iPhone

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends iPhone

64 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 23, 2025

  What was the best purchase you made this year?

  Garmin watch. Running shoes. DJI Action 5. iPhone 17 pro. Changing my lifestyle apparently.

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• #2Dec 6, 2025

  Should I buy an iPad mini or upgrade my iPhone? Stuck between practicality and emotions.

  Replace the battery. As others have pointed out, you’re in the wrong sub, but if you don’t use your phone for work, you don’t need to keep upgrading your phone, just replace the battery because this is the main thing that makes them “disposable” in the eyes of many. I also have an iPhone 12 mini with a brand new battery (I, too, adore the form factor), but I’m typing this out on an iPhone 7+ which I’ve had for most of the past decade. I have very little needs for my phone—just media consumption, social media, messaging, and calls—so it still works like a charm and does everything I need it to do.

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• #3Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I’m rolling with an iPhone X. Still humming along.

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• #4Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  Get the first iPhone with a usb c, iPhone 15. Like others have said, 7 years of software support is fairly standard. It’s about $700, if you use the phone for 5 years that works out to about $11 a month. I also like the pixel line of phones which will be significantly cheaper and in my opinion they are just as good as an iPhone.

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• #5Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  Iphone SE gen 3 is maybe 3-4 years old now i think. can find them online for around $120-150.

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• #6Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I’ve bought a couple refurbished iPhones from getorchard.com. I think it’s a Canadian website, but it may not matter.

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• #7Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  Yeah the 7 year rule is pretty solid advice but honestly you could probably get away with an iPhone 12 or 13 right now and be good for like 3-4 more years. Those are way cheaper than the newest budget models and still get iOS updates. Just check swappa or your carrier for refurb deals

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• #8Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  Iphone 11 pro max might be your best bet. Theyre about $200 for refurbished,like new condition. You can do almost everything on it , some apps dont run well though.

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• #9Dec 5, 2025

  Is buying something refurbished better for the enivrement and cost or will it be a useless less quality product?

  I change phones every 1.5-2 years, not because they break, I just want something fresh. By buying and selling factory refurbished iphone models icoola, I lose minimal money. The depreciation on an already refurbished phone is tiny.

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• #10Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I'd aim for iphone 12 or later (5g). iphone 15 if you want the usb-c charging for something cheaper, id do a Samsung s23 or later. s24 if you can afford it (software+security updates till 2031)

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• #11Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I don’t know why this is getting down voted. It’s a valid question. Here’s the answer. The type of apps you mentioned are likely 2FA apps or things otherwise concerned about security. They will absolutely have a moving floor that will be no lower than the oldest version of the operating system that is getting security patches. It may be higher than that for security features or other reasons. The iPhone 12 and 2nd gen se are likely the next to go to the vintage list (partially supported), some 11s have already been posted to the vintage list. A refurb 12 IA’s likely the least cost for iOS that may buy you 2-3 years. May. I know for it enterprise 2FA product, Android is at a floor of 14. Pixel 8 is supposed to get seven years of updates, so should be good for a bit.

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• #12Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I’m sorry but do you really think someone still running an iPhone 7 will want to install a custom OS on a Pixel? OP should 100% get something like an iPhone 15 or newer and run it for another 5-7 years

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• #13Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  iPhone 13 for free if you switch to metro

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• #14Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I highly recommend getting the base iPhone 17 model. They’ve done the biggest refresh this year for the base line. I myself had an iPhone XR from 2019 and I finally made the upgrade this year after making it 6.5 years with it. It’s insane the quality of life upgrade its been. Definitely recommend.

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• #15Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  As you seem to truly use phones until the end of their lifespan (in terms of security/OS updates and such), your absolute best bang for your buck will be to get the newest model and do exactly like you did with this one: plan on keeping it in tip top shape to the best of your ability for the next 7-8 years. Then do it again. I stick with iPhone, because I also have a MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, etc so I like having everything available via iCloud on any device I’m using.

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• #16Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  iphone 16e

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• #17Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  As other people have said, you need an iPhone. Preferably Pro Max because the bigger size will mean longer battery life. And a plug for myself, if you want to buy my practically new iPhone 16 Pro Max with 49 charges, 100% maximum capacity, and Apple warranty until 06/18/2026, DM me. If not, look for an iPhone 16 Pro Max to save some money off a 17.

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• #18Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I have an iPhone SE 3 that I haven't had any issues with. I got it used for under $200. When it breaks or becomes obsolete, I'll upgrade to the iPhone 16e (I think is what it's called? Whatever their cheapest one is). That should happen in a year or two. That's just how it is with technology like this these days – it will become obsolete eventually. I think upgrading your phone every 3-5 years to a refurbished model and paying $200 cash each time isn't a big deal? I'm also on a 5GB Tello plan that's $14/month. That's enough data for Maps and Music while I'm driving around, which is all I use data for. So that's another way to save money on a smartphone – don't get an expensive data plan.

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• #19Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  Buy the newest iPhone 17 so you don't need to switch as often. The iPhone 10 or xr is newer than your phone 7 by 3 years. So in another 3 years you will face this same problem again. Pretty sure you don't. Your phone is 10 years old. You should get a new one every 5 years average, maybe 7 years, definitely not 10 years.

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• #20Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I just got a free iphone 16e with 2 year contract.

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• #21Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  The cheapest will also be the oldest, which will just mean you’ll have the same problem next year. Generally seven years is the support timeframe for smartphones, so software updates won’t be available for models older than that. You’re better off getting the latest budget model, so like an iPhone 16e or Pixel 9a

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• #22Dec 5, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I have an iPhone 12 Pro and have not run into any problems. I am using iOS 26.1.

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• #23Dec 4, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  For $500 or less (if renewed) you can get iPhone 16e. That's new enough to keep it working for 5+ years.

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• #24Dec 4, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  If you’re looking for longevity and long term support, it’s pretty hard to beat the iPhone. I’d consider looking at Apple refurbished phones. Has the same warranty, new battery, new externals, just refurbished internals. They have stringent standards, so you should feel confident with your purchase. I’d probably recommend sticking with an iPhone 15 or newer if you really want to extend how many years you’ll get.

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• #25Dec 4, 2025

  Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.

  I googled "what is the oldest model iphone that supports ios 17" (you're welcome) and it came back with the iPhone XS and XR. You can get them for ~$150 on Amazon/Ebay/Walmart.

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• #26Nov 2, 2025

  The case for repairing tech devices instead of replacing: Most phones/laptops can last 5-7+ years, saving you $600+ per device and preventing 140 lbs of CO₂ emissions

  >I thought that most phones nowadays did not come with replaceable batteries. They're not trivial to replace, but easy enough for most people who want to give it ago. I just replaced a battery in my iphone this month. It took 20 minutes and cost $35.

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• #27Nov 1, 2025

  The case for repairing tech devices instead of replacing: Most phones/laptops can last 5-7+ years, saving you $600+ per device and preventing 140 lbs of CO₂ emissions

  I’m still using an IPhone 7 about 2 years ago I had the battery replaced at a battery center it works fine I’ve probably saved thousands of dollars by not upgrading every couple years like most people.

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• #28Nov 1, 2025

  The case for repairing tech devices instead of replacing: Most phones/laptops can last 5-7+ years, saving you $600+ per device and preventing 140 lbs of CO₂ emissions

  I’m glad you enjoy it! Personally I’d go back to an iPhone 3 in a heartbeat if I could. Idc about the refresh rate. 

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• #29Nov 1, 2025

  The case for repairing tech devices instead of replacing: Most phones/laptops can last 5-7+ years, saving you $600+ per device and preventing 140 lbs of CO₂ emissions

  I have an iPhone 13 that I bought new when it came out and plan on keeping it at least another year or 2.

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• #30Nov 1, 2025

  The case for repairing tech devices instead of replacing: Most phones/laptops can last 5-7+ years, saving you $600+ per device and preventing 140 lbs of CO₂ emissions

  Really good insight, cool post. There’s also the intangible benefit of waiting that long — awe factor. When I went from an iPhone SE (that I kept for just over 7 years) to the iPhone 16 pro max last year, the jump in tech was absolutely amazing. Sure I knew it existed, but getting to actually experience it personally for the first time was a such a joy for a solid 2 months after I got the phone.

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• #31Nov 1, 2025

  What is the equivalent of "Apple removed 3.5mm jack" of your favorite products ?

  I need a new Fairphone 4 battery, I'm in Australia and they don't ship them here. If I had an iPhone, nearly every mall has a shop that could have replaced the battery for me already.

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• #32Sep 5, 2025

  What kind of Iphone is actually gonna last?

  My iPhone 11 is about five years old and only needed its first battery replacement last year. That’s all it’s needed. It might be a your phone issue.

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• #33Sep 2, 2025

  Android phones that can last a long time?

  Had flagship phones from LG, Motorola, and Samsung that were all basically abandonware after six months. It's the whole reason I switched to iPhone when the 7+ came out.

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• #34Sep 1, 2025

  Android phones that can last a long time?

  I got an iPhone X in 2018. Lasted me 7 years which is more than enough because after a certain point these old phones lose security updates and become targets. And even then Apple is amazing at supporting older iPhones. They basically supported my sister’s phone from high school all the way through college. Which was unheard of for Androids back in the day

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• #35Sep 1, 2025

  Android phones that can last a long time?

  I switched to Iphone, after 4 google phones, I am loving it so far. My pixel 6pro had some defects, and the final straw was I plugged it into charge, and the phone refused the charge and the charge kept going melting the port. I had to call in a replacement on my nexus6p which was the best phone I've had from google and of course they sent me a refurbished phone with a battery drain problem. I am getting my refurbished replacement for the 6pro tmr, hoping for better luck to replace my moms pixel 4a. My dad used his Iphone for I think 8 years? My sister gave him her old Iphone and he's using that now, probably 6+ years. I just found google has had too many defective devices over the years, I was not happy they sent me a buggy refurbished phone either. I thought the switch to iphone would be painful, I missed the tether to android part of setting up the iphone, but just logged into my google account and it imported all my google contacts seemlessly.

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• #36Sep 1, 2025

  Android phones that can last a long time?

  This is the right mindset, and unfortunately why if you are trying to BIFL the iPhone is second to none. Google and Samsung are trying to change that, though. Your other option is switching to LineageOS and maintaining your own updates.

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• #37Sep 1, 2025

  Android phones that can last a long time?

  This is why I switched to iPhones, for better or for worse. My last iPhone 6 lasted 6 years and my current iphone 12 mini is at 5 and still going strong. I’ve heard some people get a long time out of Pixels and Samsungs, but it still seems quite mixed.

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• #38Aug 5, 2025

  Looking for a good mp3 player

  Your iPhone.

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• #39Aug 4, 2025

  Stopping the phone upgrade cycle—my wallet thanks me

  I’d still be using my iPhone 12 if I didn’t break it…bought a refurbished 13 recently. Still works fine. Girlfriend has a 16, don’t see any need for the newer “features.”

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• #40Aug 4, 2025

  Stopping the phone upgrade cycle—my wallet thanks me

  I made it 4 years with my iPhone 13 pro Max. Got it on a deal when it first came out and paid nothing for it. Ever since having my son I have wanted a flip phone so I can close the screen and move on with my day rather than doom scrolling on my phone (my only hobby for years). Switched to the Razr and got it on a promo deal for $0. I will ride this baby out until it's unusable and it has worked wonders for my screentime addiction.

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• #41Aug 4, 2025

  Stopping the phone upgrade cycle—my wallet thanks me

  I bought an 13mini when it was new almost 4 years ago, my first iPhone. It has fallen out of a tree 60ft (I work as an arborist) among other abuse. There is no reason it shouldn't last a few more years, and batteries can always be replaced. A phone, like a vehicle, is an appliance. Think of it like a dishwasher, by that I mean take care of it but don't think too much about it emotionally. It's just a tool.

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• #42Aug 2, 2025

  Anyone keep a “BIFL Roster”?

  Good list. Agree with iPhone being the preferred long term smartphone. But I have not had good luck with AirPod pros. Went through several pairs. First three with swapped out within the one year warranty due to battery degradation and the plastic shell forming cracks. Never dropped but I do work outdoors long hours in the heat. I suggest Bose Quiet Comfort earbuds instead. Better sound quality and far superior noise cancellation. No issues with battery or case and even outside warranty Bose stands by their products and offers trade in credit or discounts for old and defective products.

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• #43Aug 2, 2025

  Anyone keep a “BIFL Roster”?

  Precisely. Smart phones other than iPhones generally only last between 2 and 3 years. iPhones generally last around 5 or so years, and a lot of the times the reason to replace an iPhone is because of ending security patches and not because the phone doesn’t work anymore.

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• #44Jul 5, 2025

  Stuff you will continue buying for life

  I prefer to buy iPhone the moment the next one is announced. For example bought the 13 when the 14 was announced. The 13 dropped 30% in price overnight, and it's just as good.

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• #45Jul 4, 2025

  Ever Bought Something That Quietly Changed You?

  Iphone

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• #46Jun 8, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  IPhone 13 mini until the wheels fall off

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• #47Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I had an iPhone 7 for 5 years. They make phones pretty well these days.

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• #48Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I had the iPhone 6s, upgraded in 2019 to 11 pro, then upgraded to 18 pro about 3 months ago, when the battery wouldn’t hold a charge very long. I expect to have it about 5 years.

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• #49Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  Why wouldn’t you? My current iPhone is 6 years old and still going strong 🤷‍♀️

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• #50Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I have a 14 Pro Max, it does what I need, I like the weight (my mother just moved from her iPhone 11 to a 16, and I’m not a fan, it’s too light, feels fragile)my battery health is 76% I’m just going to get the battery replaced rather than upgrading.

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• #51Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I'm on my third iPhone, I keep them all for five years, then I replace them. My iPhone 5 still works, I kept it because it was my first smart phone. My iPhone X stopped working because it got damaged while I was working, and rather than replace the screen I got an iPhone 15. Your mileage may vary, but everybody else in my household goes through phones a lot faster than I do. That applies regardless of the type of phone they get.

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• #52Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I have an iPhone 13 that I got in 2022. In general iPhones last a long time. For reference this is my iPhone history: *iPhone 4S: Oct., 2010 to Jan., 2013 (it died) *iPhone 5: Jan., 2013 to Aug., 2017 (the screen cracked and I fixed it but I decided I wanted something newer) *iPhone 7: Aug., 2017 to Dec., 2018 (only traded it in because an iPhone X was cheaper than the monthly payment I had on the 7; plus Apple gave me a $250 GC) *iPhone X: Dec., 2018 to June, 2022 (traded it in for an iPhone 12 which was free for 36 months; the phone was paid off but it was starting to get a little buggy) *iPhone 12: since June, 2022 (no real issues with the phone yet, which is good! I believe the phone is officially paid off this month….it was listed as a credit on my phone bill monthly as it was $0 for x months (usually 36 months IIRC). My husband had a iPhone 4S from 2010 to 2015; somehow his lasted a long time and mine was a dud. In 2015 he got an iPhone 6 and then he used that until my then 12 year old daughter needed a phone in 2018 (that phone died in early 2019). He then had his 8+ plus from 2018 to 2022 and the only reason I had him replace it then with the iPhone 12 is because I had a feeling it would be obsolete for software upgrades soon after that, and the monthly payment was less than $10/month and I didn’t want his phone dying and being stuck with a $50/month phone payment on the newest phone because he didn’t have a working trade in.

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• #53Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I put off getting a smart phone until circumstances kinda forced our family to. We would chaperone for school events a lot and my little LG ENV couldn’t understand let alone keep up with all the group texting that would happen on trips. Got an iPhone 5(c?) in 2014. Then was forced to upgrade because of 5G…got an iPhone XS in 2020, and it’s still working just fine. So yeah…always getting 5+ years…

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• #54Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I used my iPhone 8 daily, too much frankly, until last year or so when I upgraded to an iPhone 15.  So, about seven years of daily usage on the original battery.  I hope I can get as much from this one. 

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• #55Jun 7, 2025

  I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!

  I’m currently using my iPhone 12 from 2020. It is still functioning perfectly fine and I plan to use it either until it stops functioning or until it no longer updates.

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• #56Mar 5, 2025

  Alarm Clock without Snooze

  iPhone, google phone, Samsung phone, Motorola phone just to name a few

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• #57Mar 3, 2025

  Where Does "Buy It for Life" Not Make Sense?

  I beg to differ. I’m reading this on a 1st gen IPhone SE. I’ll never give up my headphone jack!

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• #58Mar 3, 2025

  Where Does "Buy It for Life" Not Make Sense?

  Technically true in that I can't really think of many electronics at all that will truly be "for life" but buying quality can absolutely make a big difference and save a lot of money by not having to replace it for a long long time. My Olympus digital camera I bought in 2014 is still running like a champ after hundreds of thousands of photos. Think I paid like $600 for it at the time. My Macbook is going on 12 years and my previous one made it to 14 before it just wasn't compatible with newer adobe software. My last Iphone was 12 years old and still going strong, I only upgraded because of that stupid forced 5g bullshit. If not for that, I would still be using that Iphone 5

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• #59Mar 2, 2025

  I need noise cancelling head phones that are big enough that they competely cover the average adult woman's ears

  Lots of recommendations for Sony XM4-5 series, and I personally own the XM4... BUT I would recommend to add other options. - If you have an iPhone then consider their earphones Max (or whatever the name). They truly cover your ears and interact greatly with iPhones. But they are heavy, bulky and expensive. -Bose Qc35 or whatever is their current top model. They cover the ears better than the Sony XM4-5. The noise cancelling is also as good. And usually they fit better women's music taste because the sound is softer and warmer than the Sony, like for vocal artists, jazz, electro, etc.

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• #60Feb 5, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  Still use Iphone 6 now, still work beautiful.

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• #61Jan 7, 2025

  Newer iPhone versions are designed to break and are less repairable!!

  I’ve been using the 12 mini without cover for the last 2 years and my 1yo son throws it around whenever he finds it!! Still no cracked screen (other than a tiny bit like a hairline) also been water damaged 2 times and been fixed for less than 60 bucks

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• #62Jan 5, 2025

  Has everything we buy reduced in quality over time? Has anything increased in quality or stayed high quality and durable?

  Yea if you can replace batteries and screen iPhones are very durable, excellent quality.

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• #63Jan 5, 2025

  Has everything we buy reduced in quality over time? Has anything increased in quality or stayed high quality and durable?

  Yeah I replaced my iPhone 5 in 2021 and expecting my new iphone to last same 10 years honestly. It’s been 3 so far and I have 0 issues even though I’m rough with this thing(accidentally)

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• #64Jan 3, 2025

  Cell phones - what's the closest brand to a BIFL?

  Pixels or iPhone

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