What is the oldest generation iPhone that should be bought new/refurbished?

[1981d]

I’ve been getting questions from friends and family asking about using some older generation iPhones, esp with some of the deals that have been popping up lately. Specifically, they have been looking at the 5s, the SE, and the 6. I know the SE is still a current model, but it is getting long in the tooth and I wonder how long it will be around. So, what is the oldest generation iPhone you would recommend for a deal seeking friend/relative who just wants a phone that works and is not going to be useless for at least a couple of years?

 

[radioking]

iPhone 6s was the first iPhone with 2gb of ram. Anything earlier will perform noticeably worse. iPhone SE has the same internals as the 6s.

 

[cousintim]

6s.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

SE/6S...

 

[AustinIllini]

Yup, 6S. Honestly, go 7 if you can afford it.

 

[traveltoromantis]

Same as the others, SE/6S. I would recommend the plus size phones to most people just because of the significant increase in battery life, however.

 

[Hrududu]

Still using a 6+ on iOS 11 and its NOT a good experience. I'd agree with those above that suggest 6s/SE for sure.

 

[JPack]

Get a 7.

6s is a short term fix.

With the way iOS is bloating, a 6s or SE will be quite slow when iOS 12 comes out.

 

[KingslayerG5]

Get a 7.

6s is a short term fix.

With the way iOS is bloating, a 6s or SE will be quite slow when iOS 12 comes out.

7 Plus

Extra RAM.

 

[mcdj]

iPhone, computer, video game console, it doesn’t matter what technology you’re talking about, always buy the newest most powerful thing you can afford.

 

[44267547]

I'm partial to the 6S, As others have already made it clear as to why. But I would avoid anything with one GB of RAM at this point, as stated a couple of years of support would be something to consider, then the 6s should suffice.