Budget Friendly iPhone

**PeachesNCream** · 08-24-2021, 09:33 AM

I'm in the market for a new phone. I've been an android guy but I'm going to go with an iphone this time around for various reasons. I don't want to spend $1100 on a fucking phone. I'd be happy spending around $500-$800, but also want something that lasts. Should I get a newer, less fancy phone or go for something a model "outdated"? Is refurbished something worth looking into? I'm currently on a prepaid plan with Verizon if that matters.

**m2711c** · 08-24-2021, 09:43 AM

iphone SE 2nd generation

**Pinned** · 08-24-2021, 09:43 AM

I replaced my iPhone Xs because there was an incredibly high trade in offer towards the iPhone 12 Pro from AT&T. That said, using the two phones truly feels identical - the Xs was not slow or anything. I think a Xs or 11 or regular 12 instead of 12 Pro are all going to be pretty nice. Sometimes Woot has refurbished iPhones too.

**sierra_cement** · 08-24-2021, 09:54 AM

You can shoot me a PM if you want employee friends and family discount pricing

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

**doebedoe** · 08-24-2021, 10:00 AM

I have a Gen 2 SE and it seems pretty solid.

**Harry** · 08-24-2021, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by m2711c

iphone SE 2nd generation

That’s what I have. Cheap, does everything I need.

Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

**joeshek** · 08-24-2021, 01:14 PM

Ditto.

Originally Posted by Harry

That’s what I have. Cheap, does everything I need.

Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

**mcski** · 08-24-2021, 02:50 PM

The 2nd gen SE is basically the same form factor and size as the 6s, correct?

**sierra_cement** · 08-24-2021, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by mcski

The 2nd gen SE is basically the same form factor and size as the 6s, correct?

Same as an iphone 8

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

**gregL** · 08-24-2021, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by sierra_cement

Same as an iphone 8

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

Thirded on the 2nd gen SE, good bang for the buck . . .

**LostAgain** · 08-25-2021, 01:38 AM

Another vote for the SE gen 2.

**Eluder** · 08-25-2021, 08:40 AM

Top of your budget but I’ve been happy with my 12 mini. My 7s battery shut the bed for the second time so I upgraded. I couldn’t stomach 1200 even though I use the thing daily… I also like the small size like the 7, though I get it that not everyone does.

**johnnyg82** · 08-25-2021, 11:28 AM

Are you willing to get a contract plan rather than prepaid or no?

**PeachesNCream** · 08-25-2021, 11:35 AM

Thanks for the input. Really looking at the iphone SE 2nd gen or getting the 12 after the 13 gets released and prices drop.

**PeachesNCream** · 08-25-2021, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by johnnyg82

Are you willing to get a contract plan rather than prepaid or no?

I'm good with getting a contract or switching carriers (as long as they get good service in my area) but I don't want to increase my monthly bill much which is $40 right now

**alpinevibes** · 08-25-2021, 12:21 PM

I've had an 8 for a few years, just paid it off. Battery life has been sitting at 82%, and we're still paying for applecare. Part of me wants to keep the 8, replace the battery soon and ride it out.

But: has anyone had good luck trading an 8 or similar recently? I'd love to trade the 8 and get an SE2 if possible. Wishful thinking?

**MyNameIsAugustWest** · 08-25-2021, 01:23 PM

I've got an XR for my personal phone and an XR for work. Work phone is more than 2 years old and still solid although the battery does run down faster than the personal phone which is only about 4 months old. What has sold me on the XR is that I recently capsized my sailboat and realized I had the phone (personal) in my pocket and not in a dry bag. Phone was under water for at least 15 minutes and when I climbed out of the water, I was getting a text message. Put it in some rice and it's been working fine ever since. Not sure how much they cost but since my wife bought it, it must be cheap.

**PowderPig** · 08-25-2021, 03:58 PM

In case you want a used 256 GB iPhone XS, I have one in good condition.

**PeachesNCream** · 08-25-2021, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by PowderPig

In case you want a used 256 GB iPhone XS, I have one in good condition.

Pmd

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

**M_R** · 08-26-2021, 07:12 AM

I rocked the SE 2nd gen for a while but the battery depleted to 92% in about 6 months, great phone, supper fast, but if you need it on all day you will be disappointed in the battery.

I was anticipating and salivating over the 12 mini for some time but after the SE’s small battery depleted so quickly, I opted for the 12 pro. 6 months into the pro ownership and the battery is still at 100% guess they use different grade of cells in different product lines.

So SE 2nd gen if you don’t need big battery performance, otherwise I would recommend a regular 12.

**gregL** · 08-26-2021, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by M_R

I rocked the SE 2nd gen for a while but the battery depleted to 92% in about 6 months, great phone, supper fast, but if you need it on all day you will be disappointed in the battery.

I was anticipating and salivating over the 12 mini for some time but after the SE’s small battery depleted so quickly, I opted for the 12 pro. 6 months into the pro ownership and the battery is still at 100% guess they use different grade of cells in different product lines.

So SE 2nd gen if you don’t need big battery performance, otherwise I would recommend a regular 12.

Bad luck? My SE Gen2 is at 96% after a year and 4 months . . . will run for 2 days on a charge most of the time. Hasn't failed in the cold when I try to take a picture like my 6 and 6s.