My Top 10 Old Flagship Phones in 2025 that still Worth Buying
Flagship phones from a few years ago often retain impressive performance, build quality, and features that make them excellent value picks in 2025. With smartphone innovation slowing down, many of these “old” flagships still hold up remarkably well—especially if they continue receiving software updates.
Here are the 10 best old flagship phones (released within the last 2-3 years) that are still worth buying in 2025, along with why they remain relevant.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The Galaxy S23 remains one of the most balanced flagship phones even in 2025. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (or Exynos 2300 in some regions), it delivers smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. Samsung’s commitment to updates ensures it will receive Android 16 and security patches until 2027.
The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (120Hz) is still top-tier, and the compact design makes it a rarity in an era of oversized phones. The triple-camera setup (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) holds up well against newer mid-range devices, and battery life remains solid. If you want a no-compromise small flagship, the S23 is a steal in 2025.
2. iPhone 14 Pro (2022)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The iPhone 14 Pro introduced the Dynamic Island, a 48MP main camera, and Apple’s A16 Bionic chip—all of which remain highly competitive. Apple’s 5-6 years of software support means it will get updates until at least 2028.
The ProMotion 120Hz OLED display is stunning, and the build quality is as premium as ever. Battery life is still excellent, and the camera system (especially for video) outperforms many 2025 mid-rangers. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, the 14 Pro is a better value than the newer iPhone 16 (which may only offer incremental upgrades).
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro (2022)
Why It’s Still Worth It: Google’s Tensor G2 chip isn’t the fastest, but it’s optimized for AI tasks, photography, and smooth software performance. The Pixel 7 Pro will receive updates until 2027, making it a safe long-term buy.
The 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz LTPO OLED display is gorgeous, and the camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto) remains one of the best for computational photography. Features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Night Sight keep it ahead of many newer phones. If you prioritize software and camera quality over raw power, the Pixel 7 Pro is a fantastic deal.
4. OnePlus 11 (2023)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The OnePlus 11 was a return to form for OnePlus, offering flagship specs at a slightly lower price. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ensures it’s still blazing fast in 2025, and OxygenOS (now more ColorOS-like) is stable and feature-rich.
The 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is vibrant, and the Hasselblad-tuned cameras (50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto) take great shots. With 100W fast charging, you can top up in under 30 minutes—a feature many 2025 flagships still lack. OnePlus promises 4 years of OS updates, so it’s a solid pick for performance enthusiasts.
5. Xiaomi 13 Pro (2023)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The Xiaomi 13 Pro was one of the first phones with a 1-inch-type Sony IMX989 sensor, making its camera performance rival dedicated point-and-shoots. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ensures it won’t slow down anytime soon.
The 6.73-inch 120Hz AMOLED display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and the 120W wired + 50W wireless charging is still top-tier. MIUI 14 (and later HyperOS) runs smoothly, and Xiaomi offers 3 major Android updates. If you want a photography powerhouse, the 13 Pro is a bargain in 2025.
6. ASUS ROG Phone 6/6 Pro (2022)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The ROG Phone 6 series remains the best gaming phone in 2025 for hardcore mobile gamers. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is slightly older but still handles demanding games effortlessly, and the 165Hz AMOLED display is unmatched for smoothness.
With a massive 6,000mAh battery, ultrasonic triggers, and advanced cooling, it’s built for marathon gaming sessions. ASUS provides 2 major OS updates (up to Android 14), but its gaming optimizations keep it relevant. If you prioritize performance and gaming features over camera quality, this is the one to get.
7. Sony Xperia 1 IV (2022)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The Xperia 1 IV is a niche but outstanding phone for multimedia enthusiasts. Its 4K 120Hz OLED display is unparalleled, and the triple 12MP camera system (with continuous optical zoom) is a videographer’s dream.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still capable, and Sony’s near-stock Android experience is clean and bloat-free. While updates are slower (only 2 major OS updates), its unique features (microSD slot, headphone jack, pro-grade camera controls) make it a standout in 2025.
8. Nothing Phone (1) (2022)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The Nothing Phone (1) offers a unique design with Glyph lights and a near-stock Android experience. The Snapdragon 778G+ isn’t flagship-tier, but it’s efficient and handles daily tasks smoothly.
The 6.55-inch 120Hz OLED display is great, and Nothing OS (with 3 years of updates) is clean and bloat-free. If you want a stylish, lightweight phone with decent performance, the Phone (1) is a fun alternative to generic mid-rangers in 2025.
9. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (2023)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The Z Flip 5’s 3.4-inch cover screen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 make it the best foldable value in 2025. Samsung’s hinge is durable, and the phone will receive updates until 2027.
It’s compact, stylish, and powerful—ideal for those who want a foldable without paying 2025 flagship prices. The cameras are decent (not flagship-tier), but the form factor alone makes it a compelling choice.
10. iPhone 13 Mini (2021 – Slightly Older but Still Great)
Why It’s Still Worth It: The iPhone 13 Mini is the last small flagship iPhone, featuring the A15 Bionic (still fast in 2025) and iOS updates until 2027. Its 5.4-inch OLED display is sharp, and the cameras are excellent for the size.
If you miss compact phones, this is one of the few true small flagships left—and it’s now available at a bargain price.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 2-3-year-old flagship in 2025 is a smart move if you want premium features without the premium price. These phones still deliver great performance, cameras, and software support, making them better value than many new mid-range devices.
Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!