Buying New vs Used Android

So here we are at the fork in the road..... new android or used android. Well it depends on the individual's pocket doesn't it?

Let's start with the new android:

Firstly, it's new...duh. Fresh out the box never used before, no scratches, earphones (maybe) and will 'maybe' get a whole year or two worth of updates. You will also get the latest hardware and software to date.  Lastly, new phones costs more, especially in Jamaica.

Now the used android:

Firstly, its used...duh. You'll be lucky if you get a box. All you will mostly likely get is the phone and the USB cable/charger. Your used phone will have scratches and it really depends on how the previous user cared the phone. Your phone may be at or getting close to the end of getting updates, not that you cannot get updates via custom ROMs if you like. Your hardware will be a little dated, mostly in terms of looks (slightly... maybe). Also, you would be in a position to get a flashed/mod phone. Lastly, used phones depending on condition and actual age of the phone will cost less.

Let's break it down:

Internal parts vary depending on the brand and what's hot at the moment. For example the snapdragon 400 processor is common amongst smart phones and the latest version is the snapdragon 500. Now we all know that the iteration will more than likely have some enhancement that utilities the processor the best way possible but the question is, is it worst chucking your older smart phone or buying new vs used?

Example: I have a 1.2ghz quad core processor. There are phones with 1.5/1.7/2ghz etc processors which are technically faster but does that mean my current phone cannot manage the same tasks? Will I actually feel the speed? If you do a comparative test using for example the 'quadrant standard' app, my phone will score less that a new phone but it doesn't mean my phone isn't powerful.

In my opinion, you will hardly notice the difference if any at all. The biggest factor should be whether the phone has enough memory. That's where the problem usually resides. 1gb of memory is the current base standard for smart phones, so getting a phone with anything less is ludicrous. Don't purchase a used phone more than two years old to the current date. That is, its now 2014 so don't buy any lower that a 2012 phone.

I know this seems like I'm promoting used over new but it was necessary to focus on showing that used/a little older phones are worthy of purchase and there nothing wrong with saving some money and getting a cool smart phone.