Considering how quickly Android phones lose value as they get older—especially when compared to the steady costs of Apple’s iPhone—the one benefit of this phenomenon may be that consumers can find excellent deals on reasonably fresh phones. This is made abundantly evident by Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Two very good reasons make the Pixel 8 series one of the greatest smartphone ranges to purchase right now if you’re on a tight budget: future second-hand pricing and prolonged software support.

First, let’s discuss software support. With the Pixel 8 series, Google introduced its new seven-year strategy last year. This implies that until 2030, the device will receive a combination of security patches and Android updates.

Compared to the earlier offer of five years for the Pixel 6, this was a significant improvement. In addition, it much outperforms the majority of other Android smartphones, even the Pixel 5’s three-year guarantee. The value of Google phones has changed as a result of that decision.

There is less pressure to sell or trade in the gadget because it is no longer safe to use without frequent security updates thanks to that level of support and the regular releases of AI features.

It’s also possible that Google will update the Pixel 8 to include many of the AI features that are presently reserved to the Pixel 9. Android Authority found some indications that the flagship Google phone from last year is starting to receive AI-powered camera features like Auto Frame and Reimagine. There will be more in the coming months.

As Google moves more features down to the Pixel 8 series, the only thing separating these phones is their hardware. Is it worth investing hundreds of extra dollars on the Tensor G4’s enhanced speeds and efficiency, redesigned design, brighter display, and minor camera upgrades? No, if you’re living on a tight budget. Furthermore, these variations might only become apparent after you try both phones.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 phones are significantly different in price. While a brand-new Pixel 8 Pro costs $750, refurbished versions are available on Amazon for $500.

The 2023 Google flagship is selling for about $500 on the secondary market, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have price tags of $999 and $1,099, respectively. Over the next weeks, as the influx of auctions that hit eBay and Swappa following the Pixel 9 launch passes, the price of the Pixel 8 will continue to decline.

Another advantage of purchasing the Pixel 8 now is that Google is paying top dollar for existing Pixel phones that are traded in. The business is presently offering higher trade-values for some Pixel 9 phones as part of a promotion. For instance, the Pixel 6 Pro costs $450. The Pixel 7 Pro, however, is valued at $540. They are selling for less than $200 and $300, respectively, on the secondary market.

In two or three years, you should be able to trade in your Pixel 8 Pro and get a good amount of money toward a new phone. However, this is only available if you purchase directly from Google; other manufacturers don’t provide too much for older Pixel phones.

The Pixel 8 Pro is one of the more affordable smartphones available right now because to Google’s seven-year software support promise, hand-me-down AI features, and skyrocketing pricing for new, refurbished, and used devices.