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What to buy as first iPhone ever for basic user

  • iPhone 16

    Votes: 58 77.3%
  • iPhone 16 Pro

    Votes: 17 22.7%

  • Total voters
    75
Because my old phone is in really bad shape it's really slow and battery is so low so I can't wait till spring.

What about baterry. Is battery in Pro significantly better?
The battery isn’t much better in the smaller Pro - but the Pro Max, yes. But that’s big and expensive.
 
Because my old phone is in really bad shape it's really slow and battery is so low so I can't wait till spring.

What about baterry. Is battery in Pro significantly better?
If good battery life is what you’re after and you’re already entrenched in Android you can pick up a OnePlus 12R for $500. It has roughly double the specs of the iPhone with a 5500mah battery for half the price. And because it’s Android you can make it as minimal as you like.
 
Because my old phone is in really bad shape it's really slow and battery is so low so I can't wait till spring.

What about baterry. Is battery in Pro significantly better?
I can't speak about the standard iPhone 16, but I can report on the 16 pro battery for normal use.

I've had the 16 pro for over a week and I easily get 2 days out of it. My screen time averages 3 hours 58 min.
 
22.6% of votes for the Pro model. I mean for real??? I wanted phone for basic stuff and some people recommend Pro model with a lot of super fancy options. That's overkill.
 
22.6% of votes for the Pro model. I mean for real??? I wanted phone for basic stuff and some people recommend Pro model with a lot of super fancy options. That's overkill.
It was probably because you highlighted battery life in bold.
 
But battery in Pro is almost the same. In Pro Max definitely better but no in Pro
 
But battery in Pro is almost the same. In Pro Max definitely better but no in Pro
If that's the case, you should get the standard 16. The 16 will also feel lighter in the hand and more comfortable to use that the 16 pro.
 
iPhone 13 mini - best minimalist no longer sold by Apple as new
iPhone 14 - best minimalist still sold by Apple as new [almost as good as iPhone 13 Pro but without the telephoto lens]

If you are looking to get Apple intelligence or have some use for it, go with iPhone 16
 
As a minimalist, stick with Android. You already know how to use it, so there will be no learning curve. Minimalist uses should work fine on it. Your list of uses work fine on Android.

Apple fans will push Apple and only Apple. But other than you saying you want to go iOS, there's nothing else in your post that suggests you should.

With an iPhone, you'll immediately face a learning curve. And for the things you do, I don't think any of them will be simpler. A new Android phone is going to have "incredible" battery life too... or perhaps just replace the battery in the one you already have to return to out-of-the-box battery life? Furthermore, maybe pick up a battery case to add more battery life, built within the case.

Else, you are paying way up for "premium" phone without intent to take much advantage of whatever makes it premium. If minimalism persists with this next purchase, you are already set... or already set with a battery replacement and/or battery case upgrade... or could spend a lot less to get yourself a new Android phone that will do your list just fine- just as simple- and you already know how to use it (so perceptually simpler).

In agreement

Get the Google Pixel 9 or 9 Pro and be happy with slick Vanilla Android and a superb handset

But if you do want an iPhone. Get the 16 or 16 Plus depending on the size you'd like

However, I'd also consider the 15 Pro and Pro Max too due to the costs you'd save from the 16s, that aren't much of an upgrade over the 15 etc
 
22.6% of votes for the Pro model. I mean for real??? I wanted phone for basic stuff and some people recommend Pro model with a lot of super fancy options. That's overkill.

Your replies read like your decision is already made. Get the one you want. If you want some kind of validation for a single iPhone model, don't post a poll where strangers can vote for models different than the one you want. iPhone base model is a great phone, as is pricier upgrades. Voting is most likely reflecting "eye of the beholder" mentalities... possibly what THEY would choose for themselves vs. setting aside their own opinions to try to fully get into your shoes.

Or again, "love the one you're with." If worn-out battery is mostly the problem, replace the battery for a fraction of the cost of a new phone. And if you need even more battery (than a new replacement can deliver), get yourself a protective case that includes extra battery within (just one of many examples)... and/or a spare battery backup (just one of many examples) to carry with you for 5-10 more charges without needing a socket.

If you do go iPhone, pick whichever you want- they are ALL good for your relatively simple wants & needs- and put it in a protective battery case to give it much more battery life than even brand new battery... and/or carry along a battery backup product too for 5-10 additional charges.
 
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Your replies read like your decision is already made. Get the one you want. If you want some kind of validation for a single iPhone model, don't post a poll where strangers can vote for models different than the one you want. iPhone base model is a great phone, as is pricier upgrades. Voting is most likely reflecting "eye of the beholder" mentalities... possibly what THEY would choose for themselves vs. setting aside their own opinions to try to fully get in your shoes...
It reminds me of guitar forums, where a beginner comes in and asks "What amplifier should I buy for a person who lives in a small apartment with thin walls and only plays at home, and needs to be very low volume?", and a bunch of people suggest a 100W head with a 4-10 cabinet. "It has a volume knob, just turn it down!". 😂
 
Martala… you are now beginning to argue with the people from who you have asked for recommendations. Overwhelmingly they’re pointing you towards the base iPhone 16. You have also been given a few other options, like a base iPhone 15 with protective case that includes an extra battery. Instead of arguing, think about the recommendations, make a decision, buy a new phone and be happy. As for me, I’m now putting this message string on ignore. That’s because I don’t like to waste my time. Good luck.
 
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I've never had iPhone, I've always used budget Andrioid phones (mainly Xiaomi). Recently I've started to think about switching to iPhone becasue I've heard good opinions about iOS. I value minimalism and efficiency and I heard iOS is like that. But I don't know which iPhone I should buy. Currently thinking about 16 and 16 Pro.

I use phone mainly for calling, sending messages, browsing the Internet, listening to music and sometimes I take some photos (but not often and I don't really pay attention to it). For me, a phone is an investment for years. I want to use it for 5 years or more. What matters the most for me is battery time.

First I though about 16 Pro, but then I started to think that maybe Pro is a bit of overkill to me. I mean I'm really minimalist regarding these stuff, Pro probably has many professional options that I don't even need. But sure my main concern is 60hz screen in 16, comparing to 120hz in Pro, but I've never had 120hz so probably I don't know what I'm loosing.

Please help me decide considering I'm looking for a simple phone for basic use. Btw Plus and Max versions are too big for me.
You should have stated your budget. You'll be told to buy a 16 iphone or a 15 iphone. For example, when you only have enough money to buy a 14 iphone. And there's no shame in that.
Are you willing to give up the memory card? Are you ready to do that? If not, my advice is to look at the latest models of top Xiaomi- they are very cool and productive.
The difference in 60 and 120 hertz will only be in the smoothness and battery drain rate.
there's nothing more stupid than investing in technology that will be obsolete in a year.
 
there's nothing more stupid than investing in technology that will be obsolete in a year.
What do you mean? Iphone 16 is up to date with technology.

About budget - unlimited. I can pay for 16 Pro no problem but question is if I really need it
 
What do you mean? Iphone 16 is up to date with technology.

About budget - unlimited. I can pay for 16 Pro no problem but question is if I really need it
In what place does it correspond to modern technology? USB-C is extremely slow, battery is not capacious, artificial limitation on screen hertz in different models, quiet speakers, fragile glass. Need I go on? I know how to filter marketing noodles. Can you? The old Android will beat it in terms of functionality and features.
And in a year it will be worthless because iphone 17 (which is already in development) will come out, which will be better and cooler than iphone 16. It'll be obsolete. It'll drop in value. It won't be an investment.
It raises a reasonable question, do you even need an iphone? Or is it a purchase because the money is tight? )))
 
Because my old phone is in really bad shape it's really slow and battery is so low so I can't wait till spring.

What about baterry. Is battery in Pro significantly better?
You'll do fine with the 16. It's a great phone. You don't need more than that according to your preferences.
 
In what place does it correspond to modern technology? USB-C is extremely slow, battery is not capacious, artificial limitation on screen hertz in different models, quiet speakers, fragile glass. Need I go on? I know how to filter marketing noodles. Can you? The old Android will beat it in terms of functionality and features.
And in a year it will be worthless because iphone 17 (which is already in development) will come out, which will be better and cooler than iphone 16. It'll be obsolete. It'll drop in value. It won't be an investment.
It raises a reasonable question, do you even need an iphone? Or is it a purchase because the money is tight? )))
Oh no! 😱 my precious iPhone is actually crap! Thank you for showing me the error of my ways....
 
Hey OP! At first I was going to recommend you the iPhone SE 2022, the one with an A15 SoC and 4GB of RAM. It is really compact, the most lightweight iPhone currently on the lineup, very robust (I have dropped it innumerable times and still behaves like the first day) and does perfectly what you ask for. Also you can find it at a quite cheap price point.

But then, I read that what you value the most is battery life, battery time. If you don’t use social media apps, don’t play games on it, and don’t watch movies/series on the phone, then the battery life can be decent on iOS 18.1.

However, the newer, bigger iPhones offer bigger batteries and, in theory, more efficient chips like the A18, so with a minimalistic use, you should get more hours out of it. But my iPhone SE3 (2022) lasts all day without issue, and gives me circa 8h of screen on time, with low screen brightness and WiFi. And between 6 & 7 hours with more normal use combining WiFi and data being outdoors.

I would personally give it a try, especially if you find a good deal, if the small screen (by today’s standards) and being three generations older don’t put you off.

Otherwise, I’d wait for the iPhone SE4, which is likely coming next spring with a bigger size and bigger screen, using the iPhone 14 body and form factor, and will probably be powered by the A18 SoC and 8GB of RAM just like the iPhone 16, at half the price.

EDIT: Woops, looks like OP got their account cancelled. Is this usually done by moderation, or the user closing their account? Anyways, for anyone looking for a minimalistic iPhone, my advice still stands as of December 2024.
 
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