If you are looking to buy a smartphone on a budget, there are two popular options that we can consider.
First, pick a mid-range Android smartphone with ever-improving hardware specs. But there's another idea that's arguably better: a used iPhone. Let's see why the latter is a top priority.
Better software support
When buying a new smartphone, it's easy to fall into the trap of focusing on the hardware and getting caught up in the allure of fancy features. But users need to remember that software is just as important as hardware.
Reasons to choose an old iPhone instead of a mid-range Android smartphone - 1
While a mid-range Android smartphone can last for years with proper care, eventually the device will no longer have access to updates and patches, resulting in a loss of access to new features and a slowing down of the device.
Like every other phone maker, Apple releases software updates and newer models to keep up with the demands of new apps and everyday users. The company typically provides six to eight years of software support for each iPhone model, making it significantly more “future-proof” than the mid-range options in the Android world. Users can use their iPhone for years to come, even if it’s been around for a few years.
With Android devices, support is shorter. While Pixel and Samsung have recently extended their software support to around seven years, other Android smartphones still only get updates for around three years. The Pixel 6a, for example, will stop receiving Android updates in 2025, despite being released in 2022.
In short, buying an older iPhone means you'll have more time with your device before software support runs out and it's time to replace it. On top of that, older iPhones can actually get security updates for much longer, even after they're dropped in annual iOS updates.
Top ecosystem
If you already own an Apple device, like an iPad or MacBook, the company's ecosystem is reason enough to switch from Android to iPhone. It's an ecosystem that brings a lot of convenient features to the iPhone that users can't get with an Android device.
Reasons to choose an old iPhone instead of a mid-range Android smartphone - 2
For example, users can use AirDrop to share files between a Mac and iPhone in seconds, use an iPhone's camera on a Mac during video calls, and even sync data across all devices with iCloud.
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In terms of security, Apple's closed ecosystem can also give it an advantage over Android's open ecosystem. For example, when vulnerabilities arise in iOS or macOS, it’s easier for Apple to make the necessary changes to address them because they have control over the platforms. So if security and privacy are important to you, the iPhone is probably the better and more reliable choice.
Works better
Flagship smartphones are packed with the latest technology and fancy features that make them stand out when they first launch. Apple's A-series chips ensure that most tasks run smoothly and efficiently. In fact, they are some of the most powerful mobile chips you'll find in any smartphone.
For comparison, let's look at the OnePlus 10T against the iPhone 12, which was released about 2 years ago. The A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 outperforms the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the OnePlus, scoring 4502 and 3833 respectively on Geekbench.
The chips in mid-range Android devices are great, especially when you consider their price range, but they're not as fast as Apple's chips. Even after four years, the iPhone 12 shows little signs of slowing down whether you're gaming, editing photos, or switching between apps.
Powerful hardware
Android phones vary in size, build quality, and overall look and feel. This is because Android is available to a wide range of smartphone manufacturers, offering freedom and variety – which is what keeps Android users loyal to their devices.
Reasons to choose an old iPhone instead of a mid-range Android smartphone - 3
However, it also has a downside in that the quality and durability of the internal components are not as good as the iPhone because Apple has full control over the quality assurance of its hardware. Overall, the iPhone tends to be more durable over time.
Additionally, when it comes to splash, water, and dust resistance, the iPhone 12 has an IP68 rating, which allows it to survive underwater for about 30 minutes at a depth of 6 meters. Compare that to a similarly priced mid-range Android like the OnePlus 10T, which has a much worse IP54 rating.
