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Twolittleboys
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Okay, younger ds desperately wants an iphone for Christmas. He is 12 and even though I would rather hold off a bit longer with giving him a smartphone he is quite mature, already has a tablet anyway, and the only kid in his class without one. So I am kind of willing to get one. BUT I really can't afford one of the newer models (and don't even think it would be a reasonable purchase if I could). There is a good price on an iphone 6. The iphone SE is even cheaper but ds says it is too small? He would like the iphone 6 S but that one is quite a bit more. Is there a huge difference? Would the iphone 6 still be sufficient?

 

Also, his older brother got a phone (he was about six months older) two years ago and did get the newest Samsung at that time. After rebates etc. it was more or less similar in price to the iphone 6. Unfortunately, his just broke so he also needs a new phone - :crying: Anyone has a recommendation for a decent phone that isn't too expensive (he is aware that he won't get top of the line as his broke after just 2 years)?

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I would replace the broken Samsung with a Moto G5 Plus. It has excellent reviews, it's a perfect size, and you can usually find it on sale for under $200. I think I paid $185 for DS's. It's a great phone! 

 

I would give the 12 yr old a choice between a used iPhone 6 or a new Moto G5 Plus and see how desperate he is for an iPhone versus an Android phone. My 15 yr old DD has an iPhone 5 that her dad gave her (2nd hand) a couple of years ago, and she's going to have to be good with that for the foreseeable future. I just replaced my iPhone 4 with a 6S+ last year, and plan to keep the 6S+ for many more years. DS is thrilled with his G5 Plus and has no interest in an iPhone.

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My oldest DD has broken 3 different Otter boxes but has never broken a phone. Otter box replaced the case no questions asked each time.

 

Make it a condition of getting the phone that it STAYS in the case at all times, even if it isn’t cool among 12yos.

 

Having a case is the #1 best way to protect a phone IMO.

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Try to wait until Black Friday deals. Some phone companies have a BOGO iPhone deal. My friend and sister got theirs at this time.

 

Yes, I am definitely waiting but want to decide what I am looking for!

 

I would replace the broken Samsung with a Moto G5 Plus. It has excellent reviews, it's a perfect size, and you can usually find it on sale for under $200. I think I paid $185 for DS's. It's a great phone! 

 

I would give the 12 yr old a choice between a used iPhone 6 or a new Moto G5 Plus and see how desperate he is for an iPhone versus an Android phone. My 15 yr old DD has an iPhone 5 that her dad gave her (2nd hand) a couple of years ago, and she's going to have to be good with that for the foreseeable future. I just replaced my iPhone 4 with a 6S+ last year, and plan to keep the 6S+ for many more years. DS is thrilled with his G5 Plus and has no interest in an iPhone.

 

Definitely will look at the Moto G5 Plus. 

 

As for the 12 year old I would be okay with getting him a new iPhone 6. I think it would be a bit unfair to get him a used one/much cheaper one if older brother at the (more or less) same age got the top of the line (pretty much). Unfortunately, being the younger one he often has to make do with stuff anyway. I don't think DS really needs an iphone or really understands the difference between that and an Android. I think it is mostly the name he is wanting. Which is not great but on the other hand he is a very sweet boy and does deserve a treat...

 

My oldest DD has broken 3 different Otter boxes but has never broken a phone. Otter box replaced the case no questions asked each time.

 

Make it a condition of getting the phone that it STAYS in the case at all times, even if it isn’t cool among 12yos.

 

Having a case is the #1 best way to protect a phone IMO.

 

Okay, to be honest older DS did not have any sort of box/case. He has dropped the phone plenty (and in general doesn't treat it well) and there was some damage (cracked screen etc.) for  a long time but now it suddenly doesn't turn on anymore even though nothing additional has happened. I did at first think we could get it fixed but he says it isn't worth spending a lot of money on getting it to run again as there are so many other issues (cracked screen, something wrong with the button for turning it on, something wrong with the headphone plug in...) Still, maybe I better think about a case this time.

 

 

Still, does anyone know how a iphone 6 would compare to a 6 S? Is there a huge difference (I have looked at reviews online but can't tell whether it would have much impact in regular use)?

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Still, does anyone know how a iphone 6 would compare to a 6 S? Is there a huge difference (I have looked at reviews online but can't tell whether it would have much impact in regular use)?

I have had the iPhone 6 for 2 years now. My kids are getting iPhone 6S's for Christmas. My DH just got the iPhone 7 in September. Here's my take as a totally non-professional opinion:

 

The iPhone 6 and 6S look identical to the average user. You cannot tell them apart by looking at them. I think the 6S has a faster chip and better camera. Both the 6 and 6S are larger than the SE, which is the same size as the 5S. (The teens I know, KNOW who has the SE or 5S vs. one of the more recent models. My 15-year-old has a hand-me-down 5S.) My iPhone 6 runs the latest iOS and I have no issues with performance, getting software updates, or apps.

 

The iPhone 7 is waterproof (supposedly) and has no jack for earbuds (which means you must use wireless earbuds or an adapter that plugs into the lighting jack.) Maybe it's the case my DH has, but I think the iPhone 7 looks a bit more rounded than the 6 or 6S.

 

The one thing I am looking forward to in upgrading my DS from the 5S to the 6S is that his 6S will have 32 GB of storage rather than the 16 GB he has currently on his 5S. He has a relatively small number of apps compared to his friends, but his phone storage is always full. I remember the days when 8GB of storage was "enough," but now it seems that 16 GB isn't quite enough.

 

I also highly recommend the OtterBox case. My DS has the OtterBox Defender case, and he drops it all the time, throws it in a smelly gym bag, throws it into his pockets, etc. He totally wears out the case in about a year, but when we bought him a new case last year and went to replace the case, the phone underneath (a 4-year-old iPhone 5S) was pristine. Needless to say, he's getting a new OtterBox Defender case with his new phone this Christmas.

 

EDited to fix my facts about the iPhone 7.

Edited by SebastianCat
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I'm also a big fan of Otterbox cases. My old 4S had the same Otterbox Commuter for years and it's pristine underneath; I have the same thing on my 6S+. DS has an ancient iPod Touch with an Otterbox Defender — that thing is at least 8 or 9 years old and it's in perfect condition despite being tossed into his fencing bag where it bangs around with metal blades, wet clothes, and heavy tools.

 

I'd also recommend a ballistic glass screen protector. I have Tech Armor, and when the first one broke they immediately sent a free replacement. The actual screen was untouched.

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We got Ds the cheapest Samsung through the Verizon Costco kiosk. It was $7 a month, then they credited that right back each month, so essentially free. Unfortunately it was either lost or stolen at school, only 2 weeks old. Unfortunately we had no tracking apps on it, ugh. I highly recommend the Costco kiosk though if you are a member, so much better than going through our local store. 

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I have had the iPhone 6 for 2 years now.   My kids are getting iPhone 6S's for Christmas.    My DH just got the iPhone 7 in September.   Here's my take as a totally non-professional opinion:

 

The iPhone 6 and 6S look identical to the average user.   You cannot tell them apart by looking at them.   I think the 6S has a faster chip and better camera.   Both the 6 and 6S are larger than the SE, which is the same size as the 5S.   (The teens I know, KNOW who has the SE or 5S vs. one of the more recent models.  My 15-year-old has a hand-me-down 5S.)    My iPhone 6 runs the latest iOS and I have no issues with performance, getting software updates, or apps.

 

The iPhone 7 is waterproof (supposedly) and has no jack for earbuds (which means you must use wireless earbuds).   Maybe it's the case my DH has, but I think the iPhone 7 looks a bit more rounded than the 6 or 6S.

 

The one thing I am looking forward to in upgrading my DS from the 5S to the 6S is that his 6S will have 32 GB of storage rather than the 16 GB he has currently on his 5S.  He has a relatively small number of apps compared to his friends, but his phone storage is always full.   I remember the days when 8GB of storage was "enough," but now it seems that 16 GB isn't quite enough.

 

I also highly recommend the OtterBox case.   My DS has the OtterBox Defender case, and he drops it all the time, throws it in a smelly gym bag, throws it into his pockets, etc.   He totally wears out the case in about a year, but when we bought him a new case last year and went to replace the case, the phone underneath (a 4-year-old iPhone 5S) was pristine.   Needless to say, he's getting a new OtterBox Defender case with his new phone this Christmas.

 

Thanks so much - this is exactly the info I am looking for. Sounds like the difference between 6 and 6S isn't huge for a regular user. Unfortunately, we couldn't even look at the 6 as they no longer carry it in stores, just online.

 

I'm also a big fan of Otterbox cases. My old 4S had the same Otterbox Commuter for years and it's pristine underneath; I have the same thing on my 6S+. DS has an ancient iPod Touch with an Otterbox Defender — that thing is at least 8 or 9 years old and it's in perfect condition despite being tossed into his fencing bag where it bangs around with metal blades, wet clothes, and heavy tools.

 

I'd also recommend a ballistic glass screen protector. I have Tech Armor, and when the first one broke they immediately sent a free replacement. The actual screen was untouched.

 

Definitely looking into this.

 

We got Ds the cheapest Samsung through the Verizon Costco kiosk. It was $7 a month, then they credited that right back each month, so essentially free. Unfortunately it was either lost or stolen at school, only 2 weeks old. Unfortunately we had no tracking apps on it, ugh. I highly recommend the Costco kiosk though if you are a member, so much better than going through our local store. 

 

We live overseas so unfortunately no Costco for us. Too bad your son's got stolen - that is what I am afraid of too, especially with a more expensive phone.

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My ds has the SE. He prefers it to my 6. Faster processor and better camera. His photos are better than mine, same subjects. He also thinks larger phones are for old folks with poor eyesight.

 

I read that the best place to buy iPhones this weekend is big box stores, rather than Apple, because many have deals that include a substantial gift card.

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I agree with otter box. I’m clumsy and I farm and I take my phone everywhere. I’m over a year with no damage to the phone in the otter box. My dhs work uses otter boxes and some one dropped theirs off of a water tower. The phone call was still connected after they climbed down to retrieve it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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My ds has the SE. He prefers it to my 6. Faster processor and better camera. His photos are better than mine, same subjects. He also thinks larger phones are for old folks with poor eyesight.

 

I read that the best place to buy iPhones this weekend is big box stores, rather than Apple, because many have deals that include a substantial gift card.

 

Yes, the SE would be nice but ds doesn't like the size. It would be slightly less.

 

We live overseas so not sure the deals are going to be the same. Actually, the 6 does have a decent price (at least compared to other iphones) - I think they are trying to get rid of it. I am actually wondering whether I should go ahead and order it now instead of waiting to Friday as it may sell out? Apple doesn't sell it anymore here. I just don't want to spend all that money and have ds not be happy with it.

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I agree with otter box. I’m clumsy and I farm and I take my phone everywhere. I’m over a year with no damage to the phone in the otter box. My dhs work uses otter boxes and some one dropped theirs off of a water tower. The phone call was still connected after they climbed down to retrieve it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Definitely getting one for the iphone!

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I had a 6s and am on a same-price-you-might-as-well-upgrade program so I have the 8 now.  I would not have paid cash money to go from the 6S to the 7 nor would I have paid cash money to go from the 7 to the 8.  So I'm thinking the 6s is a good phone.  

 

The thing I remember from days of yore is that we got my son a 4, not a 4S and the system support from Apple died at least a year before it did for the 4s, so his phone was outdated quite a bit before mine, which I used until I got the 6s because the 4s was dying.  

 

I'm telling you this because it seems to me it would be worth looking at the difference between the 6 and the 6s, both price and features, and evaluating that in terms of longevity.  

 

My sister has the SE and she likes it well enough but she does *not* use her phone half as much as I do.  When I used her phone a few months ago to show her how to do stuff, I was annoyed.  But she loves it. The thought of online banking or having a bunch of couponing apps or Starbucks' app on hr phone would never occur to her.  And that's fine.  The point is, you get what you will use.  

 

Cases:  if the Otter case is too repugnant, there are other cases that have prevented scratches and dings for me...but I am not a phone dropper.  My son never uses a case and he had his last phone for 4 years and it was still running fine.  I asked him what his secret was:  "Don't drop your phone."  Wise guy.  

 

The price difference between the 6 and the 6 s is quite significant (around $180) and more importantly the 6S is just more than I am willing to pay. I guess my main worry is that the 6 may be outdated/not good enough etc. It is still quite expensive so that would be a bummer. On the other hand it will be ds first phone so presumably anything is better than nothing...

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Wait, wait! There are some pretty major differences between 6 and 6s. Most importantly, there is a 3D Touch screen in a 6s. Beyond that, it's made of more durable material and the cpu is literally 70% faster (with far superior graphics). I think it even has a faster modem.

 

That's the reason for the price discrepancy. Also, there may not be support to the iPhone 6 after next year. I can't remember when that will happen, could be two years. That's what would sway me one way or the other.

 

However, I'd probably get him a 6. Because he's 12 and I'm cheap and still have one and I can play every game and (so far) can still update to the newest iOS.

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Wait, wait! There are some pretty major differences between 6 and 6s. Most importantly, there is a 3D Touch screen in a 6s. Beyond that, it's made of more durable material and the cpu is literally 70% faster (with far superior graphics). I think it even has a faster modem.

 

That's the reason for the price discrepancy. Also, there may not be support to the iPhone 6 after next year. I can't remember when that will happen, could be two years. That's what would sway me one way or the other.

 

However, I'd probably get him a 6. Because he's 12 and I'm cheap and still have one and I can play every game and (so far) can still update to the newest iOS.

 

I am sure the 6S is better but it is also over $600 (depending on the exchange rate) and that is just more than I want to spend. And I have a Samsung Prime that I got for "free" when I bought his brother's phone. 

 

I’d go with the 5s or the SE because they are smaller. They fit in pockets better.

 

My kids have used 5s models.

 

He doesn't like the SE because he thinks it is too small. I wish he liked it as it is even cheaper and is still being actively sold.

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I am sure the 6S is better but it is also over $600 (depending on the exchange rate) and that is just more than I want to spend. And I have a Samsung Prime that I got for "free" when I bought his brother's phone. 

 

 

He doesn't like the SE because he thinks it is too small. I wish he liked it as it is even cheaper and is still being actively sold.

 

But he's 12. I know you said he's a good kid and you want to treat him, but IMO it's not really a 12 yr old's place to be saying "I will only accept an iPhone, and it must be at least a 6S, and SEs are too small." At 12 my kids had $20 flip phones. They are now 15 & 19 and I would not spend more than $250 max on a phone for either of them. DD only has an iPhone 5 because her dad upgraded and gave her his old one. When that one dies she can either ask him to upgrade again, or she can get a $185 Moto G5+ like her brother, or she can earn/save/pay the difference between a $200 phone and a $600 iPhone if she wants one that badly. It's really OK for a 12 yr old to not get the exact model of iPhone he would like to have if money were no object.

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My oldest DD has broken 3 different Otter boxes but has never broken a phone. Otter box replaced the case no questions asked each time.

 

Make it a condition of getting the phone that it STAYS in the case at all times, even if it isn’t cool among 12yos.

 

Having a case is the #1 best way to protect a phone IMO.

 

Well......My phone DID break in an Otterbox.  And DS went swimming with his.....and ruined it.....all in Otterboxes.

 

So they aren't foolproof......we fools still broke our phones!   :lol:

 

And twice now Otterbox would not replace the Otterbox, even after I sent pictures.

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But he's 12. I know you said he's a good kid and you want to treat him, but IMO it's not really a 12 yr old's place to be saying "I will only accept an iPhone, and it must be at least a 6S, and SEs are too small." At 12 my kids had $20 flip phones. They are now 15 & 19 and I would not spend more than $250 max on a phone for either of them. DD only has an iPhone 5 because her dad upgraded and gave her his old one. When that one dies she can either ask him to upgrade again, or she can get a $185 Moto G5+ like her brother, or she can earn/save/pay the difference between a $200 phone and a $600 iPhone if she wants one that badly. It's really OK for a 12 yr old to not get the exact model of iPhone he would like to have if money were no object.

 

Absolutely. Part of the problem is that I got a bit carried away when I got his brother's phone when he was the same age. It is a bit difficult to say, yes, your brother got the newest Samsung on the market but you are just getting one that costs a quarter of the price. Especially as older brother tends to get more anyway (not sure why - it isn't intentional favoring). DS does have some money saved up and would be willing to contribute but I don't really like that idea for a Christmas present and I don't want to spend that much (even if it is partly his money) as I think it just is too much for a kid that age to carry around.

 

I don't really know that much about smartphones and have never had an iphone so I wasn't sure whether a 6 would be fine. My phone for example is fine for the most part but only has 8GB and is constantly full and crashing. 

 

Anyway, I went ahead and ordered the 6. If I change my mind / find a better deal I can always send it back and that way at least it won't be sold out when I want to buy it.

 

Now I just need to find a new phone for older brother...

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I have had the iPhone 6 for 2 years now. My kids are getting iPhone 6S's for Christmas. My DH just got the iPhone 7 in September. Here's my take as a totally non-professional opinion:

 

The iPhone 6 and 6S look identical to the average user. You cannot tell them apart by looking at them. I think the 6S has a faster chip and better camera. Both the 6 and 6S are larger than the SE, which is the same size as the 5S. (The teens I know, KNOW who has the SE or 5S vs. one of the more recent models. My 15-year-old has a hand-me-down 5S.) My iPhone 6 runs the latest iOS and I have no issues with performance, getting software updates, or apps.

 

The iPhone 7 is waterproof (supposedly) and has no jack for earbuds (which means you must use wireless earbuds). Maybe it's the case my DH has, but I think the iPhone 7 looks a bit more rounded than the 6 or 6S.

 

The one thing I am looking forward to in upgrading my DS from the 5S to the 6S is that his 6S will have 32 GB of storage rather than the 16 GB he has currently on his 5S. He has a relatively small number of apps compared to his friends, but his phone storage is always full. I remember the days when 8GB of storage was "enough," but now it seems that 16 GB isn't quite enough.

 

I also highly recommend the OtterBox case. My DS has the OtterBox Defender case, and he drops it all the time, throws it in a smelly gym bag, throws it into his pockets, etc. He totally wears out the case in about a year, but when we bought him a new case last year and went to replace the case, the phone underneath (a 4-year-old iPhone 5S) was pristine. Needless to say, he's getting a new OtterBox Defender case with his new phone this Christmas.

I have a newer phone with no traditional jack. This doesn’t mean you need wireless earbuds. They give you earbuds that jack to the charging point. It means you can’t plug in your earbuds and charge your phone at the same time. I don’t know WHY they changed it. I just know that I didn’t even OPEN the earbuds for weeks because I thought they were wireless, but they’re not.

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The price difference between the 6 and the 6 s is quite significant (around $180) and more importantly the 6S is just more than I am willing to pay. I guess my main worry is that the 6 may be outdated/not good enough etc. It is still quite expensive so that would be a bummer. On the other hand it will be ds first phone so presumably anything is better than nothing...

I just jumped from a 4s to an 8 about two weeks ago. So maybe I didn’t update it much the last few years, but it WORKED. I still did everything but play with recent apps. I even dropped the thing every day, often on concrete, with no cover for YEARS. It was a tough phone and I think sometimes cases get a lot of credit for that. I finally did crack the back about a month ago, but I artfully repaired it with Batman duct tape. It still worked fine. My phone before the 4s was the original iPhone.

 

Dh decided I was ridiculous and ambushed me with an upgrade while we were out “for lunch.†I think these phones last a lot longer than the average teen (or techie husband) cares to admit.

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Okay, younger ds desperately wants an iphone for Christmas. He is 12 and even though I would rather hold off a bit longer with giving him a smartphone he is quite mature, already has a tablet anyway, and the only kid in his class without one. So I am kind of willing to get one. BUT I really can't afford one of the newer models (and don't even think it would be a reasonable purchase if I could). There is a good price on an iphone 6. The iphone SE is even cheaper but ds says it is too small? He would like the iphone 6 S but that one is quite a bit more. Is there a huge difference? Would the iphone 6 still be sufficient?

 

Also, his older brother got a phone (he was about six months older) two years ago and did get the newest Samsung at that time. After rebates etc. it was more or less similar in price to the iphone 6. Unfortunately, his just broke so he also needs a new phone - :crying: Anyone has a recommendation for a decent phone that isn't too expensive (he is aware that he won't get top of the line as his broke after just 2 years)?

 

 

A 6 or 6s is great.  I have the 5S and I'm very happy with it.  I'm sure eventually it will be outdated but not yet.  

 

I will say that *I* buy used for my kids.  Love them, but YIPES on the price of new and then carry insurance? No.  So I buy used, buy a new Otterbox, and ta da - you cannot tell one bit -  if you cared about that.  

 

That said, no matter how mature a 12 year old (or a 17 year old frankly) I'd lock that bad boy up with parent controls, kwim? ;)

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The iPhone 6 is a bit of a problem child -- a lot of new technology and it didn't all work out. Some reliability problems. A 6S would be a better choice in terms of having the kinks worked out.

 

Or, go back to the 5S. But, the 5S is the same size as the SE, which you have decided is too small. Very affordable on eBay and the oldest phone that still runs the most recent version of iOS.

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Well, I went ahead and ordered the 6. I guess I will keep an eye out and if the 6s comes down in price I might exchange it. I honestly think as long as it works properly he will be happy. Older ds is quite resigned that his potential replacement phone will be more of a mid-range model. Not sure how much of that is that he feels bad for breaking it/knows he won't get a fancy one this time and how much that he has realized that he doesn't need the most advanced stuff (though he may miss it once he gets the new phone).

 

 

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I'm waiting for a good deal on the iPhone 6s, but I'm sure the 6 is fine too.  The only thing I'd for sure recommend is to not settle for 16 gb memory.  I have an old 5s with really not much on it, but every update must take up more and more room because my phone is now full all the time and I can't even take pictures anymore.  I have 16 gb.  32 will be minimal for my next phone, but knowing how long I keep my phones and how much memory those updates seem to take, I'd like to get something with much more.

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I'm waiting for a good deal on the iPhone 6s, but I'm sure the 6 is fine too.  The only thing I'd for sure recommend is to not settle for 16 gb memory.  I have an old 5s with really not much on it, but every update must take up more and more room because my phone is now full all the time and I can't even take pictures anymore.  I have 16 gb.  32 will be minimal for my next phone, but knowing how long I keep my phones and how much memory those updates seem to take, I'd like to get something with much more.

 

The one I ordered has 32 GB. Maybe not great but decent enough I hope. My phone has 8 and it is a major pain (to the point where I would almost consider getting a different phone). I do have an extra storage card in my phone so pictures are no problem but somehow it doesn't work right for apps and I constantly have to delete things just so the phone will keep running.

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I have a newer phone with no traditional jack. This doesn’t mean you need wireless earbuds. They give you earbuds that jack to the charging point. It means you can’t plug in your earbuds and charge your phone at the same time. I don’t know WHY they changed it. I just know that I didn’t even OPEN the earbuds for weeks because I thought they were wireless, but they’re not.

Thanks for the correction. My DH has never listened to anything on his phone, so he hasn’t touched the earbuds that came with his iPhone 7.

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