Which old OnePlus phones are still worth buying? Here are your best options

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.

Why you should consider an old OnePlus phone

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.

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.

Of course, as with buying any used item, buying an old phone can have its pitfalls. Even with better update policies, OnePlus phones often stop receiving official updates well before they are obsolete from a hardware perspective. While the company has occasionally released critical bug fixes outside the update window, any OnePlus phone older than about four years will carry a certain level of security risk.

Buying an older device also means you’re likely buying a second-hand one, even if it’s refurbished. That means there could be hidden issues, minor aesthetic damage like surface scratching, and other imperfections you wouldn’t face with a brand-new device. Ultimately, though, it can be worth the risk if you can shop around and do your homework.

The best old OnePlus phones worth buying in 2026

OnePlus 13 and 13R

There’s a lot to like about the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R. Not only do both phones share the same iconic design that was abandoned with the OnePlus 15 series, but you’ll also find plenty of processing power, helpful AI features, exceptional charging speeds, and one of the best overall OnePlus experiences to date.

The OnePlus 15 might be slightly more powerful, but both the 13 and 13R are very capable and offer several more years of software updates. Which of the two models should you consider? It depends on what you’re looking for.

The OnePlus 13 has a faster Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, but the OnePlus 13R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still a very capable performer. You’ll also find at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage on all models. The OnePlus 13 is the best choice if camera quality is top priority for you, but the 13R does well here for casual use. Display sizes differ slightly between the two, though the difference is barely noticeable.

The OnePlus 13 is still officially available in new condition directly from OnePlus for $749.99, about $50 less than the OnePlus 15. If you don’t mind going with a second-hand model, you’ll find it for even cheaper, with the device going for around $550-$650 in Good or even Mint condition via places like Swappa. Want to save even more? The OnePlus 13R is no longer available new in the US, but pricing for good condition or better typically ranges from $400 to $450.

OnePlus 12 and 12R

The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R have essentially the same design language as both their predecessor and successor, and they still pack a pretty hefty punch even in 2025 while saving you even more money in the process.

You’ll get a Snapdragon 8 chip in either phone, but the OnePlus 12 has a Gen 3 processor, while the OnePlus 12R rocks the Gen 2. The higher-end model also has a slightly larger 6.82-inch OLED display, while the OnePlus 12R has a 6.78-inch OLED. The camera experience is also better with the OnePlus 12, but not by a massive margin. Both models feature a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main camera, though the OnePlus 12 has more capable secondary cameras.

There are certainly other differences, but the key takeaway is that both phones can handle any modern Android app and are supported with new OS updates through at least Android 18.

You can no longer find either phone new, but secondhand pricing for the OnePlus 12 typically ranges from around $400-$475, while the OnePlus 12R typically ranges from $300-$390.

OnePlus 11

This is probably the oldest we’d go, as the OnePlus 11 currently runs Android 16 and is expected to receive one more major OS update to Android 17, likely in 2026. This phone has similar specs to the OnePlus 12R, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. On the display side, you get a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel.

The camera package is somewhere between the OnePlus 12 and 12R in quality, with a 50MP main sensor backed by a 32MP telephoto and a 48MP ultrawide lens. This phone might be slightly less powerful than the OnePlus 12, but it’s still plenty capable and should run almost any Android app or game with ease.

You might notice I left out the OnePlus 11R, but it’s worth noting that this model was never sold in the US; the OnePlus 12R was the first to debut stateside.

For those interested in the OnePlus 11, it typically ranges from $300 to $375, making it comparable in price to the OnePlus 12R.

OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open is now over two years old, but it remains the latest OnePlus foldable. While it’s no longer offered in the US, you can still find it in the second-hand market fairly easily.

At its release, we considered the Open one of the very best foldable phones ever to arrive and a surprisingly polished first-generation device. While perhaps not as fleshed out as Samsung’s foldable software, OnePlus did a great job creating a multitasking layout that is perfect for the form factor.

Even though it may not be as new as it once was, the Open still holds up reasonably well against more advanced devices such as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. You get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16GB of RAM, and storage configurations up to 1TB. The Open also received Android 16 this month, so you’re on the latest version of Android.

Not only is the OnePlus Open still a capable performer, but you can also find it for dirt cheap second-hand. The OnePlus Open can be found on sites like Swappa for as little as $650 in good condition.

What about the OnePlus 10T/10 Pro or any other older models?

At just three years old, the OnePlus 10T and OnePlus 10 Pro are still very capable devices, yet for most people, it’s hard to recommend them. The same applies to anything older than this from OnePlus.

Even if the hardware is still up for the job in some cases, OnePlus doesn’t commit to updates for very long. The OnePlus 10T has already stopped receiving major OS updates. The OnePlus 10 Pro remains eligible for Android 16 and is expected to receive it, but it will not receive any further major updates. If you love OnePlus and are looking for a mid-to-high-end experience at a lower price, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better pick, as you can find it for around $200.

Just be aware that we’d only recommend it if you’re using it as a backup device, as it will likely receive very limited security patches going forward, if any. It would also make a good children’s Wi-Fi device, provided nothing important or sensitive is stored on it.