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Original poster

Help- iphones - which one?

25 replies

Tinabn · 29/12/2021 07:52

I have to get a new phone, I used to have galaxy smartphones but ‘inherited’ DH’s old iPhone a couple of years ago when he upgraded and it has been so much easier sharing apps with my iPad. The phone is dying and I want to replace it with a refurbished one from back market but which one?
I use it for messaging, texts, books when I’m out, photos, at home I use my iPad as I’m old! What do you use?
Also is back market reliable?!

OP posts:
Newnormal99 · 29/12/2021 07:59

What do you mean back market? Just second hand sellers? Guess it depends on seller. If you look online you can get some cheap deals on old phones via places like affordable mobiles. I think some of the networks also do refurbished models now.

Apple also do refurbished models direct, not sure how many models baxk though.

I would probably not go back further than an 8 now, or even an 11 if you want to get quite a few years out of it. I will be buying one for my daughter for secondary in 6 months and will go for an 8 / X probably.

BlueShirtGuy · 29/12/2021 08:25

My Mam just bought a refurbished iPhone 8 from a phone shop. There are lots of places with good reputations. What you choose will depend on the budget you have.

Fluffyowl00 · 29/12/2021 08:27

Giffgaff do good refurbished phones. I’d recommend the SE2020. It’s small and easy to use

Cornettoninja · 29/12/2021 08:32

Personally I’d just go for the newest model with the largest memory I could afford. iPhone models aren’t really that different other than memory, size and perhaps battery life. Depending on how old your current one is you might have to adjust to not having a headphone port and get some Bluetooth ones if that’s something you use.

Afonavon · 29/12/2021 08:35

If you mean Black Market, I would avoid at all costs. Do you want to pay upfront for a handset for a sim only contract, or a monthly contract which inludes the cost of the handset?

Check out Giff Gaff as they often have good deals if you part exchange your old phone.

Bagelsandbrie · 29/12/2021 08:36

Go to a reputable secondhand shop like Cex where they offer a warranty and get the newest model in the best condition you can find.

ffscovid · 29/12/2021 08:42

I've always bought refurbished ones from Music Magpie via eBay. Excellent and they come with 12 months' warranty.

I'd not go older than an iPhone 8 as older phones will soon no longer be updated / compatible with apps.

The SE (2020) is a good, cheaper option (don't confuse with the older SE model).

If you want a bigger screen / better camera, look at an 11 or upwards.

NCnotmyusualone · 29/12/2021 08:42

Back market is an online seller of refurbished phones and electrical items. They get very good reviews.

Can’t help with iPhone advice sorry op, as I’m in the same position as you currently, so following to see what people suggest!

JuniperBerry1 · 29/12/2021 08:48

My son bought a refurbished iphone 12 Pro from back market in a "good" condition. It was exactly as described with a few small scratches (they mention this in the explanations of their gradings). It also has a 12 month warranty. The only issue that we have found is that unless you buy a refurbished from a provider eg vodaphone, it is more difficult to get insurance.

Madcats · 29/12/2021 08:52

I seem to remember the last time we bought a new phone was an iPhone 4! I bought a secondhand iPhone XR last year, to replace my 6S. I'm not bothered by having the latest model.

A few things to consider:

Vague budget?

Do you want a big screen?

Do you have somewhere else to store music/photos/books (or do you need as much memory as possible)?

Do you just take "snaps" or do you want a really good camera?

Maybe start by looking at the iPhone wiki page (preferably on a computer rather than a phone). That will give you an idea about size/weight/how long it can upgrade iOS etc.
Once you have narrowed down a few options, there are plenty of reviews comparing models.

We have 4 iPhones in the house and seem to be forever dumping charging cables. I find it a lot more reliable to have a charging pad/base

Fedupofballs · 29/12/2021 08:55

I’ve just gone for a new iphone 11 from John Lewis, an older model, but new phone (with 2 year warranty). Currently have an 8 plus refurb which has been good for nearly 2 years but Is on its last legs!

sweetbellyhigh · 29/12/2021 08:56

I'd go for a mid-price Android. They're so much better value than Apple.

Sausagis · 29/12/2021 08:57

Would the iPhone SE 2020 be in your budget brand new?

sweetbellyhigh · 29/12/2021 08:58

Oh you really want an iPhone.

I have the iPhone 13 and there's nothing you can't get on an iPhone a few models back.
I'd suggest the 11 or 12. But don't do refurbished, recipe for disaster. Buy direct from Apple for best service.

PeppaPigWorld · 29/12/2021 08:58

I've just bought a phone from back market and think they are great. Think it was advertised as 'very good' condition, and it is absolutely pristine. Not a scratch or mark on it. I bought an SE (2020). So far, I'm really pleased with it.

mdh2020 · 29/12/2021 09:08

We have bought several refurbished iPhones from Tesco. They come packaged as new phones and have all been very reliable. Apple will let you pay off for a phone at no extra cost and wherever you buy from Apple will always give help and advice.

Original poster
Tinabn · 29/12/2021 09:30

Thank you so much, this is just what I need. I was confused by the non numbered models and DS telling me that they wouldn’t upgrade for long, I’ll look at Tesco as well. Mumsnet has come up trumps again!

OP posts:
Original poster
Tinabn · 29/12/2021 10:01

Just ordered an SE2020 iPhone from Back Market, excellent condition, £249 with a years warranty. I will update when it comes.
I know androids are as good, if not better, than iPhones but I’ve got iCloud set up, iPay etc so it’s easier to go for an iPhone again, if this wasn’t the case I would get a Galaxy, they have good deals on these on Back Market as well.

OP posts:
Schmoana · 29/12/2021 10:06

I’ve had three from envirophone over the years, all have been brilliant

www.envirofone.com/en-gb/buy

StormyCornishSeas · 29/12/2021 11:05

@Tinabn

Just ordered an SE2020 iPhone from Back Market, excellent condition, £249 with a years warranty. I will update when it comes. I know androids are as good, if not better, than iPhones but I’ve got iCloud set up, iPay etc so it’s easier to go for an iPhone again, if this wasn’t the case I would get a Galaxy, they have good deals on these on Back Market as well.
I have an iPhone SE 2020. I love it it's just the right size and does everything I need it to do and more. I had the old SE which I also really liked and was gutted when the contract ran out. So that swayed me as well
ffscovid · 29/12/2021 11:39

@StormyCornishSeas You don't have to change phone when the contract runs out if you don't want to Confused. Ask to switch to a SIM only tariff at the end of your contract. It costs about £5-£8 a month instead of the £24/£30/£35 / whatever you pay where you get a new phone included, and you just carry on using the phone you have. If / when you want or need a new phone then take out a new contract that includes a phone again. It'll save you a fortune if you're not bothered about getting a new phone every 2-3 years.

StormyCornishSeas · 29/12/2021 13:03

[quote ffscovid]@StormyCornishSeas You don't have to change phone when the contract runs out if you don't want to Confused. Ask to switch to a SIM only tariff at the end of your contract. It costs about £5-£8 a month instead of the £24/£30/£35 / whatever you pay where you get a new phone included, and you just carry on using the phone you have. If / when you want or need a new phone then take out a new contract that includes a phone again. It'll save you a fortune if you're not bothered about getting a new phone every 2-3 years. [/quote]
Yeah I have this debate with myself everytime my contract is up and debate whether it's worth it or not

Original poster
Tinabn · 31/12/2021 08:20

Got my phone within 24 hours, it’s in perfect condition, I set it up in about 30 minutes. I would definitely do this again and would even go for a phone in ‘fair’ condition to save money if they said the case was scratched as I’d bought a white phone so it didn’t get mistaken for DH’s black one, put it in the old half cover and it looks the same anyway as the case is invisible.
If anything goes wrong I will be back on Mumsnet screaming but all’s good now.

OP posts:
PeppaPigWorld · 31/12/2021 09:24

Glad you're pleased with your phone. I was pleased with mine from Back Market. Fingers crossed our phones carry on working well!

EmergencyPoncho · 31/12/2021 10:06

@Tinabn

Just ordered an SE2020 iPhone from Back Market, excellent condition, £249 with a years warranty. I will update when it comes. I know androids are as good, if not better, than iPhones but I’ve got iCloud set up, iPay etc so it’s easier to go for an iPhone again, if this wasn’t the case I would get a Galaxy, they have good deals on these on Back Market as well.
I have this and it's perfect. Any bigger and I would keep dropping it.
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