I am an Android user. Since the demise of SKYPE, I have been unable to call friends in the US who are I-Phone users and won't download messaging apps such as LINE & WHATSAPP.  I'm considering buying a 2nd hand I-Phone so I can call on FaceTime.  Taking into account battery health, OS reasonably up to date and ease of support, how old is too old?  What iteration of I-Phone would be the oldest you would consider?   Camera and gaming ability are not considerations for me.  Are the smaller SE versions decent phones overall?  I would hope to spend less than B10,000.   Suggestions?

3 minutes ago, dddave said:

I am an Android user. Since the demise of SKYPE, I have been unable to call friends in the US who are I-Phone users and won't download messaging apps such as LINE & WHATSAPP.  I'm considering buying a 2nd hand I-Phone so I can call on FaceTime.  Taking into account battery health, OS reasonably up to date and ease of support, how old is too old?  What iteration of I-Phone would be the oldest you would consider?   Camera and gaming ability are not considerations for me.  Are the smaller SE versions decent phones overall?  I would hope to spend less than B10,000.   Suggestions?

 

The iPhone SE (2020) is probably your best choice given price point etc if you must use FaceTime and have no other options. 

 

My Son has an iPhone SE - its works every well (and we can call him etc - WhatsApp / Line / FaceTime - and the systems work well.

 

Ensure when you do by that the battery health is greater than 80% and you should get some resonable longevity from it.

 

 

Completely separate point - are they really friends if they won't use WhatsApp so you can keep in contact ?? - thats just odd.

 

 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

The iPhone SE (2020) is probably your best choice given price point etc if you must use FaceTime and have no other options. 

 

My Son has an iPhone SE - its works every well (and we can call him etc - WhatsApp / Line / FaceTime - and the systems work well.

 

Ensure when you do by that the battery health is greater than 80% and you should get some resonable longevity from it.

 

 

Completely separate point - are they really friends if they won't use WhatsApp so you can keep in contact ?? - thats just odd.

 

 

I bought a refurbished iPhone SE (launched in 2015) a few years back and it's been great although now with a cracked screen and the operating system not being able to be upgraded, I'm thinking of changing it to the 2020 or 2022 SE model and am looking online at the moment to see what is available.

Any tips from someone like yourself who appears to know more about these things than I do!

Thanks in anticipation......

3 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I bought a refurbished iPhone SE (launched in 2015) a few years back and it's been great although now with a cracked screen and the operating system not being able to be upgraded, I'm thinking of changing it to the 2020 or 2022 SE model and am looking online at the moment to see what is available.

Any tips from someone like yourself who appears to know more about these things than I do!

Thanks in anticipation......

You can buy a replacement screen on Lazada for peanuts, I have done a few, though it is a very fiddly job where good eye site and patience is required....😋

Just now, xylophone said:

I bought a refurbished iPhone SE (launched in 2015) a few years back and it's been great although now with a cracked screen and the operating system not being able to be upgraded, I'm thinking of changing it to the 2020 or 2022 SE model and am looking online at the moment to see what is available.

Any tips from someone like yourself who appears to know more about these things than I do!

Thanks in anticipation......

 

The 2020 or 2022 SE models will be decent enough.

 

Just ensure they have a good battery health (i.e. > 80 % for the 2020 and > 90% of the 2022 models).

 

Depending where you are impacts where you buy from.

 

i.e. in BKK - you'll get one from one of the phone shops in MBK on the 4th floor.

 

If buying privately - i.e. from Facebook Market place ONLY buy face to face (too many scams to buy remotely). 

 

When checking the phone there are limited things you can check with a new phone. 

 

1. Physical Condition

- Screen & Body: Check for scratches, cracks, dents, or water damage.

- Buttons: Test volume, power, mute switch, and home/touch ID buttons.

- Ports: Inspect charging port and headphone jack (if present) for dirt or damage.

- Camera & Sensors: Test front and back cameras, Face ID/Touch ID, proximity sensor, and flashlight.

 

2. Battery Health

- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.

- Look for Maximum Capacity (ideally >80%) and check if Peak Performance Capability is normal.

 

3. Software & Activation

- Make sure it’s not iCloud locked:

- Go to Settings → General → About and check “Activation Lock” status.

- Ask the seller to erase the device and set it up in front of you.

- Ensure the phone can update to the latest iOS compatible with its model.

 

4. IMEI & Serial Number

- Find in Settings → General → About.

-Check online at Apple’s coverage page for warranty status: https://checkcoverage.apple.com 

- Verify the IMEI isn’t blacklisted/stolen using a site like IMEI.info.

 

5. Carrier & Network

- Confirm the iPhone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.

- Insert your SIM and test calls, texts, and data.

 

6. Functionality Check

- Touchscreen: Make sure all areas respond properly.

- Speakers & Mic: Test calls, voice memos, music, and videos.

- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Connect to networks and devices.

- GPS: Open Maps and check location accuracy.

 

7. Accessories & Box (if you are bothered about that)

- Original charger, cable, and headphones?

- Original box and documentation are nice to have for resale value.

 

8. Price vs. Market

Check the going rate for comparable models and conditions.

Remember: a too-good-to-be-true price is usually a red flag.

 

7 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I bought a refurbished iPhone SE (launched in 2015) a few years back and it's been great although now with a cracked screen and the operating system not being able to be upgraded, I'm thinking of changing it to the 2020 or 2022 SE model and am looking online at the moment to see what is available.

Any tips from someone like yourself who appears to know more about these things than I do!

Thanks in anticipation......

 

If you just want a new screen - there are loads of repair places around Thailand - any Big C usually has such a place.

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

 

The 2020 or 2022 SE models will be decent enough.

 

Just ensure they have a good battery health (i.e. > 80 % for the 2020 and > 90% of the 2022 models).

 

Depending where you are impacts where you buy from.

 

i.e. in BKK - you'll get one from one of the phone shops in MBK on the 4th floor.

 

If buying privately - i.e. from Facebook Market place ONLY buy face to face (too many scams to buy remotely). 

 

When checking the phone there are limited things you can check with a new phone. 

 

1. Physical Condition

- Screen & Body: Check for scratches, cracks, dents, or water damage.

- Buttons: Test volume, power, mute switch, and home/touch ID buttons.

- Ports: Inspect charging port and headphone jack (if present) for dirt or damage.

- Camera & Sensors: Test front and back cameras, Face ID/Touch ID, proximity sensor, and flashlight.

 

2. Battery Health

- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.

- Look for Maximum Capacity (ideally >80%) and check if Peak Performance Capability is normal.

 

3. Software & Activation

- Make sure it’s not iCloud locked:

- Go to Settings → General → About and check “Activation Lock” status.

- Ask the seller to erase the device and set it up in front of you.

- Ensure the phone can update to the latest iOS compatible with its model.

 

4. IMEI & Serial Number

- Find in Settings → General → About.

-Check online at Apple’s coverage page for warranty status: https://checkcoverage.apple.com 

- Verify the IMEI isn’t blacklisted/stolen using a site like IMEI.info.

 

5. Carrier & Network

- Confirm the iPhone is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.

- Insert your SIM and test calls, texts, and data.

 

6. Functionality Check

- Touchscreen: Make sure all areas respond properly.

- Speakers & Mic: Test calls, voice memos, music, and videos.

- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Connect to networks and devices.

- GPS: Open Maps and check location accuracy.

 

7. Accessories & Box (if you are bothered about that)

- Original charger, cable, and headphones?

- Original box and documentation are nice to have for resale value.

 

8. Price vs. Market

Check the going rate for comparable models and conditions.

Remember: a too-good-to-be-true price is usually a red flag.

 

If changing the screen, put a new battery in. I bought batteries on Lazada with more storage than stock.....

21 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Completely separate point - are they really friends if they won't use WhatsApp so you can keep in contact ?? - thats just od

Older people (as am I) who don't deal well with the downloading/sign-up, complex verification process and are fearful of all the warnings they read about scammers.   They feel safe with Apple.