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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNow, seeing all the fire-breathing flagship smartphones that have been announced so far in 2023, could there be any model from 2021 that is still worth considering, and is there any valid reason to buy a 2021 flagship smartphone in 2023 or 2024? Well, these are the questions this article aims to answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Did:<\/strong> We sat down, itemized all flagship devices from 2023, and compared them to all the flagship models that made waves back in 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What We Got<\/strong>: We came up with 10 smartphones that you can still buy in 2023 and even 2024. Unsurprisingly, all smartphones on the list are powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G CPU from Qualcomm, which was almost the best CPU in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But why would anyone want a 2021 flagship smartphone over the 2023 \/ 2024 models<\/strong>: Here are two quick reasons;<\/p>\n\n\n\n So which are the best 2021 flagship smartphones that are worth buying in 2023 or even 2024? Here are our Ten (10) hand-picked models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The iPhone 13 Pro Max<\/a> was Apple’s powerhouse and most premium device back in 2021. The model came with Apple’s formidable A15 Bionic chip for blazing-fast performance. It has a Super Retina XDR screen with ProMotion display tech that delivers stunning visuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One standout feature of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the camera system, which offers ProRAW and ProRes capabilities, making it a photographer’s dream. Apple officially said the main camera on the iPhone 13 Pro Max can capture up to 2.2x more light for both photos and videos over the iPhone 12 Pro Max.<\/p>\n\n\n So if you are a photographer, or you want to add more crisps to your YouTube videos, you can’t be wrong with the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The device has premium build quality and still has access to the iOS ecosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Current Pricing of Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As for pricing, while the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max begins from $1200 for the base model, the older 13 Pro Max can be gotten under $700 on Amazon or eBay making it a good option for the budget-minded folks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features of Apple iPhone 13 Pro:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The next flagship smartphone of 2021 to consider in 2023, is the Galaxy S21 Ultra<\/a>. It is impossible to talk about the trendy smartphones of 2021 without mentioning the S21 Ultra. This smartphone boasts a massive 6.8-inches screen with a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, perfect for media consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It also offers the best camera performance of its time, stacking a versatile 108MP sensor, along with 2x dedicated 10-megapixel periscope and telephoto camera sensors. The model also has S Pen support for enhancing productivity and creativity. It is powered by either Samsung’s Exynos 2100 or the flagship Snapdragon 888 processors.<\/p>\n\n\n Current Pricing of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra<\/strong><\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for pricing, the S23 Ultra is currently retailing for a thousand dollars. Whereas $300 to $400 can give you an S21 Ultra on eBay and even Amazon.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking to enjoy the best of Android? Look nowhere other than Google Pixels, and as far as 2021 flagships were concerned, the Pixel 6 Pro<\/a> was the best from Google. It runs on Google’s clean Android 12 OS and will offer quick updates up to Android 15. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the camera system on the Pixel 6 Pro is impressive, with improvements in computational photography. The numbers include a 50MP main, a 48MP telephoto, and a 12MP Ultrawide. The 120Hz OLED display is also visually stunning, and it’s powered by Google’s custom Tensor chipset.<\/p>\n\n\n Current Pricing of Google Pixel 6 Pro:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll need to pay a thousand Dollars for the Pixel 8 Pro, while a 6 Pro can become your own under $400 on Amazon or eBay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features of Google Pixel 6 Pro:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in 2021, the Mi 11 Ultra<\/a> was the best from Xiaomi, and one of the most-talked-about Android flagship smartphones for two reasons; ultra hardware specifications and a secondary rear display. The device stands out with its stunning AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1700 nits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The camera setup, led by a massive 1\/1.12″ 50MP main sensor, is exceptional, touching a video recording capability of 8K@24fps. The device also offers fast charging 5000mAh battery and has one of the best audio outputs of its time.<\/p>\n\n\n Current pricing of Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mi 11 Ultra is still a little more expensive than most smartphones on this list. But $500 can still get you a model with 12GB RAM and 256GB ROM from platforms like Amazon or eBay. Note that the latest Xiaomi 13 Ultra is sold for around $900.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra<\/em>:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sony Xperia 1 (mark) III<\/a> is yet another 2021 flagship Android device that can’t be easily forgotten. It has the best display resolution on the list, featuring a 4K OLED screen with a max of 1644 x 3840 pixels. And with the compact 6.5-inches screen, the Xperia 1 III can output pixels per inch of above 640.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The triple camera setup was among the best during its time. The camera system is also backed by Zeiss optics, offering top-notch photography capabilities. The phone also excels in audio quality with a front-facing stereo that supports dynamic vibration feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n Current pricing of Sony Xperia 1 III<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The replacement for the Xperia 1 Mark III in 2023, is the Xperia 1 Mark V. The starting price for the 1 V is a thousand and 60 Dollars. The Sony Xperia 1 III on the other hand can still be yours for under $600<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features of Sony Xperia 1 III:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The OPPO Find X3 Pro<\/a> features a vibrant 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a versatile camera system that includes a 50MP main shooter, another 50MP Ultrawide, a 13MP Telephoto, and a fourth 3MP microscopic lens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like all the other models mentioned above, the Find X3 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor. It comes with stereo speakers, has an under-display fingerprint scanner, and is powered by a 4500mAh battery with 65W fast charger.<\/p>\n\n\n Current Pricing of OPPO Find X3 Pro:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2023, the Find X3 Pro got replaced by the Find X6 Pro following the X5 Pro of 2022. As for pricing, while the newer X6 Pro is on sale from $900, you can own the older Find X3 Pro for as low as $500<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features of OPPO Find X3 Pro:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The OnePlus 9 Pro<\/a> features a fluid 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display and offers fast charging, ensuring excellent battery life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its camera system, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, competes strongly with other flagships of its time. The OxygenOS software experience is smooth and responsive.<\/p>\n\n\n Current Pricing of OnePlus 9 Pro<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2023 flagship phone from OnePlus is the OnePlus 11. This device currently retails under $800. The 9 Pro on the other hand is available for under $400, and you can get it on most online platforms including Amazon, eBay, and even Aliexpress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Features of OnePlus 9 Pro:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Best of 2021 Flagship Smartphones Worth Buying in 2023\/2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Google Pixel 6 Pro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Sony Xperia 1 III<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. OPPO Find X3 Pro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. OnePlus 9 Pro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Vivo X70 Pro Plus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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