7 Pro continue to excel in 2025, especially for photography enthusiasts:
Why It's Worth Buying Used: Google's computational photography keeps these cameras competitive with newer models. The clean Android experience receives regular feature drops, and the Tensor G2 chip handles AI tasks efficiently.
Expected Used Price Range: $300-450 for the Pixel 7, $400-550 for the Pixel 7 Pro.
What to Watch For: Pixels occasionally have had hardware issues, so test all functions thoroughly. Check for any signs of overheating during use.
For budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable Android experience:
Why It's Worth Buying Used: The A54 offers a balanced experience with a good display, decent performance, and impressive battery life. With Samsung's extended support promise, it will continue receiving updates for years to come.
Expected Used Price Range: $200-300 depending on condition.
What to Watch For: Mid-range phones tend to slow down more over time than flagships, so test performance with several apps open.
Finding reliable used phones requires knowing where to look:
Certified Refurbished Programs: Apple's refurbished store and Samsung's Certified Re-Newed program offer like-new devices with warranties, though at higher prices than other used options.
Reputable Resellers: Established electronics resellers screen their inventory and often offer limited warranties.
Local Phone Stores: Local businesses like TPK Wireless often offer quality used phones with the advantage of in-person inspection and local support.
At TPK Wireless, we help customers make the most of their used phone purchases:
Pre-Purchase Inspections: If you're considering buying a used phone from a private seller, our technicians can perform a comprehensive inspection to identify any issues before you complete the purchase.
Quality Repairs: If your used phone needs a screen replacement, battery upgrade, or other repairs, we use premium replacement parts to restore functionality without compromising quality.
Device Unlocking: Our device unlocking services can help free your used phone from carrier restrictions or remove iCloud from Apple devices, giving you more flexibility with your purchase.
6-Month Warranty: All our repairs come with a 6-month warranty, so you can have confidence in the longevity of your repaired used device (restrictions may apply).
Before finalizing your used phone purchase:
Verify IMEI Status: Check if the phone has been reported lost or stolen by verifying the IMEI number through services like CheckMEND or CTIA's Stolen Phone Checker.
Test All Functions: Thoroughly test cameras, speakers, microphones, charging ports, and all buttons.
Inspect for Water Damage: Look for water damage indicators, which are typically found in the SIM card tray area.
Check Network Compatibility: Ensure the phone works with your carrier's specific network bands, especially if buying an international model.
Buying a used or refurbished phone can save you anywhere from 30% to 60% off the original retail price, depending on the age, condition, and model. For example, a flagship phone that originally cost $1,000 might be available for $400-600 when purchased used after 1-2 years. Even greater savings can be found on older models that still perform well for everyday tasks.
A used phone is simply a pre-owned device that's being resold in its current condition. A refurbished phone has undergone testing, repairs if necessary, and often has had components like the battery replaced to restore it to near-new condition. Refurbished phones typically come with some form of warranty and are often more reliable than simply used devices, though they usually cost a bit more.
On iPhones, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Here you'll see the maximum capacity percentage, which indicates how much of the original battery capacity remains. For used phones, look for at least 80-85% capacity, or budget for a battery replacement. For Android phones, third-party apps like AccuBattery can provide estimates of battery health after several charging cycles.
A carrier-locked phone can be a good deal if you plan to use it with the specific carrier it's locked to. However, for maximum flexibility, unlocked phones are preferred as they can be used with any compatible carrier. If you find a great deal on a locked phone, services like TPK Wireless's device unlocking can often remove these restrictions, giving you more freedom with your device.
The used smartphone market in 2025 offers exceptional value for savvy consumers. Models like the iPhone 14 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23, and Google Pixel 7 provide near-flagship experiences at significantly reduced prices. By focusing on phones with strong update commitments and checking for key factors like battery health and physical condition, you can find a pre-owned device that will serve you well for years to come.
At TPK Wireless, we're dedicated to helping customers in Atlanta get the most out of their mobile devices, whether new or used. If you need assistance with a used phone purchase, repair services, or device unlocking, visit one of our convenient locations in East Point or Fayetteville.
Remember that even the best used phones might eventually need repairs or battery replacements. When that time comes, TPK Wireless offers quick, high-quality repairs with a 6-month warranty to keep your device running smoothly.
Ready to explore used phone options or need help with your current device? Start your repair online or visit one of our stores today. With our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction, TPK Wireless strives to be your trusted partner for all your mobile device needs.
