(USA article)
No iPhone SE? No problem: This is the 'budget' iPhone to get
Apple may have discontinued its low-end model, but there's still an inexpensive
option: A former flagship priced at just $379.
by
Rick Broida
September 14, 2018 5:59 AM PDT
Say hello to Apple's new "budget" model: the iPhone 7.
Josh Miller
With all the hubbub surrounding the launch of the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and
iPhone XS Max, it was easy to overlook another Apple development: No more
iPhone SE.
In other words, no more "budget" option. The SE debuted at $399, but was cut to
$349 with the arrival of the iPhone X and iPhone 8 last year.
See also
Everything Apple announced at its Sept. 12 event
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max: Apple's three new iPhones
Watch Series 4 starts at $399, packs larger displays, ECG sensor
Pics of the new iPhone XS and XS Max in all their glory
What now? Are you going to have to pay hundreds more if you want an iPhone? Not
quite: Apple's new "low-end" model is the iPhone 7, which was just cut to $449.
That's $200 less than when it debuted two years ago as Apple's then-flagship.
But, wait, it gets better: For a limited time, and while supplies last, you can
get a refurbished, unlocked iPhone 7 (32GB) for $379. That's within a stone's
throw of the SE -- for a bigger, more powerful phone.
See it at Apple
What's more, Apple's refurbs are literally good as new: New outer shell, new
battery, full one-year warranty. There's zero downside to choosing a
refurbished iPhone, at least when it's Apple doing the refurbishing.
So, how does the iPhone 7 compare with the iPhone SE? Fans of the latter will
undoubtedly bemoan the former's larger size and lack of headphone jack.
(Apple's product page says this refurb model still includes the
Lightning-to-3.5mm dongle in the box -- something that's going away in factory
fresh models.) I'd say that in return for an extra half-inch of body length
(hardly a pocket-breaker), you get a bigger, brighter screen -- one that also
supports 3D Touch.
Watch this: The top 5 tips for new iPhone 7 users
2:07
As for the headphone jack, well, yeah. I miss it, too. But you do get an
adapter, so wired headphones aren't completely out of the picture. And you get
the added benefit of a water-resistant design: The iPhone 7 can survive a dunk
in the pool, toilet and so on.
Other perks include a faster processor and modem and better cameras. Want even
more storage? A refurbished iPhone 7 with 128GB is available for $469.
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When you think of a "budget" iPhone, you tend to think it involves compromises.
Just two years ago, the iPhone 7 was rolled out as Apple's flagship. Two years
later, you can get one at a considerable savings. The iPhone SE may be gone,
but this is an awfully good alternative.
URL:
https://www.cnet.com/news/no-iphone-se-no-problem-this-is-the-budget-iphone-to-get/?ftag=CAD090e536&bhid=22226241358894683126970849952592
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