Best Value Apple Phone without Selling an Arm

LNeodyminus on 15/11/2023 - 15:32

Hey everyone, I'm a student who primarily works on weekends and I'm in the market for a smartphone upgrade. Currently, I'm using an iPhone 8, and I'm looking to switch to a phone that supports iOS 17 (just hours ago finally pulled the trigger on some real non-bootleg airpods!). I'd like something with ample storage, great battery life, and perhaps an improved screen.

My budget isn't too flexible, and I don't think I can stretch it to accommodate a $2000 phone. I'm aiming for a device that strikes a balance between performance and affordability. Any recommendations for a solid upgrade that won't break the bank would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 15/11/2023 - 15:37
    +1

    SE2 is the obvious choice, probably really just a sidegrade in terms of screen and other features though

    • RichardL on 15/11/2023 - 15:43
      +6

      The Phone SE (3rd generation) is also another option if you want more 'future-proofing' for software update.

      • ESEMCE on 15/11/2023 - 15:51

        I'm so outta touch didn't know there was a 3rd gen! :D

        • bobokingdom on 15/11/2023 - 16:20
          +1

          3rd is 5G, basically iPhone 13 speed (with less RAM) in an iPhone 8 body.

      • HeWhoKnows on 16/11/2023 - 07:50
        -1

        I have the SE3
        Fantastic phone

        But stay well away from SE2 as it has very poor Wifi reception

      • kiitos on 16/11/2023 - 08:00

        How is the SE3 camera compared to other models? Wife has an XR and is complaining that the photos aren't as good as others' phones.

    • HeWhoKnows on 16/11/2023 - 07:51

      Se2 has Terrible Wifi reception !

      Stay well away

      Apple addressed this issue in the SE3

      • hashtagbargain on 17/11/2023 - 00:15

        What are you on about? My se2 has had 0 wifi issues.

        • HeWhoKnows on 17/11/2023 - 09:51
          -1

          LOL:
          Its a case of what you dont know cant hurt you.
          The SE2 Wifi problem is widley published on the internet in many blogs and chat spaces.
          See a few of them here:
          https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251551813
          https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251328094
          https://www.reddit.com/r/iPhoneSE/comments/zju93b/iphone_se_…

          I tried 3 of them (SE2)
          All terrible wifi reception.
          Some slightly better but not good.
          Got rid of all of them.

          You dont know until you compare with other iPhones side by side as discussions point out.(try it)

          My iPhone SE3 has much better Wifi reception.
          Im very happy with it.

          • CheapGit on 18/11/2023 - 19:11
            +1

            @HeWhoKnows: Got 2 SE2 in the house, we have 100/20 NBN and at oppppsite side of the house basicslly farthest point from router both phones are getting around 80 Mbps on speediest.
            Samsung Tab A8 is same speed, S21 a little faster. All in the same spot using chrome as browser.
            Dont see a big enoiugh difference in the 2 phones between other devices we have for it to be an issue.

            • HeWhoKnows on 19/11/2023 - 20:18

              @CheapGit: You are one of the lucky ones.
              Thousands around the world beg to differ including myself.

              In the end the SE3 is a superior phone on all measures.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/11/2023 - 15:38
    +2

    great battery life

    aight so not the 14/ 15 pro then

  • sumyungguy on 15/11/2023 - 15:44
    +4

    Consider the 12 as it's the last model available with 64GB storage; also the oldest model than can do Face ID with face masks if/when that becomes a thing again. Compared to 11, 12 gets MagSafe, 5G and the faster processor which enables Face ID + mask. Condition: ex-demo; colour: blue $659

    • Neodyminus on 15/11/2023 - 17:22

      Thanks for the heads-up! What would you say the main difference between a 12 and a 13 would be? And are the mini's any good? Or the only pro of them being the smaller size.
      (also if at all possible, would love maybe a tad more than 64GB I understand that it would raise the price more however my storage seems to fill up insanely fast on photos alone, (had to clear out entire phone twice in past 4 months))

      • sumyungguy on 15/11/2023 - 17:30
        +1

        Minis are great if you have small hands - they're lightweight too. I use Apple's comparator: You get a newer processor in a 13, perhaps more differences in the Pro models

      • freefall101 on 15/11/2023 - 17:33
        +2

        Battery life is way better on the 13s, I'd get that rather than a 12 - particularly in the mini.

        I have a 12 mini with 84% battery life, if I forget to charge it in the office and forget my battery pack there's a good chance it'll run out on the train home

        • sumyungguy on 15/11/2023 - 17:37
          +1

          Using OzMobiles just to compare pricing; condition: ex-demo: 12 $759 13 $989 (both 128GB). Stretch to $799 for a 12 with 256GB

          • Neodyminus on 15/11/2023 - 17:44

            @sumyungguy: Just checked using Apples comparator, The only Visible/main difference between the 13 pro/pro max and the 13 mini is: reduced battery life, less zoom, no telephoto lens, no lidar scanner, less peak brightness (<—— Biggest downside).

            If I were to get anything less than a 12 I'd be worried about longevity, the 11 is said to stop receiving IOS updates past September 2024.

            Oh and also, I forgot to mention, I also do have a plan with amaysim (who are ok at the best of times, but it works) but looking at the deals with their plans isn't giving anything eye-poppingly crazy I think

            Why can't phones just be affordable and get updates for longer? Apart from having a broken touch id and cracked screen, I'd be more than happy to keep using my iPhone 8 for the next 4-5 years!

            • sumyungguy on 15/11/2023 - 17:57
              +1

              @Neodyminus: Face ID is way better than using your fingerprint and I value the bigger display you get without needing space for a home button. Pro models are suited to still/video camera enthusiasts. You'll see a massive difference in image quality moving up from an 8. iPhone achieves higher resale and gets updates for longer than Android. Here's my pick: 12, like new, 256GB $759

              • cloudy on 18/11/2023 - 21:24

                @sumyungguy: I went from a 7 to a 13, and I miss my fingerprint.

                At night and in the mornings the face id doesn’t always work and I gotta put in my 6 digit pin, or sometimes I’m sleeping the kids and I don’t wanna shine a bright light at my face to unlock my phone.

                • sumyungguy on 18/11/2023 - 21:26

                  @cloudy: FaceID works in the dark, you've just gotta show it your pupils

                  • cloudy on 18/11/2023 - 21:28

                    @sumyungguy: When I wake in the night my eyes are half closed, lol

                    But seriously it only works 70-80% of the time, a good consistent 20% it just refuses to unlock even when I try hard to open my eyes

  • RockyRaccoon on 15/11/2023 - 15:49
    +3

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/811482

    $509 with sim (mandatory - but cancel and keep phone) new iphone 11.

    BTW you get an ARM when you use an iphone.

    • jv on 15/11/2023 - 16:29

      new iphone 11.

      only 4G

      • ESEMCE on 15/11/2023 - 16:35
        -1

        Agreed.
        With 3G getting shut off in the coming 7 months, it seems a little shortsighted to buy a handset without 5G.
        5G coverage WILL become important.

        • freefall101 on 15/11/2023 - 17:34

          Is that really an issue? 5G coverage is nowhere near as good as 4G coverage.

          • ESEMCE on 16/11/2023 - 09:59

            @freefall101: That why I used the words "will become important". Implying that it's not important now.

            Currently 5G is only on the High Frequency, shorter distance bands, but when 3G gets cut off (Voda - December 2023, Telstra - June 2024, Optus - September 2024), all the spectrum currently used for 3G is going to be re-allocated to 4 and 5G, with 5G getting the bigger cut. And the remaining 3G spectrum is in the 850/900MHz range, which is long distance/high penetration spectrum.
            So expect a step change in 5G Coverage.

            In summary, if you don't have a 5G handset, you will probably see a reduction in coverage following the 3G shutdown because your handset will only see 4G (and most/all of the backup 3G signal that you currently see will switch to 5G)

            If you're in a 3G only area at the moment, you REALLY want to get yourself a 5G handset before the 3G cutoff

  • jv on 15/11/2023 - 16:29
    +3

    My budget isn't too flexible, and I don't think I can stretch it to accommodate a $2000 phone

    Get a refurb 12… That way you get 5G and save heaps…

  • foxmulder on 15/11/2023 - 16:59
    +1

    Costco sells iPhone 14 512gb for 1399 today online only. If you don't have to spend that much, I personally recommend just a refurbished iPhone x for around $400.

  • ThithLord on 15/11/2023 - 17:42

    If $2000 is your budget limit, you have plenty of options. Check out the iPhone 15 256GB and don't look back. Future proof, and USB-C

  • AustriaBargain on 15/11/2023 - 18:46

    Certain iPhones have poor battery life, you are better off accepting that if you can't afford/don't want a model with known great battery life, and just buy some cheap MagSafe battery packs to stash around the place.

    Any of the Max models will have decent battery life though.

  • djones145 on 15/11/2023 - 18:52
    +1

    silly no need to sell an arm ( also arms are not worth that much)

    just a kidney

    and ur right kidney is looking good!

  • bargaino on 15/11/2023 - 23:30

    Best value is cheapest phone that does what you want, and does it well.
    SE2020 is great if you can find one in top condition for the right price with a good battery.

  • Piratarzt on 16/11/2023 - 09:48

    Selling an arm? Your arm?

  • aidenh37 on 18/11/2023 - 20:35

    iPhone 12, try and get a good refurbished deal like this, this or (my favourite) this.

    Remember, iPhone 12 might be cheaper, but iPhone 13 significantly improves on cooling and battery life. iPhone 14 is basically the same, but with some further refinement. iPhone 15, whilst brand new and most expensive, might be worth it for the much better camera and best battery life available.

  • sa-ozzie on 19/11/2023 - 20:39
    -1

    Do yourself a favour and don’t get an iPhone as they are only ever bought because of the name and status of having one.
    Samsung will outperform an iPhone on just about every level.
    Get a Google phone it’s a third of the price and the best camera on the market

    • sumyungguy on 19/11/2023 - 23:58
      +1

      Samsung will outperform an iPhone on just about every level.

      … except for CPU performance, resale value, cross-device integration, security, frequency of updates, supported lifespan, consumer popularity (US market share 52% iPhone, 27% Samsung). But for everything else, way to go Android!

    • RockyRaccoon on 20/11/2023 - 08:02

      Oh I thought the ios/android wars were past tense

      But wait, I noticed the comments are from SA where technology, like our subs is so ancient

      Those built only to give employment from the rest of Australias taxpayers…. 😀

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