Helping out a Vet...

[TechnoMonk]

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off of say eBay, for the basic needs I mentioned above, which models would provide reason functionality and not be outdated?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...

I got my teen kid an iPhone SE 2022 couple years back. It cost me nothing with 24 month bill credits. Carriers usually have an iPhone on us deal on 16E/SE.
Try getting an iPhone 12, it will still support security updates longer than earlier iPhones. And budget another 80-90 bucks for replacing battery if it can’t hold charge.

 

[bousozoku]

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




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.

Well, I wasn't clear. The apps that supposedly keep you safe aren't always that.

Settings in Android help, but you have to keep an eye on the Ad preferences because they sometimes return to their factory state.

Firefox is the best with tracking set to Strict. On Android, it's the real deal. I wouldn't use Safari unless there is no alternative.

There are good Android phones out there, but don't bother with Google.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

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 had asked earlier but got no answer... How far back can you go on iPhones and have the ability to walk into an Apple Store and have them replace the battery for you?

Is there a way to get a safe and supported iPhone for under $250 or it that not realistic? (I really don't know his financial situation, and I certainly don't want to suggest and burden him with buying something he can't afford.

And I realize one billion people would say to stay with Android, but since it was crate by Google, and the goal is to get him greater Privacy, I think Androids are going the wrong ay.

Plus he has an old crappy phone, so I'd say he is long overdue for a new one, but I'll have to discuss more with him next week or when I see him.

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

Would you trust an "eBay refurbished" iPhone?

I've been searching and see some ones that look like they'd be good, but then I see reviews and people complaining about things like non Apple parts, and parts not working right (e.g. cameras) but it's hard to tell from eBay if they are talking about purchases from the vendor or just in general or what?

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Well, I wasn't clear. The apps that supposedly keep you safe aren't always that.

Settings in Android help, but you have to keep an eye on the Ad preferences because they sometimes return to their factory state.

Firefox is the best with tracking set to Strict. On Android, it's the real deal. I wouldn't use Safari unless there is no alternative.

There are good Android phones out there, but don't bother with Google.

My understanding is that if you install Firefox on iOS you are just installing a GUI on top of Safari because iOS does not allow you to truly install another browser

 

[uacd]

You can get 10% discount straight from Apple!

It ain’t much but still saves some money.

As for which phone will be good, anything from iPhone 13 and up. But I would recommend something newer if you can get good price. Apple has both refurbished options on their site and also the brand-new iPhone 16e which might be a perfect choice for your friend.

Androids were and still no go. They still offer no adblock because Google hates their customers and loves ad revenue. Most of the spam calls are because of the phone number that got into some spam database – unfortunately not much you can do here unless changing phone number.

UPD: oh, I didn’t see at first. Budget is 250$. Quite on the tight side, sort of possible to get an iPhone XR for this price but the phone is nearing the end of life. It will still install apps for 2 or 4 years but not new ones. Even on my newer iPhone 11 Pro I already find some apps lagging a bit. Not much but noticeable

 

[bousozoku]

My understanding is that if you install Firefox on iOS you are just installing a GUI on top of Safari because iOS does not allow you to truly install another browser

Firefox on iOS still has a lot of Firefox while using that !@#$ Safari web view portal. On Android, it's the full Firefox.

Apple said that they were going to allow other browsers but they don't seem to be following up in the USA yet.

 

[TechnoMonk]

Stay away from Firefox, they tried to claim all roalty free access to the data going through Firefox and hesitantly rolled back after huge back last couple weeks back. I would trust Google more than Mozilla at this point.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

UPD: oh, I didn’t see at first. Budget is 250$. Quite on the tight side, sort of possible to get an iPhone XR for this price but the phone is nearing the end of life. It will still install apps for 2 or 4 years but not new ones. Even on my newer iPhone 11 Pro I already find some apps lagging a bit. Not much but noticeable

I don't know his budget or even if he would switch. (I asked him today, and he said he might consider it.)

Just feel bad asking anyone to buy a different phone because I can more easily support it, but that is where I am at.

I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max and an iPhone 15 Pro max, and my iPhone 11 Pro Max seems like a nearly new phone to me still - plus I use it out in the field for street videography, so it has been through the ringer.

Just trying to keep the entry point down low enough so that if he tries it and doesn't like iPhones then it isn't the end of the world.

Sounds like the best place to start is with the carrier and see if they have an offer.

Of course an unlocked phone - which you won't get through a carrier - offers so much more freedom. (And what if his daughter switches carriers or kicks him off the plan, then with a carrier phone he would be screwed.)

But with the starting price of Apple refurbished iPhone 12s at $450, with tax that is a $500 investment which seems like a lot for how I am trying to help him.

I dunno, the more I type the more I feel like I am complicating things...

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Firefox on iOS still has a lot of Firefox while using that !@#$ Safari web view portal. On Android, it's the full Firefox.

Apple said that they were going to allow other browsers but they don't seem to be following up in the USA yet.

Why don't you like Safari?

And is Firefox installed on an iPhone a step in the right direction, or is it just illusion?

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Stay away from Firefox, they tried to claim all roalty free access to the data going through Firefox and hesitantly rolled back after huge back last couple weeks back. I would trust Google more than Mozilla at this point.

I didn't have time to read up on that, but I think Google and Facebook are the center of Hell.

I think the while Mozilla thing is overblown in the media as usual.

I'm still not sure if you can trust Safari, but then it really is the only option on iOS.

What I do know is that Apple is more privacy minded than Google or Android.

Plus I have experience using iOS and iPhones.

And I think I could build this Vet a really simple, secure, private, and easy-to-use new smartphone IF I can find something that is affordable enough and has reliable hardware.

(If I could just find him an iPhone 11 Pro Max like I have right next to me, I think it would be taking him from a Hyundai to a BMW!)

 

[klasma]

I had asked earlier but got no answer... How far back can you go on iPhones and have the ability to walk into an Apple Store and have them replace the battery for you?

See here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102772

Is there a way to get a safe and supported iPhone for under $250 or it that not realistic?

Safety and current support is not a problem (if you’re fine with an iPhone SE). Condition and future support may be.

And I realize one billion people would say to stay with Android, but since it was crate by Google, and the goal is to get him greater Privacy, I think Androids are going the wrong ay.

I don’t think Android phones are difficult to keep “safe”, but if the user is someone who has poor skills in recognizing phishing mails and the like, and since you’re not familiar with Android and there is no other technical support acquaintance, iPhone is the better choice.

Would you trust an "eBay refurbished" iPhone?

I’m in Europe where there are various online retailers selling refurbished electronics, and I trust those, also because you have at least six months of warranty here. I’m less familiar with the refurbished/used market in the US.

This might be an option: https://www.plug.tech/collections/iphones-under-250

 

[nikon1]

Web site that I have personally used, both as a Seller & Buyer is Swappa.com.
The site is very well setup, both for your security as well as the sellers security.

In the past 8 or 9 years I’ve never had an issue, as either a buyer or seller. Good luck, hope you find an iPhone that fits your budget & needs.

Thanks for helping an old vet!

 

[bousozoku]

Why don't you like Safari?

And is Firefox installed on an iPhone a step in the right direction, or is it just illusion?

Safari has too many security holes.

I keep my passwords in Firefox. The web site view is still Safari but the tracking protection is better than anything else.

 

[myhaksown]

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




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.




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.

That lockdown mode isn’t going to solve any of the issues you mentioned. It’s meant to increase security not stop spam calls or emails or texts or even ads.

On the android device download avast anti virus. It has some good spam blocking features for notifications and download an ad blocking app. Maybe Adblock plus has something now. Idk, haven’t used android in years. That’ll reduce ads. Check what his carrier offers for spam blocking services. T-Mobile does pretty good.

If you still want to get him an iPhone do all the same but avast.

 

[Pierre535]

I’m a Vietnam vet. I’ve used Safari for ages without any problems. Lots of people say to stay away from it, but I’ve never seen a compelling reason why. I switched to duck duck for search. I stay away from and deleted anything from Google. If I could, I’d delete Facebook, I don’t trust that _ucker. The national no call registry is a joke. Still get lots of junk calls and reporting is a long drawn out process. Blocking unknown contacts works fairly well, as previously mentioned, important callers usually leave a voicemail. I use AdGuard ($30 on Groupon for lifetime) and it keeps ads at bay. They also offer DNS service which I also use. To remove personal info, I use Incogni but not sure how effective it is. I would say for simplicity, security, privacy and safety, theApple ecosystem is by far the best way to go. As a fellow vet, Thank him for his service!

 

[Andy_2341]

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.)

Check some prepay carriers, such as the ones in Walmart. Depending on the store stock there should be some brand new SE 3rd gens for about $150. I would hurry though.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I’m a Vietnam vet.

Thank you for serving!!

I’ve used Safari for ages without any problems. Lots of people say to stay away from it, but I’ve never seen a compelling reason why. I switched to duck duck for search. I stay away from and deleted anything from Google.

Yeah.

If I could, I’d delete Facebook, I don’t trust that _ucker.

And you shouldn't!!!

THAT will likely be my Achilles heal... If he is on Facebook, there's not much to do to help him. (But I don't think he does any social media, so we'll see.)

The national no call registry is a joke. Still get lots of junk calls and reporting is a long drawn out process.

Oh?

Blocking unknown contacts works fairly well, as previously mentioned,

Yeah.

important callers usually leave a voicemail.

Yeah.

I use AdGuard ($30 on Groupon for lifetime) and it keeps ads at bay. They also offer DNS service which I also use. To remove personal info, I use Incogni but not sure how effective it is.

I just use my iPhone for videography, and only occasionally use Safari to check the weather, so my world is on my MBP.

One piece of advice I have for him is "No apps". Like he reads the news via an app, and I told him he needs to do that in a browser instead.

On my MBP in Firefox, I use uMatrix, NoScript, uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, Privacy Badger, and Decentralizes.

I would say for simplicity, security, privacy and safety, theApple ecosystem is by far the best way to go.

I don't want to force anything on him - and I forget how we got on the whole topic today - but he seems interested in my help.

If he is game, first thing is assessing his finances. He seems like he is okay, but I don't know.

Depending on what he says to that, I will give him a low, medium, and high solution. ("Low" being "Let's clean up your Android phone!", "medium" being looking at a < $200 refurbished iPhone, and "High" being maybe an Apple refurbished iPhone 12 for like $400.)

As a fellow vet, Thank him for his service!

Yes, I will tell him I have some vets online helping me out with a game plan!

👍 👍 👍

 

[Night Spring]

Just trying to keep the entry point down low enough so that if he tries it and doesn't like iPhones then it isn't the end of the world.

Sounds like the best place to start is with the carrier and see if they have an offer.

No, a "free" offer from a carrier isn't a good way to try a phone. Those "free" offers lock you into 2-3 years of carrier contract, which you have to stick with, whether or not you keep the phone.

The way to try a phone is buy one with a no-questions-asked return policy. Apple gives you 14 days. I think BestBuy may give you longer, not sure about that.

BestBuy also has sales on open box / refurbished models. Those go fast, so you have to constantly check their website for deals at BestBuy stores near you. Not iPhone, but I happened on an open box microwave for $30 the other day. It didn't have the original box, and accessories came in a shopping bag, but it's working great!

 

[Ambrosia7177]

No, a "free" offer from a carrier isn't a good way to try a phone. Those "free" offers lock you into 2-3 years of carrier contract, which you have to stick with, whether or not you keep the phone.

Good point!

The way to try a phone is buy one with a no-questions-asked return policy. Apple gives you 14 days. I think BestBuy may give you longer, not sure about that.

That is on new Apple iPhones?

Do they offer that on Apple refurbished iPhones as well?

And would such a return policy allow me to build him a new iPhone to my/hi liking, and then after trying it, if it just isn't for him, then he can return it no questions asked?

 

[Night Spring]

That is on new Apple iPhones?

Do they offer that on Apple refurbished iPhones as well?

And would such a return policy allow me to build him a new iPhone to my/hi liking, and then after trying it, if it just isn't for him, then he can return it no questions asked?

Yes, from both Apple and BestBuy, new and refurbished iPhones come with 14 days no-question return policy. BestBuy might be even longer, I'm not too sure about that part. You can't modify the hardware, obviously, but you can play around with the iPhone software/settings as much as you want, I've known people who jailbroke it, even. You just have to reset everything to factory before you return it, if you decide not to keep it.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Yes, from both Apple and BestBuy, new and refurbished iPhones come with 14 days no-question return policy. BestBuy might be even longer, I'm not too sure about that part. You can't modify the hardware, obviously, but you can play around with the iPhone software/settings as much as you want, I've known people who jailbroke it, even. You just have to reset everything to factory before you return it, if you decide not to keep it.

But if he buys a refurbished Apple iPhone, and say I install Firefox, and configure it (legally) a certain way, and so on, then we have to undo all of that or reinstall iOS?

That seems strange, because Apple will just wipe it clean when they get it back....

 

[Night Spring]

But if he buys a refurbished Apple iPhone, and say I install Firefox, and configure it (legally) a certain way, and so on, then we have to undo all of that or reinstall iOS?

That seems strange, because Apple will just wipe it clean when they get it back....

Resetting to factory just takes a click of a button. No need to reinstall the OS. You've never sold or gifted your iPhone to someone else?

And yes, if you forget to do it before you return your iPhone, Apple will just wipe the iPhone themselves. I just always make sure to reset to factory because it makes me uneasy to give a phone with my personal things on it to a guy in a store, even if the store is Apple.

Oh, and BestBuy probably will check to make sure you've reset to factory before accepting a return, because unlike Apple, they can't wipe it themselves.

 

[acorntoy]

The Best Personal Data Removal Services for 2025

As you enter personal information around the web, data aggregators gather and sell it. We tell you how to protect your privacy with the best personal data removal services we've tested.

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Others seem to be giving good advice on phones so i'll avoid that, but have you also thought about a data removal service? They can be quite cheap depending on the deals being offered. Im a young adult and using one has helped reduce my incoming spam a lot (calls and email), i can imagine with an older person there might be more data to remove/being sold. Might be a good idea if the spam being received is particularly predatory.

Thanks for helping a vet!

 

[uacd]

But with the starting price of Apple refurbished iPhone 12s at $450, with tax that is a $500 investment which seems like a lot for how I am trying to help him.

Sure, thats the point - even old ones are not cheap. I think 16e might be best choice out there. Yeah it is 600$ but if we think about it the other way it is a worthy investment for 5+ years. I personally try to buy new iPhone once in 5-7 years to keep costs low.

These phones are tough enough (especially with cases), have huge software support and even longer effective life. My mom for example still uses her old 6 Plus as a second phone to occasionally browse Instagram and Facebook. While slower than usual it still works for that purpose.

I will probably still be rocking my 11 Pro as a second phone as well when I upgrade to 17 or 18 if those turn out to be good.

I could have also recommended SE3 but decided not to because it has multiple drawbacks such as small screen, old design and questionable build quality (feels cheap for its price). I used this phone while my 11 Pro was serviced and then gifted it to grandma (thats actually a good thing in owning iPhone: when you become tired of it you gift it to someone who will find effective use of it! Feels awesome to be able to Facetime my grandma every now-and-then)

 

[xDeadTechx]

I'd also look on Swappa for iPhones.. if I were in the market for an iPhone I'd buy it via Swappa vs. eBay, at least with Swappa you'd have to go through the ESN verification process before the listing its approved, so what your getting Is confirmed to be working and ready to activate.


eBay offers no such protections.

personally, I'd go for a 16e/15 or perhaps even the 14 you'd get the many many years of security updates (both OS and regular security updates) and you wouldn't have to deal with the hassle of securing down Android.. now with that said, Pixel phones are pretty good and at least Google is going to support them for the long term, but for the sake of simplicity and the "it just works" I'd go with an iOS based device.. get an Apple Watch for the health monitoring and fall detection.

My father was a Vietnam Vet, and when often he would fall, I had it setup where the Watch would alert me when something happened so I can go over and help or have the watch dial 911 for him so first responders can get to him before I could.