Manufacturers release new models so quickly that many truly outstanding smartphones from last year end up in the shadows. Yet right now, they offer the best price-to-performance ratio. Here are five 2025 flagships that cost noticeably less in 2026 while barely уступают the latest releases.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — The Best Camera Phone at a Reduced Price

Despite the release of the newer generation, the Pixel 9 Pro XL remains one of the best choices for those who value photography and a clean Android experience.

  • Display: 6.8" LTPO OLED, 2K QuadHD, 120 Hz, HDR10+, up to 3000 nits
  • Processor: Google Tensor G4
  • Cameras: 50 + 48 + 48 MP (OIS on two modules, 5× optical zoom) + 42 MP front
  • Battery: 5060 mAh + 37W charging
  • Extras: IP68, stereo speakers, NFC, wireless charging, 7 years of updates

Google’s camera algorithms still deliver results on par with — or better than — most competitors. Battery life easily lasts a full day, and the interface is smooth and uncluttered. One of the best photography-focused deals right now.

OnePlus 13 — An Underrated Flagship

The OnePlus 13 quickly got overshadowed by newer launches, but in terms of raw specs, it remains one of the strongest options.

  • Display: 6.82" LTPO AMOLED, 2K, 120 Hz, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, up to 4500 nits
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • Cameras: 50 + 50 + 50 MP (OIS, 3× optical zoom) + 32 MP front
  • Battery: 6000 mAh + 100W charging (0–100% in 36 minutes)
  • Extras: IP69, stereo sound, IR blaster, NFC, wireless charging

The massive battery, ultra-fast charging, and powerful chip make it one of the most enduring and high-performance flagships. With current discounts, it is an excellent value pick.

Honor Magic7 Pro — One of the Best Android Flagships of 2025

The Magic7 Pro still feels completely up to date and is often sold cheaper than newer competitors.

  • Display: 6.8" LTPO OLED, 1.5K, 120 Hz, up to 5000 nits, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • Cameras: 50 + 200 + 50 MP (OIS on two modules, 3× optical zoom) + 50 MP front with ToF
  • Battery: 5850 mAh + 100W wired + 80W wireless (full charge in ~33 minutes)
  • Extras: IP69, stereo speakers, NFC, IR blaster

With a 200 MP telephoto lens, excellent night photography, an ultra-bright display, and strong battery life, this is one of the most underrated flagships available.

iPhone 16 Pro — A Smart Apple Buy Right Now

The iPhone 16 Pro has dropped significantly in price, yet in terms of build quality, cameras, and optimization, it remains among the best.

  • Display: 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120 Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, up to 2000 nits
  • Processor: A18 Pro
  • Cameras: 48 + 12 + 48 MP (OIS on two modules, 5× optical zoom) + 12 MP front
  • Battery: 3582 mAh (a full day of active use)
  • Extras: titanium frame, IP68, stereo speakers, MagSafe, NFC

Video recording is still considered a benchmark, photo quality is excellent, and the Apple ecosystem remains a strong advantage. If you want an iPhone, this is one of the best times to buy.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — The Discounted King of Android Flagships

A newer generation may be out, but the S25 Ultra differs only slightly from its successor while costing much less.

  • Display: 6.9" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 2K QuadHD, 120 Hz, HDR10+, up to 2600 nits, anti-glare coating
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • Cameras: 200 + 10 + 50 + 50 MP (OIS on three modules, 3× and 5× optical zoom, 120° ultra-wide) + 12 MP front
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Extras: S Pen, IP68, stereo speakers, NFC

With the S Pen, one of the best anti-reflective displays on the market, and impressive zoom capabilities, it remains one of the most versatile flagship smartphones available.

In Brief

In 2026, you can get excellent deals on 2025 flagships: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (top-tier cameras), OnePlus 13 (record-breaking battery life), Honor Magic7 Pro (powerful zoom), iPhone 16 Pro (Apple ecosystem advantage), and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (S Pen versatility). All offer top-tier chips, 120 Hz displays, strong cameras, and long-term software support. The difference from newer models is minimal — but the savings are substantial.