The smartphone market has reached a fascinating inflection point in 2025. For the price of a mediocre, plastic-laden budget phone from a retail shelf, savvy consumers are now pivoting toward the used flagship market. The math is simple but profound: why settle for a compromised experience when the "depreciation win" allows you to carry a device that was, until recently, the pinnacle of mobile engineering?
The best used Android phone under $250 is currently the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Google Pixel 8A. The Galaxy S23 offers premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance for approximately $227, while the Pixel 8A provides the industry’s best long-term value with software updates guaranteed until 2031.
Buying a used flagship like the OnePlus 10 Pro or Galaxy S22+ is objectively superior to buying a new budget phone. These legacy flagships offer superior build quality, high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, and sophisticated camera sensors—including telephoto lenses—that entry-level models simply lack.
The Top 3 Value Leaders: At a Glance
| Model | Used Price (Approx.) | Software Support | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | $227 | Until 2028 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Google Pixel 8A | $230 | Until 2031 | Tensor G3 |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | $245 | Until 2027 | Tensor G2 |
1. Samsung Galaxy S23: The Compact Powerhouse
The Samsung Galaxy S23 remains the definitive choice for those who demand "flagship grunt" in a pocketable form factor. Unlike the S22 series, which was plagued by efficiency issues, the S23 utilized the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a chip that transformed the device's thermal management and battery endurance.
Key Highlights:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- Display: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz.
- Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $227.
Why We Love It: The S23 is the "sweet spot" of the Samsung ecosystem. With an AnTuTu score exceeding 1.6 million, it handles modern gaming and heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat. In the used market, finding a flagship with this level of efficiency for under $230 represents a massive value proposition. It still feels modern, receives frequent security patches, and offers a triple-camera system that produces professional-grade results in daylight and low-light alike.
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2. Google Pixel 8A: The Longevity Champion
For users who prioritize software longevity above all else, the Google Pixel 8A is an anomaly. Usually, "budget" or "used" phones are nearing the end of their life cycle; the 8A, however, is just beginning.
Key Highlights:
- Display: 6.1-inch Actua display, 120Hz.
- AI Features: Circle to Search, Magic Editor, Best Take.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $230.
- Software Guarantee: OS updates through 2031.
Why We Love It: The Pixel 8A offers the highest longevity-to-cost ratio in its segment. Purchasing this device used for under $230 secures you seven years of promised OS updates. It shares the same Tensor G3 silicon as the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro, enabling Google's most advanced AI photography features. It is the pragmatic choice for the "buy it and forget it" consumer who wants a clean Android experience without a looming expiration date.
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro: The Professional Photographer’s Deal
If you are a mobile photography enthusiast, the Pixel 7 Pro is arguably the best $250 you can spend. Originally retailing at $899, its current used price of $245 represents a staggering 72% price reduction.
Key Highlights:
- Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz.
- Camera: Triple system with a 5x periscope telephoto lens.
- Battery: 5000mAh with wireless charging.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $245.
Why We Love It: While new budget phones often feature "macro" lenses of questionable utility, the Pixel 7 Pro provides a genuine professional-grade periscope lens. The 5x optical zoom and Google’s computational Super Res Zoom allow for high-quality shots that entry-level sensors simply cannot replicate. The LTPO display, which scales from 10Hz to 120Hz, remains a premium feature that hasn't trickled down to the new $250 market yet.
4. OnePlus 10 Pro: The Speed and Charging King
The OnePlus 10 Pro is for the user who hates waiting. While Samsung and Google have been conservative with charging speeds, OnePlus remains a leader in power delivery.
Key Highlights:
- Charging: 80W SuperVOOC (wired), 50W AirVOOC (wireless).
- Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ with 2nd Gen LTPO technology.
- Used Market Price: Exactly $250.
Why We Love It: In the sub-$250 market, charging speeds are typically abysmal. The OnePlus 10 Pro disrupts this by offering 80W speeds that can juice the phone from 1% to 100% in roughly 32 minutes. When combined with the Hasselblad-branded camera system and a highly fluid 120Hz screen, it remains a high-performance bargain for those who prioritize the "fast and smooth" philosophy.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: The Affordable Foldable
For years, foldable technology was reserved for the elite. In 2025, that barrier has finally crumbled. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is now widely available in renewed condition for roughly $219.
Key Highlights:
- Design: Clamshell folding 6.7-inch inner screen.
- Cover Screen: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED for notifications.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $219.
Why We Love It: This is the most affordable entry point into the world of folding screens. Samsung made significant hinge durability improvements with the Flip 4 over the Flip 3, and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip provides a significant boost in battery life. If you want a conversation starter that actually fits in a small pocket, this is the definitive value choice.
6. Motorola Razr+ (2024): The Style Icon
Wait, a 2024 model for under $250? Yes, it exists—primarily in the "Renewed" or "Open Box" markets for carrier-locked variants or high-volume resellers.
Key Highlights:
- External Screen: A massive 4.1-inch pOLED cover display.
- Refresh Rate: A blistering 165Hz on both screens.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $250 (Renewed).
Why We Love It: The Motorola Razr+ (2024) is a design masterpiece. Its cover screen isn't just for notifications; you can run full apps on it. While it might require some hunting on platforms like eBay to hit the $250 mark, the sheer modernity of the device makes it a "depreciation win" of the highest order.
7. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: The Reliable All-Rounder
The "Fan Edition" S23 was designed to be a value leader from the start, and in the used market, it has become even more attractive.
Key Highlights:
- Build: Premium glass and metal construction.
- Updates: Security support guaranteed until 2027.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $211.
Why We Love It: The S23 FE acts as a bridge between the S22 and S23. It offers a slightly larger screen than the base S23 and a very capable triple-camera setup. For $211, you are getting a device that is younger than the S22, meaning the battery health is likely to be better on the secondary market.
8. Moto Edge (2025): The Modern Refresh
For those who want a phone that feels "brand new" in terms of its release date, the Moto Edge (2025) has seen aggressive price cuts in the renewed market, especially for carrier-locked or lightly used models.
Key Highlights:
- Display: 6.7-inch pOLED with 4,500 nits peak brightness.
- Battery: 5,200 mAh, one of the largest in this price bracket.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $249.
Why We Love It: The standout feature here is the display brightness and the battery. While older flagships might struggle with 1,200 nits, this 2025 model can be clearly seen even in direct, mid-day desert sun. The 5,200 mAh battery also outclasses almost every other flagship on this list in terms of sheer runtime.
9. Samsung Galaxy S22+: The Balanced Flagship
The S22+ is the elder statesman of the list, but it remains a powerhouse for those who find the base S22 too small and the Ultra too bulky.
Key Highlights:
- Display: 6.6-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED.
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance.
- Used Market Price: Approximately $204.
Why We Love It: At just over $200, the S22+ is a steal. You get the premium Samsung flagship experience—Samsung DeX, excellent haptics, and a gorgeous display—for the price of a budget "A-series" phone. With security support continuing until early 2027, it still has several years of safe, reliable life left.
Essential Buying Guide: How to Buy Refurbished Without Regret
Venturing into the used market requires a different set of skills than walking into a retail store. To ensure your $250 investment lasts, follow these professional standards:
1. Choose the Right Platform
- Amazon Renewed: Offers a 90-day guarantee and rigorous inspection.
- Back Market: Provides a transparent grading system (Fair, Good, Excellent) and a 1-year warranty.
- eBay Refurbished: Look for the "Certified Refurbished" badge, which often includes a two-year warranty through Allstate.
2. The "Excellent" Rule When working with a $250 budget, always aim for "Excellent" or "Pristine" conditions. These units typically have a battery health of 80% or higher and minimal cosmetic wear. A "Fair" condition device might save you $30, but the screen scratches and degraded battery often aren't worth the savings.
3. Check the IMEI If buying from a private seller on platforms like Swappa, always ask for the IMEI. Use a free online checker to ensure the device isn't blacklisted or still under a carrier finance plan.
Conclusion
The era of the "cheap" new phone is fading, replaced by the era of the "smart" used flagship. For under $250, you no longer have to compromise on camera quality or screen technology.
If you prioritize photography and screen real estate, the Pixel 7 Pro at $245 is your best bet. For those who value a compact, high-performance powerhouse, the Samsung Galaxy S23 at $227 is unbeatable. And for the long-term pragmatist, the Pixel 8A offers peace of mind through 2031.
FAQ
Q: Is the battery life on a used phone reliable? A: Most reputable refurbishers guarantee a battery capacity of at least 80%. While not "factory new," this is usually sufficient for a full day of moderate use on efficient chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the S23.
Q: Will these phones still get 5G? A: Yes. Every phone on this list is a 5G-capable device, ensuring you have access to the fastest network speeds available in 2025.
Q: Are used foldables like the Z Flip 4 risky? A: Foldables have more moving parts, which inherently increases risk. However, buying from a platform with a warranty (like Back Market or Amazon Renewed) mitigates this risk significantly.
