I’m no stranger to buying flagship phones, but I never buy them when they’re the flagship. Used mobile phones depreciate so much from the original launch price after only a year or two! I’m usually paying $200-$300 for phones that came out with a $1100-$1400 price tag originally. Because the specs were so high on the phones when they launched, they’re still very good mid-range performers. It also opens the chance to save money if there’s a bit of a scratch on the outside (but not the screen!). I don’t mind mild wear as I’m going to add my own wear to it, and if I happen to scratch it or dent it, its no worse then when I got it so I don’t have huge anxiety about keeping my phone perfect.

Ultimately these are all consumable devices. Paying top dollar, then treating them like priceless jewelry doesn’t make sense to me.