C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
While OnePlus may not be a household name in the US, it remains a strong option if you want something a little less mainstream than a typical Apple, Samsung, or Google device. The OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R might be the latest models from the company, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best. If you prefer classic OnePlus design elements or are simply looking to save money, there are still plenty of older OnePlus devices worth considering, even as we head into 2026.
Of course, not all older OnePlus phones are still worth your time. For example, you’re almost always better off with either a new mid-range Nord device over a used one. Some OnePlus phones are also too old to be suitable for serious use due to potential security issues. To make things easier, I’ve gathered up a list of some of the best OnePlus phones worth buying, even if they are no longer the latest and greatest.
Whould you ever recommend or consider an older OnePlus model? 3 votes Yes, they tend to have low prices and are still great. 100 % No, but I would if the software support was better. 0 % No, I'm not a fan of the brand. 0 % Not sure / Other. 0 %
Why you should consider an old OnePlus phone
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
I get it, newer is supposed to be better. It’s true that the newest devices will often have more powerful chipsets, camera hardware, and other improvements. That said, it’s important to understand that as smartphone technology improves, we’ve seen diminishing returns with each new hardware iteration.
As a result, almost any flagship-level phone released in the last five years should be more than capable of running even the most demanding mobile applications in 2025. Most people can easily make a flagship last for close to half a decade or more if you’re willing to replace the battery. Thanks to improved software update policies, we’re also seeing phone support last longer than ever. While OnePlus has a relatively modest update policy compared to Samsung or Google, you’ll still get at least two OS upgrades and often at least a few years of security updates after that.
Not happy with the OnePlus 15 series? An older OnePlus phone can make a lot of sense.
Opting for an older phone can save you significant money. This is especially true for less popular brands like OnePlus, as trade-in values tend to decline faster than those of Apple or Samsung devices. Picking up an older OnePlus flagship also makes sense for users who were holding on to an older OnePlus device and are ready for an upgrade, but aren’t happy with the changes introduced with the OnePlus 15 and 15R.
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