Cellphone Question (Not Valkyrie Related)

[carolinarider09]

I have an iPhone 10.  The battery is getting weak and needs to be replaced.  The only option I have found, locally, for the battery replacement, is to go to Best Buy and let them do it.  Having been there for another issue recently, I am not real thrilled with their service.  Also, I am concerned that if I leave the iPhone with them for battery replacement I will have to also leave my Password. 

So, my options are:

Replace my iPhone 10 battery, cost about $100 - Phone will need a new case but so will any other option below.

Purchase a new iPhone 16 for $1,000 from Best Buy

Purchase  Apple - iPhone 16e 128GB - Apple Intelligence - Black (Verizon) for $700 (I don't know the real difference between the 16e and the 16 that cost $500 more. (from Best Buy)

Purchase (from Apple) an iPhone 16 for $999

Purchase (from Apple) an iPhone 15 for $700

Purchase (from Apple) Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro 512GB - Black Titanium (Unlocked) for $929

Purchase (from Apple) Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro 128GB - Black Titanium (Unlocked) for $759

There are more options from Apple. 

My thoughts are that if I repair my iPhone 10, it will have another issue in a year or two (display maybe). 

If I purchase a refurbished iPhone from Apple, it will probably last me unit I no longer need it (eight to ten years).  I have purchased refurbished stuff from Apple before and I have been satisfied with the purchase.

I I purchase a new phone from Apple, it will surely last me ten years and that should be satsifactory. 

So, I am leaning toward a purchase from Apple of an unlocked iPhone 16 (again, not sure what that means) for $1,000 cash. 

Is there a benefit from buying from Apple direct and not using Best Buy or Wal Mart or other local services?

I am interested in what you all think the choices.

I use the phone for texting and other odds and ends.   Also serves as my main communication device, second only to my MacBook. 

Oh, I think the term "unlocked" means that it is not tied to a specific Cell Phone Service.  Again, we use Verizon because my daughter does and we are on her bill (I think it saves everyone a few bucks but....).

It's long post and if you read this far, I appreciate your interest.  Thanks.

[Serk]

Oh, I think the term "unlocked" means that it is not tied to a specific Cell Phone Service.  Again, we use Verizon because my daughter does and we are on her bill (I think it saves everyone a few bucks but....).

Correct, if you buy a phone form Verizon it will be "locked" to Verizon only unless/until you convince them you've fulfilled any obligations tied to the phone and they unlock it so it can be switched to a different carrier.

For me a bigger advantage of getting a factory unlocked phone is it isn't encumbered by the carrier's crap ware. I've had a Galaxy S22 factory unlocked and temporarily switched to a AT&T locked S24 Ultra. The unlocked two generations older S22 was faster and more responsive due to not having all the crap AT&T piles on it.

For me, personally, I only buy factory unlocked phones but I'm picky like that.

For my kids, I get them refurbished phones off of Amazon.

I searched Newberry SC and was surprised to not find any independent cell phone repair shops; here you can't swing a dead cat without hitting 5 of them. I did search and there are several on the Newberry side of Columbia that might be worth checking in on.

(I'd list some but just go to Google Maps on the area and search "Cell phone repair")

10 years for a mobile electronic device is very optimistic, the battery won't last that long. 3-5 years IMHO is more realistic unless you plan to periodically replace the battery at least.

And I won't even get started on the Apple vs Android thing, pretty sure I've made my view on that abundantly clear previously... 

Oh, and if you don't need the latest whiz bang large screen etc, take a look at a new iPhone SE. (That's what I have for work. ) The SE line are stripped down less expensive versions. Still does the basic stuff just doesn't necessarily have the latest woowoo stuff at a much lower price.

[Serk]

Oh and another thing to consider, Apple generally provides security updates to their phones for 5-7 years. So if you're using one that's past it's EOL date, you're opening yourself up to all the usual nasty security issues.

Not a huge deal for an isolated computer in your astronomy shed, but on your phone could be a much more prescient issue.

[Hook#3287]

Jim, I am not up on the present tech of cell phones, but one thing I have decided is I'll not buy another Apple product.

My I-pad, that still operates flawlessly and it's battery is still doing it's thing after 13-14 years was abandoned by Apple at about 5-6 years old.

I know all tech companies do that, but the extra costs of Apple products just don't do it for me.

I'm with Serk, I buy factory unlocked Androids and use ATT, but my phone is basically a phone with some maps and Google use.  I never use my phone for any purchases or bank access.

Not that I ever do it, but you can't remove your battery from the I-phone to stop big brother tracking you.

Seems like Androids are doing the same with the battery removal, so I hope my Amish quality LG Phoenix 4 lasts as long as me.

[Jess from VA]

And people wonder why I have no cell phone.   

[vanagon40]

My thoughts are that if I repair my iPhone 10, it will have another issue in a year or two (display maybe). 

Oddly enough, that is exactly what happened to me when I replaced the battery in my iPhone 7. Within a year the camera died. Not saying that always happens, but it did happen to me.

With Verizon, they likely are willing to "give" you a new phone if you agree to lock into three more years on their service plan. The deal works like this: You pay, for example, $1,2000 for the new phone. Verizon bills you $33.33 per month for next three years. Then Verizon gives you a credit for $33.33, so there is no additional charge on the bill. BUT, if you leave Verizon before the phone is paid for, you will have to pay the remaining balance.

This might be an option, especially if your daughter recently updated her phone and is locked in anyway (or wants to update and you are both willing to be locked in).

I did this two years ago. I am not sure if my phone (iPhone 14) is locked, but the phone lists:

Service Provider Lock       No SIM restrictions

The cheapest option would be to buy a battery bank to carry with you and recharge the phone when necessary. I believe you may be able to get an external battery that attaches to phone.

I don't have much insight on the other options you mentioned.

[Serk]

And people wonder why I have no cell phone.   

Some would read the tech forum on this very site and be glad they have no motorcycle and walk everywhere...  

[Serk]

I never use my phone for any purchases or bank access.

Even if you don't to mobile banking or e-commerce from the phone, your phone number is likely tied to multiple financial accounts for MFA...

And if the phone SIM is hijacked a criminal can then use that to authenticate as you to those financial institutions and do what they will...

(Not just a theory, it's happened to some folks I know.)

[bassman]

Apple also offers Vet discounts (10% ?) when you buy online.  Can SOMETIMES get the Vet discount in store with the right salesperson - at least that has been my experience.

Agree on the SE model also.  Have had one in the past and it had all the bells and whistles "I" needed.  Opted for the Mini13 last time around due to the current deal being offered and the phone size (like the smaller ones personally)

Good luck! 

[carolinarider09]

THANKS!!!!

Lots of good data and information.  No decision yet but.........   The battery bank is a good idea.  I had not considered that.  

What is interesting is the cost of the new phone and the process.  I will have to ask the wife and see how much we send my daughter for our two cell phones each month.  I mean $33 is not that much for cell service.  

Regarding other cell services, back sometime around the first of the year, I purchased (from EBAY) a Contour 4K video camera.  I have used Contour products since 2007 or so.   I wanted 4K, but the only way you could access the camera was using a cell phone.  So, I purchased a Samsung Galaxy something for about $40.  Turns out the Contour 4K has some issues so, I could not get it to work.

I got a GoPro 12.  But I still have the Galaxy and it's on Tracfone. The cost is about $20 a month.  It sort of my emergency backup.  

Will consider the options as discussed above.  

Oh, regarding the data thing.  One thing I did not know was how much of my data was stored on the "cloud".  When my MacBook's screen died and I had to get a new MacBook (cost of fix was, I was told $600 to $800).   I had not backed up my failed MacBook for about four weeks and was concerned that if I used that backup I would loss a lot of data I wanted to keep.  

I was "WRONG".  My data was all on the "Cloud".  That is concerning given the information I keep on my computers.  But....... I will have to live with it.  Yes, I know it is probably encrypted but.....  That is a lot of information.  

[scooperhsd]

We have (for many years now) have always bought unlocked Android (usually Motorola) cell phones and use prepaid cell phone plans. Not everybody's cup of tea, but works for us. Plus - we can change to another pre-paid carrier in about as much time as it takes to get a SIM card from the new carrier.

You have to figure that all the prepaid carriers are riding on the big postpaid carrier networks, so, all you have to do is select a prepaid carrier that is on the desired big boy network. Selecting plans needs a little care - I like to to be able to use my cell phone as a backup hotspot for internet.

[Jess from VA]

And people wonder why I have no cell phone.   

Some would read the tech forum on this very site and be glad they have no motorcycle and walk everywhere...  

That's kind of harsh.  I'm hardly Amish. 

On the extremely rare occasion I ever needed one (2 times?), everyone else had one.

My 95yo mom has one and I'm glad she does (though family is right there with her), but she is no expert on it. 

[Jersey mike]

If it was me and the battery was the only issue of the functionality of the phone, I’d just replace the battery.

You might not like that particular Best Buy but maybe another Best Buy?

I’m not saying you didnt check but around here there are small businesses that do service cell phones…small things I think like broken glass, batteries, recovery and such.

[Hook#3287]

I never use my phone for any purchases or bank access.

Even if you don't to mobile banking or e-commerce from the phone, your phone number is likely tied to multiple financial accounts for MFA...

And if the phone SIM is hijacked a criminal can then use that to authenticate as you to those financial institutions and do what they will...

(Not just a theory, it's happened to some folks I know.)

Serk, your knowledge and experience in all things techie is way above my pay grade, but you don't have to burst my bubble that I'm being cautious not using my phone for transactions 

Just like everyone that uses today's tech, I've had my credit card hacked several times and a cell phone once about 20 years ago.  I had to change my number back then, or at least that's what the cell provider made me do.

That made me very suspect of all tech.

I do have all my financial accounts hooked up with activities notification to my cell, so if that's some kinda back door for a hacker, so be it.

Hopefully any unauthorized activity gets a text sent.

[scooperhsd]

There is an increasing trend that non-cell phone users getting locked out due to 2 Factor identifacation. Not a big advocate myself, but - its happening, especially for financial institutions.

[Rams]

Not qualified to even enter into this discussion.   I have an older iPhone, don't remember what version.   Don't really care.   It get used for calls, texts (basic communications but not for much else and navigation.  I don't need all the bells and whistles being offered.

The only issue I've had is battery issues, Will certainly look into battery replacement when the time comes.   Moved our service from Verizon not long ago to Consumer Cellular.   So far, very happy with how this worked out and Consumer Cellular is about half the cost and uses the same cell towers.  Have not noticed any degradation of service.

Rams

[3fan4life]

I don't have any experience with I-Phone's.

But, my last several phones were bought at Walmart.

They sell phones through a company called OSL at a significant discount.

They are locked to the carrier of your choice, but I've not had any issues.

https://www.walmart.com/brand/verizon/10063962?povid=ets_navpill_browse_87_phones_postpaid_verizon

[Sweet Cheeks]

My husband and I both have the iPhone X also.

Apple stopped providing updates for the iPhone X a year or two ago.  Most of my apps still work, but I have come across a few that will not work unless I have the latest IOS version.  All that to say that I personally would not spend the money to replace the battery as, as you stated, something else will likely stop working soon.

I dropped mine a month or so ago, so it is going to have to be replaced soon.  We are awaiting the new models which will be introduced tomorrow. 

We have used Verizon for many years and typically buy through them or order straight from Apple so I don’t have any experience with the unlocked phones.


Janice

[carolinarider09]

Well, I truly appreciate the comments and they have helped me understand the options. 

Here is where I am today.  Two days ago, just because I thought I should, I did something to the Safari app that showed all the "things" that were currently active.  There were three.  I closed them all.

Over the next two days (and I don't remember using Safari) the battery was not discharged as much as it had been over the previous time that started this "thing".  In fact, yesterday battery charge never dropped below 80%.  So, it appears to be an issue with my use of Safari. 

Just now, I looked at the battery "graph" and it looks like, when I used Safari again, the battery dropped to 60%.   And it's flat after my use of Safari. 

I was not aware of the potential issues with updates as Sweetcheeks pointed out above but, that seems rational.   

Both my phone and the wife's phone are "handled" via a Verizon Cell plan my daughter has.  So, I will do some research and contact her.

One real thing that is sort of bothersome is it seems the new phones are somewhat "bigger" than the one I have today.  Not sure if I want a bigger device.

Just looked at the Apple website and....

iPhone 17
Come back later today to get ready for pre‑order on 9.12.
From $799 or $33.29/mo. per month for 24 mo.months Footnote ※

Not a bad price.

I guess I will have to do some more research since it appears that replacement is the best choice.