Helping out a Vet...

[Ambrosia7177]

Hello. I could use the forum's advice on something...

There is a Vietnam Vet that I know who is frustrated with all of the ads and spam and robocalls he is getting.

His smartphone is a privacy and security nightmare and I offered to help him out.

The problem is that he has an Android phone, and I think that is half of the problem!

Questions:
1.) Is it possible to buy an unlocked iPhone online that is safe? (Personally, I always buy new iPhones directly from Apple.)

2.) Are there any programs/organizations that might offer used iPhone to U.S. Veterans at no cost or low cost?

3.) What would be the oldest iPhone that would make sense to work with? (Looking at older to save $$$)

4.) Any other advice on the easiest and most affordable way to get this Vet into a decent iPhone and into the safety of the Apple ecosystem?


From what I can tell, his needs are pretty simple...
- Ability to make calls
- Send/receive e-mail
- Surf the Internet
- Take an occasional photo


Any (and all) help and advice on this project of trying to help out someone who served his country would be welcome!! 🫡🇺🇸

 

[S.B.G]

If his current Android phone is a Google Pixel, you can change the OS to GrapheneOS which is a Privacy and security focused operating system. That'll save a lot of money for him and help reduce all the other issues too.

 

[russell_314]

I don’t know the answer to all of those questions, but I can answer what I know.

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to buy an iPhone online from a trusted seller. There’s not any kind of virus that they’re going to put on the phone. Not anything sold to normal people like us.

The question is will the phone be reliable? I have a friend that bought a refurbished iPhone 12 online and it works, but it has a counterfeit battery that sometimes just dies. Ideally your best bet is to buy an iPhone that is not unlocked and linked to whatever cellular service he’s using. Sometimes you can get a crazy deal on one of those even with prepaid services. As to the oldest, I wouldn’t go anything older than an iPhone 12.

Even with the iPhone unless he turns on Silence Unknown Callers he’s still going to get spam calls. That’s not a phone hardware problem, but a giving your number out problem and answering calls from numbers you don’t know problem. He could get a new number, but that may be more than he wants to do.

 

[EedyBeedyBeeps]

If you were to exclude sources other than apple.com:

Unlocked iPhone 13 mini is currently on the Apple.com Refurbished store for $399? ($230 off original retail, but obviously not super-low-cost.) https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FLHM3LL/A/refurbished-iphone-13-mini-128gb-midnight-unlocked

Apple.com has a Veterans and Military Store for a 10% discount--though you need to verify w/ ID.me: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/veterans_military

 

[chown33]

If robocalls are a problem, then his phone number is probably on multiple lists of robocallers. The only way I know of to handle that is to block anything that isn't valid, which leads to the question: "What's valid?".

If his Contact list is accurate, comprehensive, and well-maintained, then I think you can block all numbers not in the Contact list. If Contacts is empty, incomplete, or a shambles, then you'd have to get that in order first, for that approach to work.

Wireless carriers may offer additional spam and robocall filtering capabilities. It might be worth it to him if there's an "improved" tier of filtering he can pay for.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

If his current Android phone is a Google Pixel, you can change the OS to GrapheneOS which is a Privacy and security focused operating system. That'll save a lot of money for him and help reduce all the other issues too.

But is that OS harder to use?

How would it impact the phone?

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I don’t know the answer to all of those questions, but I can answer what I know.

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to buy an iPhone online from a trusted seller. There’s not any kind of virus that they’re going to put on the phone. Not anything sold to normal people like us.

I guess I was worried about iPhones that are jailbreaked or that might be stolen...

The question is will the phone be reliable? I have a friend that bought a refurbished iPhone 12 online and it works, but it has a counterfeit battery that sometimes just dies. Ideally your best bet is to buy an iPhone that is not unlocked and linked to whatever cellular service he’s using. Sometimes you can get a crazy deal on one of those even with prepaid services. As to the oldest, I wouldn’t go anything older than an iPhone 12.

What about something like this?

eBAY: Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation 64GB Fully Unlocked - VERY GOOD Condition!!!

I have never used Android, and my sense is that it is spyware from Google.

Maybe I am going overboard, but I thought if I could get him a basic, but dependable iPhone, it might make both of our lives easier.

Even with the iPhone unless he turns on Silence Unknown Callers he’s still going to get spam calls. That’s not a phone hardware problem, but a giving your number out problem and answering calls from numbers you don’t know problem. He could get a new number, but that may be more than he wants to do.

Agreed.

But my thinking was that - even though I am not that advanced of a user on iOS - I know iOS better than Android and so I could help him lock it down better.

There is also iOS's new "Lockdown Mode" which is available, although I don't know if that Ould do more harm than good.

My main thinking is that iOS is supposed to be privacy-focused, whereas Android and being logged into Gmail seems like most of his problem.

 

[S.B.G]

But is that OS harder to use?

How would it impact the phone?

I don't think it's any harder to use. It's lighter on resources because it strips out all the Google services and other spyware. Battery usage for me on several Pixel devices was significantly improved over the stock Pixel Android.

A couple of things to note, you don't use Google Play Store anymore, and instead go through the Aurora Store which anonymously logs into Google Play so you can still get all the apps one would have. (There are always edge cases where an app might not work, or work as expected, but I don't usually run into that myself). There is also F-Droid which is another app store available any Android device/OS.

- Ability to make calls
- Send/receive e-mail
- Surf the Internet
- Take an occasional photo

Out of the box, GrapheneOS will do all of that except email. You'll have to download something like K9 Mail which is now becoming Mozilla Thunderbird for Android.

Tell your friend thank you for his service from a fellow Veteran.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

If you were to exclude sources other than apple.com:

Unlocked iPhone 13 mini is currently on the Apple.com Refurbished store for $399? ($230 off original retail, but obviously not super-low-cost.) https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FLHM3LL/A/refurbished-iphone-13-mini-128gb-midnight-unlocked

Apple.com has a Veterans and Military Store for a 10% discount--though you need to verify w/ ID.me: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/veterans_military

Yeah, I looked on Apple's site and saw that, but I don't know that it is fair to have me imply he should spend $400.

And I think ID.me should be made illegal - it certainly doesn't help keep his info offline.

Maybe a pipe dream, but I was hoping I could find a used, unlocked iPhone for like $100-$150, just buy it for him, set it up, and if he likes it, then great, if not, it was an unhelpful donation from me. (But I can't afford to donate $400.)

 

[Ambrosia7177]

If robocalls are a problem, then his phone number is probably on multiple lists of robocallers. The only way I know of to handle that is to block anything that isn't valid, which leads to the question: "What's valid?".

If his Contact list is accurate, comprehensive, and well-maintained, then I think you can block all numbers not in the Contact list. If Contacts is empty, incomplete, or a shambles, then you'd have to get that in order first, for that approach to work.

Wireless carriers may offer additional spam and robocall filtering capabilities. It might be worth it to him if there's an "improved" tier of filtering he can pay for.

He showed me his phone today, and he is always logged into Gmail/Google, and he has apps that he shouldn't be using - if you want privacy don't use apps period - and I just don't feel as competent helping lock down an Android as I've never used one.

 

[bousozoku]

There is always the national call registry that's been around forever to stop unwanted calls.

Android has a load of ways to keep things safe. If you look at apps, half of the apps are good and half are more trouble than the spam.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I don't think it's any harder to use. It's lighter on resources because it strips out all the Google services and other spyware. Battery usage for me on several Pixel devices was significantly improved over the stock Pixel Android.

A couple of things to note, you don't use Google Play Store anymore, and instead go through the Aurora Store which anonymously logs into Google Play so you can still get all the apps one would have. (There are always edge cases where an app might not work, or work as expected, but I don't usually run into that myself). There is also F-Droid which is another app store available any Android device/OS.

If Google is still in the equation it seems to defeat the purpose, no?

Out of the box, GrapheneOS will do all of that except email. You'll have to download something like K9 Mail which is now becoming Mozilla Thunderbird for Android.

Maybe easy for you and me, but I think that is getting too deep for him.

(Just teaching him how to access websites versus using apps will take effort.)

Another advantage of an iPhone is that not only can I support it, but he can go into an Apple Store and get help or call Apple if he had Apple support.

Again, I am probably going too far, but I just think Android is evil, and I think once a person switches and gets comfortable they would never go back.

Tell your friend thank you for his service from a fellow Veteran.

Will do, and thank YOU for serving as well!!

It' kind of funny a Vietnam Vet who worked on an aircraft carrier doing U.S. intelligence is so exposed on his Android.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

There is always the national call registry that's been around forever to stop unwanted calls.

Yes, that is one of many pieces of advice I hope to introduce him to.

Android has a load of ways to keep things safe. If you look at apps, half of the apps are good and half are more trouble than the spam.

Ideally I want him to use the phone app, Firefox or Safari, DuckDuckGo, ProtonMail, access everything via the browser, and NO APPS - because those are a major source of funneling your data.

 

[S.B.G]

If Google is still in the equation it seems to defeat the purpose, no?

Not at all. Android is open source so the developers of GrapheneOS are not Google.

Best of luck helping him out. An iPhone will do him well, too.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Not at all. Android is open source so the developers of GrapheneOS are not Google.

Best of luck helping him out. An iPhone will do him well, too.

He has some cellular plan - not sure who.

Will cellular companies give you a free iPhone? Or do they tack on the cost to your bill? How does that work?

Again, I buy my iPhones, so I have no clue.

Actually, he mentioned that he is on his daughters "Friends & Family" - with whatev3er carrier - so is that an avenue to get a free or greatly reduced iPhone?

 

[S.B.G]

He has some cellular plan - not sure who.

Will cellular companies give you a free iPhone? Or do they tack on the cost to your bill? How does that work?

Again, I buy my iPhones, so I have no clue.

Actually, he mentioned that he is on his daughters "Friends & Family" - with whatev3er carrier - so is that an avenue to get a free or greatly reduced iPhone?

I don't know what carriers are doing. I buy my phones outright and unlocked. I use Mint Mobile prepaid service.

I'd just look for a used iPhone or the new iPhone SE (I think it has a new name). Just make sure it's carrier unlocked and you can add his carrier to it, or a new one.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I don't know what carriers are doing. I buy my phones outright and unlocked. I use Mint Mobile prepaid service.

I'd just look for a used iPhone or the new iPhone SE (I think it has a new name). Just make sure it's carrier unlocked and you can add his carrier to it, or a new one.

What about the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) that I linked to above on eBay?

 

[S.B.G]

What about the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) that I linked to above on eBay?

Yeah it should work. Says its unlocked and the seller seems to have a good reputation.

 

[klasma]

Will cellular companies give you a free iPhone? Or do they tack on the cost to your bill? How does that work?

The details depend on the carrier. Verizon currently has an offer for an iPhone 16e for $5/month for 36 months plus $35 activation fee in combination with any plan, which if my math is correct means $305 overall for the iPhone, spread over three years. You need to check what plan your friend is currently on and whether they can switch from it, and then research carrier deals.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

The details depend on the carrier. Verizon currently has an offer for an iPhone 16e for $5/month for 36 months plus $35 activation fee in combination with any plan, which if my math is correct means $305 overall for the iPhone, spread over three years. You need to check what plan your friend is currently on and whether they can switch from it, and then research carrier deals.

My understanding is that his daughter has a phone plan, and she added him on her phone bill for free.

So how would that play into if I help him switch to an iPhone?

He was even afraid when I talked about "wiping" his phone and re-installing Android that it would somehow impact his free phone service with his daughter's "friends and family" plan.

I can't imagine changing to an iPhone - as long as it is the same as his daughter's carrier or if it is unlocked - would jeopardize being a "family member" on his daughter's "Friend & Family".

But I am ignorant to cellular plans and even smartphones as I primarily use mine as a camera.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Yeah it should work. Says its unlocked and the seller seems to have a good reputation.

What defines the iPhone SE? Is it a "no frills" iPhone? Or is it smaller? Is it lesser quality?

And can you have Apple replace the battery with a factory battery if it dies out?

In fact, as a rule, what can / cannot be done when it comes to various iPhones and replacing the batteries.

 

[ignatius345]

If his Contact list is accurate, comprehensive, and well-maintained, then I think you can block all numbers not in the Contact list. If Contacts is empty, incomplete, or a shambles, then you'd have to get that in order first, for that approach to work.

I find the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature works quite well. It doesn't block callers, but does send anyone not in your contacts to voicemail. Anyone legit who calls (doctors office, for example) who isn't in the Contacts will probably leave a voicemail.

 

[TechnoMonk]

T Mobile offers scam shield, and blocks the scammers. I am on a higher plan because of my data and other needs. But it’s an optional for lower plans for 10 bucks a month.
For privacy Brave browser with ads, fingerprinting and scripting blocked. When you disable scripting not all sites work. An IPhone SE 2022 is not a bad option if you can find one.

 

[klasma]

My understanding is that his daughter has a phone plan, and she added him on her phone bill for free.

If he’s already on an effectively free plan, the simplest thing would probably be to buy an iPhone 16e with 0% financing at $25/month for two years (or pay it all at once if possible). Carriers only subsidize hardware if they can get you into a more expensive plan. I’m recommending the 16e over an older/used/refurbished iPhone because it will have a longer support lifetime, and the battery will last longer.

I can't imagine changing to an iPhone - as long as it is the same as his daughter's carrier or if it is unlocked - would jeopardize being a "family member" on his daughter's "Friend & Family".

Yes, that would be very unlikely, but nevertheless do check that beforehand.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

T Mobile offers scam shield, and blocks the scammers. I am on a higher plan because of my data and other needs. But it’s an optional for lower plans for 10 bucks a month.
For privacy Brave browser with ads, fingerprinting and scripting blocked. When you disable scripting not all sites work. An IPhone SE 2022 is not a bad option if you can find one.

Which model iPhones would you recommend?

The best option would be to see if he can get one via the carrier - like the option mentioned above by @klasma.

But if we go down the path of buying off of say eBay, for the basic needs I mentioned above, which models would provide reason functionality and not be outdated?

iPhone 8?

iPhone 11?

iPhone 12?

Ideally looking for something under $250...