Why used iphones are better than box packed Android phones in pakistan 2025

In Pakistani phone market fluctuating dollar rates and inflation makes the new iPhones and box-packed phones very expensive; this forces many users to consider buying used iphones which offer flagship-level cameras, performance, and other features which make them a hot choice for buyers, In this article we will compare used iPhones with box-packed Android phones on price, performance, software, resale, and long-term value and we will discuss which will be a good choice for you. Now let’s dive into learn why buying a used iPhone is often a smarter choice than a box-packed Android phone in 2025.

Price comparison: Used iPhone vs New Android

Used iPhone 12 costs around 60k (non-PTA), and an iPhone 13 (non-PTA) costs around 70k. If we look at Android devices, we can get the Xiaomi Note 14 around 54k and the Tecno Camon 40 around 59k. These Android devices fall around the same price bracket but do not provide the same value as the used iPhones, and also lose their resale value after one to two years of use.

Performance and Longevity

iPhone 12 and 13 come with A14 and A15 Bionic chips. These chips are still much faster than most new Android devices, which use Helio G99 or Helio G100 chips. These Android Phones comes with 8Gb of RAM but they still start lagging after 2 to 3 years of use due to poor optimization but on the other hand iphone still perform well and does not lag even after 5 to 6 years of use and there is also another reason behind the smoothness of iphone over Android devices most developers optimize their applications and games more for iPhones than for the Android devices.

Software Updates and Security

The iPhone gets 5 to 6 years of IOS updates. As of 2025, the used iPhone 12 likely has 1 to 2 major IOS updates remaining, and the used iPhone 13, on the other hand, also has 2 to 3 major IOS updates remaining. Now, if we compare this with Android devices, in most cases, Techno, Infinix, and Xiaomi devices hardly get around 2 to 3 years of major IOS updates. Security patches are also consistent in Apple devices the use iPhone 12 and 13 users will get security patches till 2027, which is another plus. If we look at Android devices, the security patches are inconsistent in budget Android phones, which is a risk for long-term use.

Camera and Multimedia Experience

Most budget Android phones like the Techno Spark 40 Pro and Xiaomi Note 14 come with higher megapixel (64/108 MP) cameras, but they often lack quality.iPhone 12/13 cameras come with optical image stabilization (OIS), a flagship-level feature, plus they come with better sensors and a night mode, outperforming box-packed Android phones, which often lack these features.

Resale Value in Pakistan

In terms of resale value, used Apple phones also dominate here, as buyers trust Apple’s resale value and think of buying an iPhone as an investment. A used iPhone 12 bought in 2025 for 65k can still sell for around 40 to 45k in 2027, but on the other hand, a box-packed Infinix or Techno bought for 65k will be worth around 30k after using it for two years.

Battery and Build Quality

The iPhone 12 comes with a 2815 mAh battery, and the iPhone 13 comes with a 3227 mAh battery. Most Android phones come with a 5000 mAh battery. The battery capacity is less than most Android phones, but it can still last 6 to 12 hours, depending on the battery health and usage style. iPhone comes with an aluminum and glass build quality, giving the user a premium hand feel. On the other hand, box-packed Android phones come with a plastic build, which is not considered durable. In terms of protection, iPhone is dust- and waterproof. Some budget Android phones like the Xiaomi Note 14 also have IP54 water and dust protection, but the protection and build quality of iPhones are far better than most budget Android phones.

Tips Before Buying a Used iPhone in Pakistan

Always check the iPhone battery health, as most used iPhones come with weak battery health, and their prices also vary based on their battery health, so always ask about their battery health and never buy an iPhone whose battery health is less than 85%.
Always check the screen for scratches or dead pixels. Inspect the frame and back glass.
Test Face ID or Touch ID to confirm they work.
Always check that the iPhone is waterproof. A water-packed iPhone means that the iPhone is never opened for repair, so you must ask the shopkeeper whether the iPhone is water-packed or not.
Always try to get a check warranty for at least 3 to 7 days, and during that time, test your iPhone thoroughly and check for any potential issues.

When Box-Packed Androids Make Sense

While used iPhones are a smart choice for long-term value, there are still situations where buying a box-packed Android phone in Pakistan makes more sense. If your budget is around 40 to 50k, you can find many options from brands like Techno, Infinix, and Xiaomi. For users who prefer buying a brand new mobile with a 1-year brand warranty, as every brand new Android mobile comes with a 1-year brand warranty, and those who prefer bigger batteries, dual SIM support, and better displays (AMOLED) that used iPhones can’t match at this price, a new Android can be a practical and affordable option.

If you are interested in box box-packed Android phone, then read our Article on the Top three used Android gaming and camera phones under 50k in Pakistan.

Conclusion

iPhones are an excellent choice for those who want better performance, flagship-level cameras, and a premium handfeel. Used iPhones also offer better resale value than Android mobile phones. While Android phones are cheap, they offer less value than a used iPhone. In the Pakistani market, the used iPhone easily outperforms a brand-new budget Android phone in almost every aspect. Whether it is in camera, performance, or build quality, you won’t get the same value from a box-packed low-budget Android as you would from a used iPhone.

Disclaimer

Non-PTA iPhones are cheaper but cannot be used with Pakistani SIM cards unless the PTA tax is paid. Buyers should carefully consider this before purchasing.

FAQs

Q1: Is a used iPhone better than a new Android phone in Pakistan?

Yes, a used iPhone 12 or 13 provides far better performance in terms of camera, performance, and build quality than a box-packed Android from Techno, Xiaomi, and Infinix in Pakistan.

Q2: Why do people in Pakistan prefer used iPhones over new Androids?

Because used iPhones give a premium build, long-term updates, and strong resale value, making them smarter investments compared to new budget Androids.

Q3: When should I buy a box-packed Android instead of a used iPhone?

If your budget is under PKR 40,000, or if you want a brand-new warranty-backed device with a large battery and dual SIM support, a box-packed Android is the right choice.