iPhone SE (2016) iPhone SE

[Merkava_4]

I'm thinking of buying one off eBay. They have new sealed in the box units for about $150. I have never owned a cell phone in my entire life, but since I'm so used to using the Mac OS, I figure I should get an iPhone. I drive a 40 minute commute to work and I figure it's inevitable that the car will eventually break down at some point in time. It's the law of averages. But if you're broken down on the side of the road in this day and age, everybody else on the road automatically assumes that you already have a cell phone and that you have help on its way. If you don't have a cell phone, you're going to be there for several hours or even the whole day. Would the iPhone SE be suitable for a tow truck phone?

 

[eyoungren]

My son has an SE. But if all you really need is a device to make calls then a 5s or even a 5 might do. Both devices can use LTE in case you need data in an emergency.

The SE is actually the pinnacle of the 5/5s but rather than an eBay sealed box, if you're going to go new with an SE I'd try and find a carrier still offering them. They can be had fairly cheaply.

 

[Freakonomics101]

My son has an SE. But if all you really need is a device to make calls then a 5s or even a 5 might do. Both devices can use LTE in case you need data in an emergency.

The SE is actually the pinnacle of the 5/5s but rather than an eBay sealed box, if you're going to go new with an SE I'd try and find a carrier still offering them. They can be had fairly cheaply.

The 5s can’t do VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. Definitely something nice to have, especially with carriers skimming down older network tech.

 

[eyoungren]

The 5s can’t do VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. Definitely something nice to have, especially with carriers skimming down older network tech.

That's true. But OP is looking for something that would be in his car only. Unless you've got a mobile hotspot device you aren't doing WiFi calling in the car.

VoLTE would be good but as long as there is still some cell signal calls can be handled on 2G or less.

 

[maerz001]

In all respect but you should start with a Nokia 3210 like we all did

 

[TrickyTreeRed]

I'm thinking of buying one off eBay. They have new sealed in the box units for about $150. I have never owned a cell phone in my entire life, but since I'm so used to using the Mac OS, I figure I should get an iPhone. I drive a 40 minute commute to work and I figure it's inevitable that the car will eventually break down at some point in time. It's the law of averages. But if you're broken down on the side of the road in this day and age, everybody else on the road automatically assumes that you already have a cell phone and that you have help on its way. If you don't have a cell phone, you're going to be there for several hours or even the whole day. Would the iPhone SE be suitable for a tow truck phone?

The SE will suit your needs perfectly. And if your vehicle's stereo/infotainment head unit has Bluetooth and/or CarPlay, you can pair it to your phone.