Is It Safe to Use an Old or Used Phone? This Is What You Should Know

Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.

• Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022

The iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra pack some of the best mobile tech around, but they're wildly expensive as a result. With 2025's best phones coming in at over $1,000, it's no surprise many of us want more affordable options, and a great way to save a few bucks is to look at buying used or older devices. Buying used is a cost-effective way to put ...