iPhone SE
Your phone, your choices. This unlocked smartphone allows you to chose any service you want -- whatever works best for you! Plus, this iPhone SE is packed with power. 64GB of internal memory gives you plenty of room to store apps, photos, games, and more. The iOS 13 operating system makes navigating your phone a piece of cake.
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends it
11 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 5, 2025
Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.
Last year I bought a refurbished iPhone SE from I think 2020 on Amazon. Works like new and all current apps work on it. For my photos, when my storage starts to approach the limit, I DL them from the cloud onto my PC, back them up and then delete from all devices to restore the space available.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 5, 2025
Cheapest phone that isn't so old I can't download apps? iPhone 7 is causing me problems.
I actually just last year replaced my 7 with an iphone SE. It has the same dimensions as a 7 so I could use the same phone case and it was only about $500 CAD brand new
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 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.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Nov 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.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Sep 5, 2025
What kind of Iphone is actually gonna last?
i currently still use my iphone SE. it’s awesome :)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Sep 5, 2025
What kind of Iphone is actually gonna last?
to boil it down, the phone that will last the longest is the newest phone. So in general I would recommend getting a newest gen phone and treating it carefully. Get one with the biggest battery to extend your time until needing to get the battery replaced. That said, you can cheap out a bit and get by. Apple started a program that makes it somewhat easy-ish to get genuine parts for phones after iPhone 12 (I think) so I would go absolutely no older than that. The 3rd gen iPhone SE is pretty barebones, using older and simpler tech (Touch ID, single camera, etc) which I would expect to be more durable, and has the same chipset as the iPhone 13, so I would expect at least a few more years of software updates, possibly even until ~2030. Slap a good screen protector and case on it and you’re set for a total of like $300 maybe?
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Jun 7, 2025
I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!
The last brand new phone I got was an iphone 3gs, whenever that came out. All the rest have been hand-me-downs or purchased used. I literally don't care about them at all, as long as they work. I think the one I'm on now is an SE II. Paid $220 for it a few years ago. I can't really see the point in 'upgrading' so frequently, especially when you're paying $1,000+ for these things. Personally, they're all the same to me.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Jun 7, 2025
I need to keep this phone for as long as possible!
I’m sure you’ll be fine, 4 years should be a reasonable time for a $1000 electronic device to work. I had the iPhone SE for 8 years then “upgraded” to my MILs old 8+ when she got a new phone last year, never had an app I couldn’t use, camera works well. Can’t really see a reason to upgrade tech wise.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Apr 9, 2025
What is your current BIFL item you recommend to everyone?
I've had my latest MacBookPro for 8 years. The biggest issue is the speaker degradation and the lack of Memory, but the latter is on me. It's mainly for home music recording now, which is an incredible thing. My IphoneSE has always been longlasting as well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Jan 5, 2025
Has everything we buy reduced in quality over time? Has anything increased in quality or stayed high quality and durable?
I’m writing this on an original iphone SE from 2017. It was overstock that the cell company had been trying to get rid of so they gave my family a good deal, and I’ve used it ever since. Yeah, it’s slow, the camera sucks under most conditions, and it’s almost always completely full because of the teeny tiny storage, but I love my little phone. I don’t use it all that much, mostly for texting on the go, navigation, and reddit, but it’s perfectly adequate for those roles and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Unless they came out with another phone this size that didn’t cost two grand. Then, and only then, would I consider.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Jan 1, 2025
How do you feel about buying things?
When I am forced to buy, I try to buy for the long term. It’s ok to buy the cheap version once, if you use it enough to break it, get one that will last as long as possible. I drive a 20 year old car, I have owned exactly 8 outer coats as an adult, most from being too fat to fit the older ones, three were bought used. My sweaters are always a quality brand, but bought used. My pants are custom tailored and I get about 3-4 years of wear before I rotate them out. I have one style of sneaker I like, so I rotate between three identical pairs. I do the same with boots. I use a framework laptop, buy apple phones used or SE variants. For my hobbies, I buy music gear used or diy kits, I also buy my video games used or on Steam sale, I typically buy one game per year during launch week as a treat.
View on Redditopen_in_new