In the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant release of new flagship phones, each one boasting cutting-edge features and the latest advancements in smartphone technology. However, for budget-conscious consumers or those who simply prefer the tried-and-true, there are still some older flagship phones that are definitely worth considering in 2022.
While they may not have the same level of hype surrounding them as the latest models, these older devices can offer a great combination of performance, reliability, and affordability. In fact, many of these devices still hold up against their newer counterparts in terms of specifications and functionality.
So, if you’re in the market for a new phone but don’t want to break the bank, or if you simply have a preference for the classics, join us as we explore some of the best older flagship phones that are still worth buying in 2022.
Inside This Article
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is a compact and powerful smartphone that still holds its ground in 2022. Released in April 2020, this device combines the beloved design of the iPhone 8 with the performance capabilities of the iPhone 11, making it an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly yet formidable smartphone.
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse processor found in the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone SE delivers fast and smooth performance for both everyday tasks and demanding apps. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the iPhone SE handles it all effortlessly.
The device features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, providing crisp and vibrant visuals for an immersive viewing experience. While it may not boast the larger display sizes of newer models, the compact form factor of the iPhone SE makes it ideal for those who prefer a more pocket-friendly device.
With a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, the iPhone SE captures impressive photos and videos. The camera system supports features like Portrait mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording, allowing you to capture professional-quality shots and memories.
One of the standout features of the iPhone SE is its robust software support. As an Apple device, it benefits from regular software updates, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest iOS features and security patches. This not only enhances the user experience but also extends the longevity of the device.
In terms of security, the iPhone SE incorporates Touch ID, Apple’s tried-and-true fingerprint recognition system. This biometric feature provides quick and secure access to your device and enables secure authentication for various apps and services.
While the iPhone SE may not have the most cutting-edge design or the latest features seen in flagship smartphones, it offers exceptional value for its price point. For those who prioritize performance, reliability, and the seamless integration of iOS, the iPhone SE (2nd generation) is still a worthwhile option in 2022.
Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 was released in 2019, but it still remains a viable option for those in search of a powerful and feature-packed flagship phone. With its stunning design, impressive display, and excellent performance, the Galaxy S10 is worth considering even in 2022.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S10 is its display. It sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with a Quad HD+ resolution, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the display on the Galaxy S10 provides an immersive visual experience.
Performance-wise, the Galaxy S10 is equipped with a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 chipset (depending on the region), coupled with 8GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and lag-free performance, allowing you to effortlessly switch between apps and handle demanding tasks.
The Galaxy S10 also boasts an impressive camera setup. It features a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP primary lens, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This versatile setup allows you to capture stunning photos and videos in various scenarios, from landscapes to close-up shots.
In terms of battery life, the Galaxy S10 houses a 3,400mAh battery, which provides enough power to get you through a full day of moderate usage. Additionally, it supports fast charging, both wired and wireless, ensuring that you can quickly recharge your device when necessary.
Another notable feature of the Galaxy S10 is its software. It runs on Samsung’s One UI, which is based on Android, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. One UI also comes with a range of useful features and customization options, allowing you to personalize your smartphone experience.
While the Galaxy S10 may not have the latest cutting-edge features found in newer flagship phones, it still offers a compelling package with its attractive design, high-quality display, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities. If you’re looking for a reliable and capable smartphone that delivers on multiple fronts, the Samsung Galaxy S10 is definitely worth considering.
Google Pixel 3
When it comes to flagship phones, the Google Pixel 3 still holds its ground as a highly capable and feature-rich device even in 2022. Despite being a few years old, this phone packs a punch and offers a fantastic user experience. Let’s dive into why the Google Pixel 3 is still worth buying.
One of the standout features of the Google Pixel 3 is its camera. Equipped with a single rear 12.2 MP lens and an 8 MP front camera, this phone is known for its exceptional camera performance. With its advanced AI technology, the Pixel 3 captures stunning photos in various lighting conditions, producing sharp details and vibrant colors.
In addition to its impressive camera, the Google Pixel 3 boasts a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor, guaranteeing smooth performance and snappy responsiveness. Whether you’re multitasking or running resource-intensive apps, this phone can handle it with ease. Plus, it comes with 4GB of RAM, ensuring a seamless user experience.
The Pixel 3 sports a 5.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels. While it may not have the highest resolution compared to newer flagships, the OLED panel delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Whether you’re gaming, browsing the web, or watching videos, the Pixel 3’s display offers an immersive viewing experience.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Google Pixel 3 is its clean and user-friendly software experience. As a part of the Google Pixel lineup, this phone is one of the first to receive software updates, ensuring you get the latest features and security patches. It runs on pure Android, providing a clutter-free interface and seamless integration with Google services.
One downside to consider is the battery life of the Pixel 3. With its 2,915mAh battery, it may not offer the same longevity as some newer flagship phones. However, it does support fast charging, so you can quickly juice up your phone when needed.
Overall, the Google Pixel 3 is still a solid choice for those looking for a flagship phone at a more affordable price point. With its impressive camera, powerful performance, clean software experience, and vibrant display, it offers great value for money. While the battery life may not be the best, it’s a compromise worth making for the other exceptional features this phone has to offer.
OnePlus 7 Pro
The OnePlus 7 Pro is a flagship phone that was released in May 2019, but even in 2022, it continues to be a great option for those looking for a high-performance device. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and impressive display, the OnePlus 7 Pro offers a premium experience at a more affordable price compared to newer flagship models.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 7 Pro is its stunning display. It boasts a 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels. The display is not only large, but it also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and animations. Whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web, the vibrant colors and crisp details on the OnePlus 7 Pro’s display will truly immerse you in the content.
In terms of performance, the OnePlus 7 Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU. This combination provides excellent raw power, allowing you to run demanding apps and games without any lag or slowdowns. Additionally, the phone comes with up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and effortless switching between apps.
The camera system on the OnePlus 7 Pro is also noteworthy. It features a triple-camera setup, consisting of a 48-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. This versatile setup enables you to capture stunning photos with great detail and dynamic range. The phone also supports 3x optical zoom and has a pop-up front camera, which allows for a notch-free display and lets you take high-quality selfies.
Another advantage of the OnePlus 7 Pro is its software experience. It runs on OxygenOS, which is a clean and customizable Android-based operating system. OxygenOS offers a near-stock Android experience with some added features and customization options. It is known for its smoothness, speed, and regular software updates, ensuring that your OnePlus 7 Pro remains up to date with the latest features and security patches.
In terms of storage, the OnePlus 7 Pro offers ample space with options ranging from 128GB to 256GB. However, it should be noted that the phone does not come with expandable storage, so it’s important to choose a variant with sufficient storage for your needs.
Overall, the OnePlus 7 Pro continues to be a solid choice for those looking for a flagship-level phone at a more budget-friendly price point. With its stunning display, powerful performance, versatile camera system, and clean software experience, it offers great value for money even in 2022.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the world of smartphones is constantly evolving with new models being released every year, there are still some old flagship phones that are definitely worth buying in 2022. These devices may not have the latest cutting-edge specifications, but they offer a great balance of performance, design, and affordability.
With advancements in technology, older flagship phones such as the iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S9, and Google Pixel 3 still have a lot to offer. They feature powerful processors, stunning displays, and exceptional camera capabilities that can compete with many of the newer models on the market.
Additionally, buying an old flagship phone can be a cost-effective way to enjoy flagship-level features without breaking the bank. These devices can be found at significantly discounted prices, making them appealing options for budget-conscious consumers.
So, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone in 2022, don’t overlook older flagship models. With their reliable performance, impressive features, and more accessible price tags, they can still provide a fantastic user experience and value for your money.
FAQs
1. Can I still buy old flagship phones in 2022?
Yes, you can still buy old flagship phones in 2022. While many manufacturers release new models each year, there are still plenty of older flagship phones available for purchase. These phones can offer high-quality features and performance at a more affordable price.
2. Why would I consider buying an old flagship phone?
There are several reasons why buying an old flagship phone can be a good option. Firstly, older flagship phones often come at a lower price point compared to the latest models, making them a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, these phones still offer powerful performance, excellent camera quality, and a range of features that many users find sufficient for their needs.
3. Will I miss out on important features by buying an old flagship phone?
While older flagship phones may not have the most cutting-edge features found in newer models, they still offer a wide range of important features and functionalities. For example, most older flagship phones still have high-quality displays, fast processors, ample RAM, and capable cameras. However, it’s important to research the specific phone model you’re interested in to ensure it has the features you require.
4. Are older flagship phones still supported by software updates?
The availability of software updates for older flagship phones varies depending on the manufacturer and the specific model. Some manufacturers release updates for their older devices for a longer period, while others might prioritize supporting their newer models. It’s advisable to check the manufacturer’s website or user forums to determine the software update policy for the phone you’re considering.
5. Should I buy an old flagship phone or a mid-range phone?
Deciding between an old flagship phone and a mid-range phone depends on your personal preferences and requirements. If you prioritize performance, high-quality camera capabilities, and premium features, an old flagship phone may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and value a balance between affordability and functionality, a mid-range phone could be a suitable option. Consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
