Best iPhone model?

By JennyM, 10 October, 2023

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

This hasn't been asked since 2021, so I figured that I would put this up. The time has come to say goodbye to my loyal iphone 8 and upgrade. But there's been so many versions to come out since then that I'm not sure which to get. Do I go for the latest and greatest, or a slightly older version?

To clarify, while I am upgrading from the iphone 8, I do have a recent ipad and so I am used to not having a home button.

I am fully blind and using Voiceover. Tend to play games, "watch" youtube/movies, listen to audiobooks and the like on either phone or ipad, so a phone good for that is preferred. What do people suggest?

Options

Comments

By Jeff on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 16:14

I'm very happy with my iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022). I upgraded from an iPhone 8 to this phone. It has the same feel as the iPhone 8 so you'll not have much adjustment to make to your muscle memory. In fact, you can probably use your iPhone 8 case if it's still in good shape. It does have the Home button, so if you're wanting Face ID, you'll have to choose a different phone. I think it's the least expensive current iPhone available, so you can invest in more storage. I chose the 256 GB model myself. It supports 5G cellular service if that's available from your carrier. It's a great phone with a great price.

By Brian on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 16:14

Disclaimer: I am currently using an iPhone SE2.

While it's true that the SE iPhones will feel right at home for you, no pun intended, there is an irritating issue with audio in regards to the lightning port on those models. You may, or may not, have noticed it with your iPhone 8. I did when I had an 8. Your mileage may vary..

The issue is when you have something plugged into the port. Could be your charger. Could be a wired headset. Regardless the issue is that the iPhone gets confused as to when they are actually unplugged. What ends up happening is that you "lose" all sounds, but can still feel haptic feedback

There are 2 current proven work-arounds, of course. You can pair a bluetooth earbud which usually fixes the issue. Or you can restart your iPhone, which also can fix it, just takes a moment longer.

My best advice to you, having said all of that, would be to grab yourself an iPhone 13 or above, and preferably Pro model for longevity.

HTH. šŸ˜ƒ

By Holger Fiallo on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 16:14

Check with your provided and see what they can give you. I got the 13 pro in Nov instead of 14 pro. I hear that the 15 plus is good if you are not going to use the nice features that apple releases every June. If so, 15 pro. Depends on how much you willing to pay.

By aaron on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 16:14

Hello,

I would recommend you either get the iPhone 13, budget concious, or the iPhone 15, future proof.

Here's my reasoning for each recommendation:

  • iPhone 13 is not much different from 14, same chip, same ram, same display, at $700
  • The iPhone 15, while more expensive, is future proof with USB C. This might not benefit you at all if you only have lightning cables available to you!
  • iPhone Se is currently terrible value, possibly the worst iPhone that Apple currently sells from a value prospective and is likely to be replaced in 2024.

Given the length of time you have kept your curent phone, I would recommend the iPhone 15. It will get more software support than the 13, 1 or 2 years, and USB C will be part of all of Apple's products by the end of 2024. You say you already have a modrn iPad, so you most likely are already using USB C with that.

I hope this helps and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Edit: Corrected the price of the iPhone 13. It can be found for far cheaper on Apple refurb or in the used market, however.

By Dominic on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 16:14

Iā€™d recommend you get the iPhone SE if you like having the house button touch ID the lightning connector and you have small hands or if you have access to a charger around you or if you like the design of the iPhone 8

By hittsjunk on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 16:14

I know it will be the most expensive solution, but I recently upgraded from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 15. I really like the improvement and usability for the iPhone 15. I hope this helps.