The Best Deals on Refurbished iPhones and New Budget Flagships as Holiday Season Approaches

The Best Deals on Refurbished iPhones and New Budget Flagships as Holiday Season Approaches

The holiday season will soon be upon us, which means it's time to start thinking about gifts. For many people, a new smartphone makes for a great present. However, with new phones often carrying premium price tags, finding an affordable option can be challenging. That's where refurbished devices and budget-focused brands come in. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top deals on previously-owned iPhones and new lower-cost flagship alternatives worth considering this year.

iPhone XR Remains a Solid Choice Despite Its Age

The iPhone XR was an incredible value when it launched back in 2018. Even years later, it continues to impress with smooth performance and dependable everyday use. While no longer receiving the latest software updates, the A12 Bionic chipset inside still packs plenty of power for common tasks like social media, photography, and streaming.

You can find a good condition XR for around half the cost of a new iPhone 14. The 6.1-inch LCD panel is vibrant, the single rear camera takes clear photos, and the phone's dense design feels premium. Face ID also works like a charm. The battery may show some wear over time but is replaceable if needed. Overall, the XR remains a sensible choice for those looking to save money without compromising too much on features or lifespan.

Refurbished iPhone 8 Plus Remains a Hot Seller

Released in 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus is now outdated in terms of software support. However, in late 2022, refurbished 8 Pluses remain readily available and visible across the secondary market. Consumers can purchase models in good working order for very reasonable prices.

While outdated in areas like processing power and camera technology compared to recent iPhones, the 8 Plus still meets basic smartphone needs quite competently. Its sizable 4.7-inch LCD is lovely for media enjoyment. Battery life holds up relatively well too. For those on a strict budget or just in need of a temporary device, an iPhone 8 Plus refurbished provides fair value considering its age. It remains a practical option to tide someone over until an upgrade can be afforded.

Hands-on with the New Galaxy A16 5G

Samsung's Galaxy A-series targets the budget end of the flagship market by offering premium hardware at mid-range costs. A new addition this year worth spotlighting is the Galaxy A16 5G. Though modestly priced, first impressions reveal it punches far above its weight class.

Out of the white retail box, the A16 5G sports a sleek overall design that belies its affordable cost. Our review unit sported a nice Caribbean Blue shade, though it also comes in emerald, silver, and gold hues. Its 6.5-inch LCD is crisp and responsive to input. Performance feels fluid thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. Additionally, the phone supports 5G connectivity, future-proofing it as next-gen networks expand.

Rounding out key specs, the A16 5G packs triple rear cameras with night mode, a large 5,000mAh battery for lasting endurance, and promises three OS upgrades keeping it current through 2025. At its price point, it's easy to see why this new Samsung is already gaining popularity - it offers a superior bang for your buck compared to lesser-known brands.

Deals Abound on iPhone 15 Pro Max as Holiday Season Approaches

The holidays are all about gift giving, and iPhone loyalists often receive the latest Apple handsets. However, with prices normally hovering near $1,000, that's a significant investment. Thankfully, retailers are slashing costs on the iPhone 15 Pro Max ahead of gift-giving season.

For example, Walmart and Amazon currently offer up to $150 markdowns on various Pro Max storage configurations. Carriers like Verizon also provide bill credits when purchasing on installment plans. These deals sweeten what was already an impressive device focused on photography, video capture, and blazing performance.

Its dynamic AMOLED panel is simply stunning while lasting the day on a charge. And with its new always-on display, notifications and dashboard widgets are now easily viewable at a glance. For those seeking a fully-loaded iPhone without the full retail price, the 15 Pro Max on sale is a no-brainer holiday splurge. It offers luxurious flagship capabilities without the pain of maxing out budgets this holiday.

AI-Focused Galaxy S23 Ultra Rivals iPhone 16 Plus for Less

Apple launched four new iPhone 16 models this year. While the titanium Pro Max sold out quickly, the standard 16 and larger 16 Plus missed the mark by lacking meaningfully updated specs to justify their premium prices. In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra shined through by offering flagship-caliber ingredients at a more digestible cost compared to Apple's options.

Boasting a mammoth 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display for immersive media consumption and gaming, the S23 Ultra dazzles. But it also impresses through its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and refined camera system aided by next-gen AI software. This enhances detail, dynamic range, and smartly applies effects automatically like Portrait Mode.

Furthermore, its massive 5,000mAh battery comfortably survives full days of intensive use between charges. And unlike the iPhone 16, the latest Android and One UI version are all but guaranteed through 2027. Combined with its more competitive sub-$1,000 pricing across various retailers and carriers currently, the Galaxy S23 Ultra emerges as a stronger consideration versus even the iPhone 16 Plus. Simply put, it's one of the best Android experiences available and a smart holiday purchase.

In conclusion, this holiday gifting season, affordable options abound compared to just settling for ultra-premium flagship phones at their usual sky-high MSRPs. Refurbished iPhones remain reliable choices, as do newer lower-cost Android alternatives like the Galaxy A16 5G. And deals on previous-generation Pro Max iPhones make those luxurious devices very attainable too for special loved ones. Overall, with a little flexibility, there are great smartphones to be had within most budgets ahead of the holidays.