Other New iPhone for my grandma

[Elektrofone]

Any advice on which phone I should get my grandma? She currently has a 6s plus and it’s running out of space and it’s having battery issues and can’t be updated to the newest iOS. I think it’s time for a new one.

She doesn’t want to spend a lot, and unfortunately the SE would be perfect but the screen size is too small for her coming from a plus so I was leaning toward a XR. Should I be concerned that it would become obsolete sooner?

 

[ericwn]

I believe they still sell the XR in many markets and if so they’ll keep it updated for a few years for sure.

I guess was also thinking of the XR reading your post, might be a great compromise.

 

[Phil77354]

You didn't say where you are located or what phone service she uses, etc. There are lots of more recent iPhone models that, depending on your location and preference regarding service, should still be available and discounted to reasonable prices. There are 6 generations of iPhones released since the 6s Plus, lots to select from that should still be available as new if you don't insist on the latest generation.

Obsolete how? iOS 14 can be used with iPhone models going all the way back to the 6s Plus you are using now. If you replace it with a model that is a couple of generations newer, then you have every reason to expect that software upgrades will continue to be available for that model for several years more.

As another alternative, if the 6s Plus still works fine other than the battery, a battery replacement is very inexpensive. That won't solve the storage issue but there could be other ways to deal with that (iCloud for example).

 

[DevinNj]

Xr isn't bad but if you're leaning towards that, I'd lean towards the 11. There's great deals to be had right now on either one. Maybe even find her an 8+, they're still solid phones.

Like @Phil77354 said you didn't say where you're located, but I use swappa often and there was just a new open box unlocked 8+ that recently sold for $325 USD.

 

[Elektrofone]

We’re in the US. I’d rather not go the used route since it wouldn’t have AppleCare.

 

[MBAir2010]

The iPhone SE is a good phone that does not have the extra specs she won't use and is handy size wise.
i might get one myself if i every get a cell phone.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

If she's stuck on that form factor (home button) the 8+ is a good choice that will be familiar and supported for a few years.. If she doesn't mind a phone with no home button then I'd say get an 11...

 

[firedept]

I think either the 8+ or XR would be a great choice. Lot's of great deals to be had for either phone.

 

[Elektrofone]

The iPhone SE is a good phone that does not have the extra specs she won't use and is handy size wise.
i might get one myself if i every get a cell phone.

We definitely don't want to go down in screen size since she has a 6s Plus. I don't think she minds moving to a no home button device though.

 

[steelhauler34]

Don’t be afraid of used. Apple care is statistically just something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside that you waste your money on. This is the case with most extended warranties or services. Manufacturers couldn’t afford to offer them if most people needed to use them. I would go on swappa and find a mint condition model with good battery health that is a few generations newer. I have had my 7+ for a year and a half that I bought off there for 300 bucks. It’s still at 88% battery and works flawlessly.

 

[Elektrofone]

Don’t be afraid of used. Apple care is statistically just something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside that you waste your money on. This is the case with most extended warranties or services. Manufacturers couldn’t afford to offer them if most people needed to use them. I would go on swappa and find a mint condition model with good battery health that is a few generations newer. I have had my 7+ for a year and a half that I bought off there for 300 bucks. It’s still at 88% battery and works flawlessly.

I'm personally not afraid of used, but I don't want to be her IT guy when something goes wrong. It would be much easier for her to be able to take it to Apple if need be.

 

[VineRider]

A refurbished 8+ is available directly from Apple, and you can get AppleCare on these units. Basically just like new,

Refurbished-iPhone-8-Plus-64GB-Gold

 

[powerbook911]

If she has AT&T, the 11 is $10 a month for 30 months, $300 for a very good phone. No trade or anything required.

 

[pencilscribbler]

Any advice on which phone I should get my grandma? She currently has a 6s plus and it’s running out of space and it’s having battery issues and can’t be updated to the newest iOS. I think it’s time for a new one.

She doesn’t want to spend a lot, and unfortunately the SE would be perfect but the screen size is too small for her coming from a plus so I was leaning toward a XR. Should I be concerned that it would become obsolete sooner?

My suggestions:
1. iPhone 11 — best price-to-value ratio
2. iPhone 12 — longest lifespan, slightly more expensive than iPhone 11
3. iPhone XR — cheaper than iP11 or iP12, but 2+ years shorter lifespan cf. iP12
4. (iPhone SE 2nd gen — cheap, but screen size too small for presbyopic (long-sighted) eyes. Buy only if very cash-strapped)


If less price-sensitive, then
- iPhone 12 would be my first choice, given the longevity & you’re paying only slightly more for 1+ more year of lifespan. (iPhone 11 would be 2nd choice then).

 

[TechLord]

Brand new XR or a refurbished 8+ are both great options. The 11 is better value in terms of future proofing than the XR but 100 more so of price is truly an issue the XR is fine.