Why we recommend these last-gen flagships to everyone in 2023

Older-generation premium smartphones such as the iPhone 13 and Galaxy S22 Plus might not be the latest compared to newer models but they offer excellent value to consumers.

The iPhone 13 mini offers everything great about the iPhone but in a tiny form factor. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

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There is no dearth of high-end smartphones on the market, except they cost a lot of money. Most new flagships from Apple, Samsung and OnePlus are expensive, and prices of new ones aren’t going down. This begs the question of whether the extra cost is worth the extra benefits. With the average cost of a new premium smartphone being anywhere between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000, you can generally save your cash simply by buying a last-generation model, even when taking advantage of various EMI and discounts. The last-generation flagship smartphone can still feel modern with a premium build, superior cameras, timely software updates, and fast charging speeds. Sure, people may have varying opinions on whether to go with a new flagship or choose an old-generation model – but we think it’s important to lay everything out so you can make the best choice.

Here are four last-generation flagship smartphones that can be a great way to save some cash.

The iPhone 13 is just as fast as the iPhone 14, and it should be fine for daily use for at least 3-4 years. (Image credit: Shruti Dhapola/Indian Express)

Apple iPhone 13

The latest iPhone 14 is no doubt a fantastic smartphone but it’s not too different from the iPhone 13, which means you can save a lot of cash by opting for the last-generation model. The iPhone 13 routinely sells for Rs 60,000 online but it can cost a lot less when you include trade-in discounts and bank benefits. The advantage of owning the iPhone 13 is that it is nearly identical to the iPhone 14 in design and performance. The iPhone 13 still supports physical SIM trays, dual-camera systems with Night mode, wireless charging, MagSafe, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. And yes, the phone guarantees you security updates for at least five years. You would only be missing on some features, minor low-light camera improvements and crash detection.

We like: easy-to-use interface, incredible battery life, and cameras

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Also read | Apple iPhone 13 review: Not a Pro, but still works like one

The S22 Plus is a great way to experience a Galaxy ecosystem. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

Samsung’s high-end phones have always ranked high on our recommendation list. Whether you choose the newest Galaxy S23 Plus or the S22 Plus, a Samsung phone guarantees you certain advantages over rival brands, including the promise of a Galaxy ecosystem and extended software upgrade commitment. The S22 Plus may be the last-generation flagship model but it still feels new. This is a device for those who prefer large-screen size smartphones, thanks to its 6.6-inch high-refresh-rate screen. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, so gaming performance will be better. The phone also features wireless charging and IP68 water resistance. Buy the Galaxy S22 Plus for its cameras (RAW editing is included), decent battery life, and premium design. Of course, the S22 Plus has its share of flaws but no smartphone is perfect. The S22 Plus is only one generation older than the S23 Plus’, and most people would be happy with the device for under Rs 60,000.

We like: great camera, beautiful screen, and customisable OneUI

Also read | Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus review: Playing to strengths with new weapons

OnePlus 10 Pro has a terrific screen and battery life. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

OnePlus 10 Pro

The OnePlus 10 Pro offers the best Android experience you can get on a high-end smartphone. It is currently available for under Rs 50,000 and when you add bank discounts and trade-in offers, the price comes down further, making it the best premium smartphone for the money. Its design is eye-catching, the 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is fantastic, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor delivers a reasonably fine performance, and a large 5,000mAh battery that should last well beyond a full day on a single charge. The phone even comes with a fast charger inside the box. There are a lot of good things about the OnePlus 10 Pro despite obvious cons. That being said, OnePlus 10 Pro doesn’t disappoint as a premium-tier flagship.

We like: solid design, long battery life, and fast charger included in the box

Also read | OnePlus 10 Pro 5G review: The wide-eyed phone

The iPhone 13 mini is a niche smartphone for people who like compact smartphones. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Apple iPhone 13 mini

In a sea of smartphones with gigantic screens, the iPhone 13 mini’s tiny size makes it among the minority. Although the iPhone 13 mini was never a commercial hot seller, Apple did manage to deliver a near-perfect compact smartphone. It’s crazy to think of a phone carrying a 5.4-inch display in 2023- but hey, the iPhone 13 mini was more than just looks. Its form factor allowed the phone to be used with just one hand, a rarity among big-screen slabs. The iPhone 13 mini was also rated high on performance and had respectable cameras. At the time of writing, Vijay Sales is selling a demo unit of iPhone 13 mini for Rs 46,700. On top of that, the retailer is also offering bank offers which will further reduce the price.

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We like: a top-of-the-line phone in a small package, easier to type

Anuj Bhatia

Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at indianexpress.com who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. Email: anuj.bhatia@indianexpress.com ... Read More