iPhone SE (2016) What is an acceptable battey life level for a used SE?

[jmm55]

I am thinking of buying a used SE for traveling, so I don't have to take my better 7+. It's for sale locally. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm expecting the battery to be older. I know there is a percentage rating of battery quality. My 7+ says 97%, and it has good life span. What is a reasonable percentage for an older phone? Or, at what percentage does battery replacement become a necessity? I just have no idea of what a given percentage means.

 

[acorntoy]

The phone can be throttled regardless of the percentage.

The battery might be lucky enough not to lose overall capacity and last a day (what “health” actually measures) but it’ll still degrade with every charge cycle, and not be able to provide enough -instant- power after so long.

Look at both “health” and also ask for a reading of cycle count, iphone batteries are rated for 500 cycles and I’d avoid any phone over 400 cycles or less than 85% health.

 

[saber32au]

My iPhone SE battery (new battery installed in Dec 2018) is at 97%. The phone's performance isn't throttled.

Hoping to use the phone for another 2+ years...and hoping Apple releases a smaller phone in the future!!!

 

[now i see it]

If I'm buying a used phone, I'll get the battery replaced

 

[oVerboost]

Battery replacement is easy to do if it isn’t great battery health, if the price is right then it’s still a great device, and works great on iOS 13 too.

Anything 90% or above should be fine but if it’s nearer 80% then definitely replace the battery or find a different SE to buy. There’s plenty available.

 

[jmm55]

Thanks for the replies. I have a better idea now.

 

[tps3443]

One of my SE’s is at 93% the other SE is at 89% and in it’s 3rd screen replacement. Both devices are over 3 years old. They have been heavily neglected. Left dead for days at a time over and over. Ran on 5% battery continuously sustaining that 5% while plugged in under heavy load. Either one will still charge to 100% and make it all day pretty well. iPhones last so long it blows my mind.