5 best older generation flagship smartphones worth buying in 2024

Getting a flagship smartphone on day one has its advantages. They offer cutting-edge features and newer experiences. But, they also burn a considerably big hole in your pocket.

This is where old flagships come into the picture. These offer almost all the features of the latest version but at a bargain price. And chances are that these previous generations will get the latest features via software updates sooner than later.

Before looking at five best previous-generation flagships that you can consider, let’s understand some basics on how to choose the right one.

Don’t consider a flagship that’s too old

Quite obviously, as smartphones get older, their prices depreciate. A three-year-old phone might look very appealing, especially at a highly discounted price, but always choose a device that is not too old. It is safer to buy a phone that is two years old, as this device will continue to receive software support and after-sales support for the next few years. Google and Samsung offer up to seven years of software support on their latest models.

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However, do note that despite software updates, older generation flagships would miss out on signature features of the latest model, mostly hardware. This, clearly, is a brand strategy to push more users to get the latest model.

Do your research and look for issues

Buying an older flagship also means you can easily learn everything about these devices online. Thoroughly research the device you are going to buy. Avoid the model if you find issues reported by many users.

You can also ask for feedback from those in your circle who already have that device. You can also go to stores to experience the model, and compare prices on different online marketplaces before buying.

Look for a used/refurbished device

Apple iPhone 7 (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) Apple iPhone 7 (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Used or refurbished smartphones offer great value. However, be cautious while buying a used phone, and properly inspect the physical condition of the device before accepting the deal. Buy only from trusted platforms or get it from a friend or family member. If you are getting a used flagship, try to get one that still has a warranty left.

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Now, on to the top five older-generation flagship smartphones worth buying in 2024:

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S24 Ultra will most likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. (Express Photo) Galaxy S24 Ultra will most likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. (Express Photo)

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (review) is easily one of the best previous-generation flagship smartphones that’s worth considering even in 2024, especially after the OneUI 6.1 update that introduced Galaxy AI features exclusive to the Galaxy S24 series until a few weeks ago.

The base variant of the Galaxy S23 Ultra with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage is easily available for Rs 1,00,000 or less on both online marketplaces and retail outlets. It looks almost identical to the Galaxy S24 Ultra and has almost all the features found on Samsung’s latest flagship, which is, at the very least, Rs 20,000 more expensive.

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

The iPhone 14 Plus, which starts at Rs 89,900, comes with a large 6.7-inch screen and long battery life. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ The iPhone 14 Plus, which starts at Rs 89,900, comes with a large 6.7-inch screen and long battery life. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express

The iPhone 14 Plus (review) is another excellent large-screen flagship worth considering in 2024. It currently retails for Rs 68,999 for the base variant with 128 GB of internal storage. Except for the Dynamic Island and USB-C port, and a 48 MP main camera, the iPhone 14 Plus is almost similar to the iPhone 15 Plus while costing almost Rs 15,000 less.

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The iPhone 14 Plus offers stellar battery life, and it has all the features such as the IP68 rating and wireless charging. It also runs on iOS 17, the latest, and is eligible for at least four more major OS updates.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Pixel 7 Pro offers 48MP 5x periscope zoom lens (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express) Pixel 7 Pro offers 48MP 5x periscope zoom lens (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)

If you are looking for a smartphone that offers the best of Google and also doubles up as a point-and-shoot camera that takes stellar pictures in every lighting situation, the Pixel 7 Pro (review) is a good pick. It currently sells for Rs 67,999. This phone from Google offers a premium build and is one of the first smartphones to get the latest Android version.

Powered by the Tensor G2, it is almost as powerful as the Tensor G3-powered Pixel 8 Pro. It does miss out on some of the on-device AI experiences that are available on the latest model.

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OnePlus 11

The OnePlus 11 (review) was considered ‘value for money’ even at the time of launch, and with the recent price cut, it makes it more appealing. The device is now available for Rs 49,999. The smartphone comes with a Hasselblad-tuned camera setup and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with at least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. It has a premium glass-meta sandwich build.

It misses out on features like wireless charging. But, if you are looking for an Android smartphone that offers a bloatware-free software experience, the OnePlus 11 is clearly one of the few smartphones to consider.

Nothing Phone (2)

The Nothing Phone 2 with Glyph Torch turned on. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/ The Nothing Phone 2 with Glyph Torch turned on. (Image: Zohaib Ahmed/ The Indian Express

While this isn’t exactly a flagship when compared to the other phones on this list, it’s a flagship for the company, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. The variant of the Nothing Phone (2) (review) currently sells for Rs 37,999, and this is clearly one of the most unique-looking smartphones in the market.

With the recent software update, Nothing introduced some AI features and also gained TrueLens Engine capability, touted to improve the overall camera performance. If you are looking for a phone that stands out, Nothing Phone (2) is a device to consider.