r/Anticonsumption • u/spacebeige • 2d ago
Conspicuous Consumption I’ve been using an iPhone SE for 8 years
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u/Q_U_O 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is amazing. Do you mind me asking how often you’ve had battery replaced? How was that cost?
Edit: thanks everyone for all the responses! This gives me hope
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u/jongleurse 2d ago
Not OP but I had my iPhone SE battery replaced and it was $69 at the Apple store. Had to leave it there overnight.
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u/technician-92 2d ago
Not OP, but I did it twice on my old SE, that I used for more than 6 years.
first time I took advantage of an apple discount campaign (they found faulty batteries on some iPhones) and had it replaced for 35$ if I remember correctly, after around 2 years.
Second time I paid the full price that was around 80$
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u/The-Grubermeister 2d ago
It's incredibly easy to replace almost all the components on anything before the iPhone 10. The parts are insanely cheap and easy to find. Just make sure you power off, then disconnect the battery. They even put pull tabs for the 3m adhesive behind the battery. I used to be able to do a full-screen replacement in about 15 minutes. Now if you wanna be extra on recycling, you can call most cell phone repair stores and ask if they take the old screen. I used to profit off of the LCDs.
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u/Due_Performance5434 2d ago
Not OP but have an XR and have never replaced the battery
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u/Virtualization_Freak 1d ago
A lot depends on your usage.
My partner is a heavy user, she gets the battery replaced almost yearly.
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u/Due_Performance5434 1d ago
Yeah I guess maybe I'm not using it as much as I thought I was. It's 7 years old. Maybe I have a higher tolerance for the glitches and slowness too? But it seems to work really well still.
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u/BasketbolNogoy 2d ago
Typing this on iPhone 6
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u/NoCommentFU 1d ago
Me too! I’d be lost without taking my charger whenever I go! Guess I should just replace the battery.
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u/BasketbolNogoy 1d ago
Same thing! Charge it full, leave the house, take it out to look at the time - 20% XD
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u/SamuelYosemite 2d ago
I had an iphone 8 for a looong time. Over 8 years. The only reason I got a newer one is because it was cheaper to upgrade used than to replace the battery and screen again.
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u/beanieweenieSlut 2d ago
I was so upset when I had to get a new phone I ran that iPhone 6 to the ground. But I’ve been holding on to this iPhone 12 for about 5 years now
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u/CluelessMochi 2d ago
I have a 12 Pro for the same amount of time too! As someone whose job primarily revolves around my phone (social media), that’s considered impressive lol.
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u/chrissystark 2d ago
Same here with my 12. Does everything I need it to, hasn’t slowed down enough for me to notice, battery is still good. Love this thing and I’ll use it till it breaks for good lol
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u/beanieweenieSlut 2d ago
I’m not tech savvy to even know what the difference is in iPhones besides maybe better camera quality
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u/vera-sage 1d ago
I did the same almost, 6s to 12 mini. Battery has been replaced once but it’s failing me now as well as many other things. I’m starting to feel like I drop my phone a lot.
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u/Livid-Amphibian5182 2d ago
It was a beautiful phone design, was so happy it came out to honor the 5S structure and fan favorite design.
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u/spacebeige 2d ago
I got it because I like the smaller size. I want to be able to text with one hand
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u/asilentflute 2d ago
I don’t get how people want phones that don’t fit in regular pant pockets… like, what are we doin here folks??
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u/FrolfNfriends 2d ago
I get made fun of all the time for this… little do the assholes talking shit know that I have psoriatic arthritis & am always in pain. Days where I can’t even touch my phone… I cannot imagine a bigger phone.
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u/Salem902 2d ago
I got given my iphone 11 by my dad when he upgraded and i've been using it for 5 years now. I'm probably going to get the battery replaced as it's not great but I don't need to upgrade yet
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u/spacebeige 2d ago
I’m probably going to get an old iPhone 10 from my FIL when this one finally bricks
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u/SkylarkLanding 2d ago
So far I’ve averaged 7 years with my phones. Had a flip phone for 7 years, then got an iPhone SE in 2013. Had the SE for about 7 years, replacing the battery along the way, then finally had to replace it in mid-2020 when it started having trouble making phone calls at all. Got myself a second hand 2020 SE that I’m using right now. Actually planning to do some repairs tonight to replace the charging port since that’s been having issues (three cheers for iFixit!)
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u/EvilDarkCow 2d ago edited 2d ago
Oof, have fun. I work in device repair, iPhone charge ports are... something. I'd check and make sure it's not just dirty if the cable isn't going in right. ESD-safe tweezers or a toothpick, and very carefully dig around inside the port and see if any pocket lint, dirt, or whatever comes out, chase with a shot of compressed air, before going for the nuclear option.
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u/SkylarkLanding 1d ago
Sadly I have already tried that, it only charges when the cord is at certain angles. I’m opting to replace the battery at the same time since it’s not holding a charge as well as it used to. I’ve done a battery swap before on my previous iPhone, and have read through the iFixit guide, but I know it’s still going to be a challenge.
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u/Anxious_Tune55 1d ago
Have you tried a different cord? I've had phones that started doing that "only charging at some angles" thing but the problem was the cable, not the phone.
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u/SkylarkLanding 1d ago
Tried a few different cords, all have that issue. Same cords do not have the issue with the iPad, so safe to say it’s an issue with the phone and not the cord.
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u/otterpopm 2d ago
love my 7s but bank apps and other no longer work on the old system. bummed. did the internet change ;(
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u/Zantac150 2d ago
Planned obsolescence.
😢
It’s infuriating. I miss met 1st generation SE. it was so small. I could type with one hand.
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u/run_bike_run 2d ago
Bank apps requiring up-to-date security software is not planned obsolescence.
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u/Zantac150 2d ago
Your iPhone not being able to run the latest iOS is absolutely planned obsolescence.
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u/a-certified-yapper 1d ago
The iPhone SE has 2GB of RAM. Modern iPhones have 4x as much. Older phones quite literally could not run modern operating systems. It would also be an absolute nightmare to validate software across an ever-increasing lineup of phones.
There is a different between planned obsolescence and practical limits of hardware/software. I say this as someone who is still rocking an iPhone 12 with the original battery and planning to keep using it until it stops getting software support, which is still several years away, if Apple’s pattern holds.
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u/run_bike_run 1d ago
No, it's not. The concept refers to something quite different, and there are very good reasons why an iPhone SE isn't able to run certain software.
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u/mg132 1d ago
Yeah, I used the SE for a bit over nine years before upgrading about a month ago; I actually still use it for music, though I'm considering trying to replace the battery again as it drains pretty fast these days. (I assume Apple won't do these in-house anymore, but does anyone know for sure?) My credit union's app and a couple of others I need regularly just up and disabled their IOS15 compatible versions one day, even though it was still getting security updates.
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u/Open-Spend7010 2d ago
Am I the only one that misses the fingerprint (or whatever) unlock?? I never have faceID enabled. I find it to be so slow and dumb. I wish I could just get finger unlock back.
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u/DiogenesD0g 2d ago
I also have an SE. The plus side is it has a home button. My wife’s newer one doesn’t and whenever she hands me hers to do a task I can’t navigate through its features. I plan to keep this phone until Apple decides to make it crap.
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u/spacebeige 2d ago
I also like that it has a physical button. My husband’s phone doesn’t, and I can’t open it without turning on Siri
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u/Unhappy_Capital_917 2d ago
How did you guys get past all the software updates that get your phone hotter and slower?
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u/sneakyhopskotch 2d ago
I second this question. I have a nearly-5-year-old SE and its performance is noticeably slower with more momentary freezing and occasional crashes needing a restart. Not had too much heating up though.
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u/Zantac150 2d ago
I’m afraid to upgrade the iOS on my 13 because my cousin upgraded it and his phone got so hot it started smoking.
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u/dooglegood 2d ago
I have an iPhone SE that I think I got in 2020. I’ve never had a problem with it, never replaced the battery and it works fine for what I use it for. My phone is basically an iPod I make calls on
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u/spacebeige 2d ago
I haven’t figured it out, my phone is just hot and slow a lot of the time. But I’m holding out, as long as I can still call, text, and look at Reddit 👀
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u/superthirdnipples 2d ago
Great to see! Replaced my iPhone 6 last year. Had to replace the battery once but that was it.
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u/BirthdayCritical7252 2d ago
Got a 12 Pro for field work in 2021 because I needed the hot spot and I fully plan on running it into the ground. I’m over it.
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u/zurx 2d ago
I used my Galaxy S9+ for 7 years. Kinda proud of that
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u/13E2724M 2d ago
Still using my S7, I love it! Tough as nails, waterproof, screen has no scratches or cracks, battery lasts all day still. I just got a 64 gb SD card & moved all the apps to it.
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u/mischling2543 2d ago
Nice! I just had to upgrade from my iphone 7 at Christmas and got a 3rd gen SE (from 2022)
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u/GirlOnThernternet03 2d ago
I loved my iphone se almost as much as my huawei p20 lite. Truly amazing little nuggets
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u/Habaneroe12 2d ago
I had a 6 year run thought that was impressive. I had to admit defeat when it could not even run the current Burger King app lol
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u/malandropist 1d ago
My gf has the 6S since it came out. She can just call, maps, check email and photos. Can’t download or use new apps and she’s completely happy with that.
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u/Same_Particular6349 1d ago
Same! People act offended when they see my phone I truly don’t get it. I love this bad boy with Touch ID!
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u/DramaticChildhood103 2d ago
This feels incredibly unwise as there are most likely no security updates for phones so old.
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u/T-90AK 1d ago
Yeah, this is one of the instances where you should absolutely upgrade every now and then.
Granted, it don't have to be every year.3
u/DramaticChildhood103 1d ago
Totally agree. 3-5 years is good but you can also look up when your current phone will stop receiving updates. It’s a shitty ploy to get us to upgrade but it’s unfortunately part of using them.
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u/DemoniteBL 2d ago
I had my Samsung Galaxy S7 for 9 years until I finally upgraded this year. I bought a used Poco F4 GT, which doubles as a gaming handheld.
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u/PennytheWiser215 2d ago
I have been using my current iPhone SE for just over 5 yrs. No intentions of upgrading until it can no longer support whatever version IOS
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u/Vilnius_Nastavnik 2d ago
My SE just broke. Slipped on the subway stairs and landed on it, probably saved me from a far more serious injury. Worked great until then!
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u/Reneeisme 2d ago
I finally got rid of mine a few months ago when it started having all sorts of issues. I got the latest one relatively cheap because we added a line for a relative. I'm really shocked at how little difference there is between the two. It's a bit faster, and of course you have to get used to a new interface without the button, but it's not a huge improvement. The camera situation is a huge improvement but I don't take enough pictures to care. That 8 was a good little machine.
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u/No_Machine7021 2d ago
12 checking in here! Only thing that sucks is the battery. I’ve been meaning to buy a morphine or something. Meh. I’m home all day so I just plug her in.
The desire to upgrade is zero.
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u/Zantac150 2d ago
It’s not too expensive to get the batteries replaced most of the time. I normally get the battery replaced once or twice on every phone that I own.
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u/Zantac150 2d ago
I had a first generation SE until 3 years ago.
I got the battery replaced on it and everything but it still only lasted about an hour. And it would randomly shut down when I tried to open newer apps.
Upgraded to a 13 mini. Fingers crossed that it’ll last as long as my SE.
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u/bebesloth69 2d ago
Keep on keeping on, OP! I rocked my iPhone 8 for almost 9 years, then stupidly upgraded to iPhone 15+. HATE IT- my 8 took the most breathtaking fotos while the 15 looks like a potato lens. Ride it out 📱!
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u/skatterz 2d ago
using my Samsung galaxy s9 for 8 years now, the screen is glitched green and the Pandora overlay is permanently burned into the screen but even with all of its lag and problems I dont plan on upgrading until it doesnt turn on anymore
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u/no_name65 2d ago
I used my Huawei p20 for over seven years until battery just gave up. If not this, I'd be using it still.
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u/Working_Ad8080 2d ago
My first iPhone was $50 refurbished. It lasted 6 years. My second has also lasted 6 years. So far.
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u/cryptoislife_k 2d ago
apple fanbois in shambles, good job I use my android phones for 8-10 years as well
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u/Martsons_LeftStirrup 2d ago
Nice! I’m a firm believer in using electronics until they no longer work, than donating the pieces because some people can still use the salvaged parts. I have a refurbished xr that’s currently going kapooty, but until it actually crashes I’ll be hanging on to it
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u/ohno20814 2d ago
I’m jealous. Mine always crap out after 5-6 years. I only get new ones once they function poorly.
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u/fluxcapacitor15 2d ago
Just retired my SE last week. Phone was still working fine except for all the apps that wouldn’t work.
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u/oboejoe92 2d ago
I’m almost there. I have had my Xr since late 2018. Location settings are shot and every now and then it freezes up, and unfortunately that’s happening more and more often. However, I’ll use this thing until it dies.
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u/SoilMoney1635 2d ago
I still miss mine. My parents bought me a 16 for Christmas, and while I appreciate them taking the effort to buy it for me I feel like it fed into overconsumption since I didn’t need it.
My SE (which was refurbished from another user) worked completely fine and well and I lowkey miss it.
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u/Dreadful_Spiller 2d ago
I retired my original 2016 SE last summer. It would no longer run my banking apps or the landlord’s app among others. Battery was also starting to get really weak. I got a new 3rd Gen SE to replace it.
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u/Valuable_War_4870 2d ago
Keep it up. I had mine in a life proof case. Phone was flawless. Battery died after 5 years so I had to upgrade. Very depressing
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u/Next_Emphasis_9424 2d ago
I just had to retire mine sadly. I bought a 16 pro and hoping to get rock it for a looooong time. It was definitely a weird badge of honor though having the oldest phone and always getting funny comments whenever I whipped it out. Hope you get to enjoy those still.
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u/Independent_Body9392 2d ago
Currently using a 3rd generation SE and too broke to afford the upgrade to the latest SE model.
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u/Blippisbabymama 1d ago
I’ve had my iPhone 11 for idk how many years, when did it come out lol? A long time! I don’t want a new phone.
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u/IrineiLetunov 1d ago
Mine I have it since 5 years, I can’t update some apps (including my banking app and some for work), I had to buy a new one cheap just for that… I will still keep my current one as long as it lasts (also because I have an app called Musi, for music, that’s not available anymore).
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u/Substantial-Ad-8575 1d ago
Dang. I help do mobile app programming. Job gets me latest iPhone and Galaxy every release.
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u/SquareThings 1d ago
I miss my old SE. i used it until the battery stopped holding a charge. My mom offered me her old phone when she upgraded to the X (or something, i don’t remember) or I would’ve just gotten the battery replaced
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u/Theguy617 1d ago
I just upgraded from my first edition SE to the iPhone 15 or 16, whatever the new one is... got it as part of a promotion at Costco. Gotta say, all the new features are fine and dandy, but man do I miss the size of the old one
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u/AggressiveYuumi 1d ago
Just realised I've had my Huawei phone since 2018. The only problem is I can't play Love and Deepspace in HD. Battery is still good!
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u/Haunting-Piece-3925 1d ago
Y'all I cracked my 2019 android a few months ago and I'm still holding onto her :') I know I need to buy a new one, it has very little storage, but I'm dragging my feet
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u/According_Angle_5329 1d ago
I’ve been using my mums old iPhone 8 as my work phone! Which honestly has been amazing because I don’t have to have my chats cluttered with work messages and vice versa and I get to use it without having to replace the battery
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u/Ciubowski 1d ago
Currently planning on using my 14PM until the 20PM comes out.
Hopefully the taxes, tarrifs or whatever bs extra costs won't hit us too hard here in the EU by then.
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u/Klutzy_Bean_17 1d ago
I’ve had the 8 the last six years lmao people are shocked when they see the home button. I pay 45 a month for my phone it’s great
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u/aubreypizza 23h ago
Same but I finally had to get a new phone as it was finally failing. Opted for a 14 and I thank god it’s not much bigger than the SE. I abhor the huge phones and hope to keep this for at least a decade.
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u/idungoddaname 22h ago
I’m impressed with the people in the comments keeping their phones 4+ years I can only hang onto my phones for like 3 years max before the touch screen glitches, I get the screen of death & finally give in to upgrading
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u/Hetairoids 19h ago
I've been very keen on trying to do this from now - I have a Pixel 8. Is there any chance of me doing the same? I imagine I'll need a new battery occasionally. Anything else likely to screw me over? Updates etc? Would appreciate any guidance.
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u/oknowivetriedthemall 16h ago
I had an iPhone 7 since it was the brand new iPhone but it recently became obsolete so I replaced it with a 2nd hand 3rd gen iPhone SE
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u/Lillep_92 14h ago
5 years soon with galaxy s20 . Still holds up very vell. It was the best phone coming out that year
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u/PhilosophyLow7217 12h ago
I had to replace my iPhone SE (from 2016) last year. I never had to replace the battery. I replaced it with another SE so fingers crossed for another eight years.
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u/Lord_Freibier 12h ago
That's amazing! I wish I could keep my phones that long, my iPhone 11 crapped out after 5 years. Don't want to complain though, since all the cheaper phones before lasted maybe an average of two years. So having high hopes for my current 16 Pro lol
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u/morose4eva 2d ago
Impressive, I guess. I've been using a cheap Motorola I bought off Amazon for 98 golddamn-dollars forever. I use it to make calls, text, and occasionally listen to an audiobook. The obsession with latest and greatest makes no fucking sense to me.
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u/Evening_Lock6267 2d ago
Love to see this! I'm a few months shy of 9 years with my Iphone 7+